Vision Self-Test

This is not a replacement for a professional eye exam: the best way to protect your eyes is by getting regular exams from an optometrist.

In between visits, or just to see how you’re doing, you can give yourself a self-checkup. This is not as accurate or as in-depth as what your optometrist would have you do, but it is a practical way to gauge how your eyesight is. You can do this with a friend if you want, and together help each other find out how good your vision is.

1. Print out a Snellen Eye Chart (opens to new window)


2. Tape it to a wall, about four feet off the floor


3. Sit in a chair about 10 feet from the wall. If you regularly wear glasses or contact lenses, you should wear them for the test to gauge how they are working for you.


4. Cover one of your eyes, using a handkerchief or something to block the vision of that eye. Have a friend use a flashlight to point at the chart. Starting at the top and keeping both eyes open, follow the flashlight, reading each letter as they are highlighted.


5. Record the number of the smallest line you can read correctly (for example, 20/20)


6. Do the test again for the other eye

You should be able to read the 20/20 line with both eyes. If you can’t then you should speak with your eye care doctor about making an appointment, and considering vision correction methods such as glasses.