Blurry Vision? A Refraction Test Tells You Exactly Why
A Refraction Test is the eye exam that finds your exact glasses or contact lens power - commonly called your "eye number". At Save Sight Centre, it's part of your consultation, combining a quick machine reading with a hands-on lens comparison to get your prescription just right.
Fee depends on the consulting doctor. The Refraction Test is always included - never billed separately.
Book Your ConsultationWhat Is a Refraction Test?
A quick, layman's explanation before your visit.
Two-Part Process
A machine gives a quick starting reading, then our doctor fine-tunes it by comparing lens options with you.
Your Exact Eye Number
The result is your precise prescription - ready to use for new glasses or contact lenses the same day.
Already Included
At Save Sight Centre, this test is part of your consultation - there's no separate bill for it.
What Conditions Does a Refraction Test Diagnose?
A refraction test at Save Sight Centre identifies the four common refractive errors:
Myopia
Distant objects look blurry because light focuses in front of the retina.
Hyperopia
Close objects are hard to see clearly as light focuses behind the retina.
Astigmatism
An irregularly shaped cornea causes blur or distortion at every distance.
Presbyopia
Age-related loss of near focus, usually starting after 40.
Why Would I Need a Refraction Test?
Eye specialists at Save Sight Centre recommend a refraction test in these situations:
Persistent blurry visionAt any distance, near or far, that doesn't improve on its own.
Frequent headaches or squintingCommon early signs of an uncorrected refractive error.
Your glasses feel "off"To check if your current prescription still matches your vision.
First eye exam for a childRecommended by around age three, using kid-friendly methods.
Turning 40 and struggling to readA classic sign of presbyopia that a refraction test confirms.
Long hours of screen timeTo catch strain-related or emerging refractive errors early.
Routine annual eye check-upRecommended every 1-2 years for adults, yearly for seniors.
Before LASIK or cataract evaluationTo record your precise refractive error before planning surgery.
What Happens During a Refraction Test?
Here's exactly how it goes at Save Sight Centre, step by step.
Bring your current glasses or lenses
No other preparation is needed - just share your vision history with our doctor.
An autorefractor takes the first reading
You look into a machine that objectively measures your approximate prescription in seconds.
The doctor fine-tunes it with a phoropter
You compare pairs of lenses and tell us which looks clearer - this sharpens the exact prescription.
Both eyes are checked individually and together
Ensures the final prescription works comfortably for both eyes at once.
Drops are used only if needed
Mainly for children or when a hidden focusing issue needs to be ruled out.
Your prescription is ready the same day
The doctor explains your numbers and, if needed, issues a glasses or contact lens prescription on the spot.
What Types of Refraction Tests Are There?
Save Sight Centre uses the method best suited to your age and needs.
Manual (Subjective) Refraction
The classic phoropter test where you compare lenses and give feedback.
Autorefraction
A computerised device gives a fast, objective starting measurement.
Retinoscopy
A handheld device reads reflections off the retina - ideal for young children.
Cycloplegic Refraction
Uses drops to relax focusing muscles for the most accurate reading, often in children.
How Do I Read My Refraction Test Prescription?
Your prescription slip can look confusing at first - here's what the key numbers mean.
Minus Sign (e.g. −2.50)
Means you are nearsighted (myopic) and need concave lenses to see distant objects clearly.
Plus Sign (e.g. +1.75)
Means you are farsighted (hyperopic) and need convex lenses to see near objects clearly.
Cylinder Value
Present if you have astigmatism - it defines how strong the correction needs to be.
Axis (0-180°)
Works with the cylinder value to pinpoint the exact orientation of the astigmatism.
Save Sight Centre's doctors walk you through every value on your prescription before you leave - you'll never have to guess what your numbers mean.
How Much Does a Refraction Test Cost in Delhi?
At Save Sight Centre, the Refraction Test is never billed on its own - it's part of your consultation fee, which depends on the doctor you see.
| Doctor | Consultation Includes | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Rajeev Jain Director, Retina, Cataract, LASIK & Uvea Specialist |
Refraction Test + full consultation | ₹1,200 |
| Dr. Shuchi Gupta Phacoemulsification, LASIK, Glaucoma & Anterior Segment Specialist |
Refraction Test + full consultation | ₹800 |
| Dr. Ankit Malhotra Phacoemulsification, LASIK, Glaucoma & Anterior Segment Specialist |
Refraction Test + full consultation | ₹800 |
Why Choose Save Sight Centre for Your Refraction Test?
For over 15 years, our team in Adarsh Nagar has fine-tuned prescriptions for patients of every age, from a toddler's first eye exam to a senior's changing near vision - getting the numbers right the first time, not after repeat visits.
We've refracted the eyes of over 1,70,000 patients across Delhi NCR, which means our doctors are quick to spot when blurry vision is more than just a straightforward prescription change.
See Dr. Rajeev Jain's full profile →
See Dr. Shuchi Gupta's full profile →
Frequently Asked Questions About Refraction Test
Straight answers to the most common questions our patients search for.
No, a refraction test is not painful. At Save Sight Centre, you may feel very mild, momentary eye strain as lenses are switched, and a brief stinging sensation only if dilating drops are used - this passes within seconds.
A standard refraction test at Save Sight Centre takes about 15 to 20 minutes, covering both the initial autorefractor reading and the more detailed phoropter check. It may take slightly longer if dilating drops are used.
A minus sign (like -2.50) means you are nearsighted (myopic) and need concave lenses, while a plus sign (like +1.75) means you are farsighted (hyperopic) and need convex lenses. Save Sight Centre's doctors explain your exact numbers after your refraction test.
Not always. Dilating drops are mainly used for children or when Save Sight Centre's doctors suspect a hidden focusing problem that a routine refraction test might miss - this is called a cycloplegic refraction.
Adults should have a refraction test every 1-2 years, while children and seniors are usually advised to test annually. Save Sight Centre's specialists may recommend a shorter gap if you have a rapidly changing prescription or an existing eye condition.
A visual acuity test only measures how sharp your vision is, while a refraction test goes further to calculate the exact lens power needed to correct it. Save Sight Centre performs both together as part of a single consultation.
Yes, children can safely have a refraction test, and Save Sight Centre recommends a first comprehensive eye exam by around age three. For younger or non-verbal children, our doctors use retinoscopy, which does not require the child to respond verbally.
The refraction test is included in your consultation fee at Save Sight Centre - there is no separate charge. The consultation fee depends on the doctor: Dr. Rajeev Jain charges ₹1,200, while Dr. Shuchi Gupta and Dr. Ankit Malhotra each charge ₹800.
Yes, what people commonly call an 'eye number' check-up is essentially a refraction test - it measures your exact glasses or contact lens power. Save Sight Centre uses this same term interchangeably with patients for clarity.
Continue Reading
Ready to Find Your Exact Eye Number?
Book a consultation at Save Sight Centre - your Refraction Test is included, with a clear prescription the same day.
Book Your Consultation