What is the purpose of a visual acuity test?

The purpose of a visual acuity test is to assess the clarity of vision. This test measures how well a person can see at various distances and is typically conducted using a standardized eye chart. The results help to identify any deficiencies in vision that may require further evaluation or treatment. Visual acuity is crucial for determining the need for corrective lenses or other interventions, making it a fundamental component of routine eye examinations.

While other assessments play critical roles in eye care—such as measuring intraocular pressure to screen for glaucoma, evaluating the health of the retina to check for diseases like diabetic retinopathy, and testing for color blindness to diagnose issues with color perception—these tasks serve different purposes and do not directly measure the clarity of vision, which is the primary focus of a visual acuity test.