9 health conditions an eye test can help detect

Published March 2026 | 5 min read
Expert contributor: Whitney Lam, Optometry Manager, HCF
Words by Lucy E Cousins

Eye tests can reveal serious conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure or neurological issues. Here’s why you should book one today.

Although our vision is one of our most important senses, a significant number of Aussies delay important eye tests or avoid them altogether. But even if you believe you have perfect vision, HCF Optometry Manager Whitney Lam says that’s not a reason to avoid an eye test.

“First of all, even though you feel you can see perfectly, through an eye test [and any recommendations for glasses or other treatment after the test] we can help your eyes be more relaxed, so they don’t have to work as hard,” she explains. “Secondly, your optometrist can also detect early signs of a range of health conditions during a routine exam.”

"A regular eye test can help identify issues ranging from diabetes to high cholesterol, and support your overall eye health and wellbeing", Whitney adds. "It’s not just about being able to read an eye chart."

It's also important to remember that while an eye test can sometimes detect early signs of broader health issues and the following conditions, it doesn't diagnose medical conditions – so if you have any symptoms or concerns, see your GP.

What can an eye test tell you?

In addition to testing your vision and eye strain, an optometrist can look for signs of the following health conditions, says Whitney.

1. Diabetes

While diabetes is linked to symptoms like tingling in the fingers and an increased need to urinate, an optometrist can also pick up on any changes in the eye that might cause patchy or blurred vision.

“Diabetes can show up as little bleeds in the back of the eye,” she explains. “If we see this, we’d advise the patient to see their GP for a comprehensive diagnosis.”

We offer a range of preventative health programs for eligible members^* managing heart conditions and diabetes, including phone coaching to support your heart condition and diabetes, and a digital, home-based cardiac prevention program.

2. Multiple sclerosis

A chronic autoimmune disease, multiple sclerosis can affect your eyesight, and it’s often one of the first symptoms patients notice, says Whitney. This condition can lead to symptoms like optic neuritis (sudden loss of vision), double vision and nystagmus (uncontrolled eye movements).

“It’s important to always get an eye test if you’ve experienced any new double vision,” says Whitney.

3. High blood pressure

Hypertension (high blood pressure) can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke and kidney problems. In an eye test, it can show up as bleeds in the eye or the blood vessels starting to curl.

“With high blood pressure, the blood vessels tend to become a bit more tortuous – which means they become more ‘bendy’,” says Whitney.

4. Aneurism

An aneurysm is a blockage in the blood vessels that can be harmless but can become dangerous if it bursts. A few parts of the eye can have an aneurysm, says Whitney, and your optometrist can see the blockage.

“An optometrist can see the blockage in one of the blood vessels inside the eye,” she explains. “But if it happens behind the eye, it might show up as swelling around the optic nerve.”

5. Thyroid eye disease

The thyroid is a gland in your neck that helps control your metabolism, growth, energy and even your body temperature. Some people with thyroid conditions can be affected by thyroid eye disease, says Whitney.

“If you have thyroid eye disease, you might experience swelling, double vision, vision impairment or eye protrusion – where the eyeballs bulge out.”

6. Cardiovascular disease

Cardiovascular disease (CVD), including heart disease, is a major cause of death in Australia, with one in six Aussies living with it. CVD can affect blood vessels in the eyes, causing blurred vision, headaches and sudden vision loss, says Whitney.

“With cardiovascular disease, we might see ‘kinks’ in the blood vessels, and the ratio of thickness between the arteries and the veins might be different to normal or may change over time,” says Whitney.

If you'd like some support to change your lifestyle, The COACH Program^® is a four- to six-month phone-coaching support program provided at no extra cost for eligible members^{^} with heart conditions or diabetes that can help improve your health.

7. Arthritis

Arthritis can lead to various eye conditions, including dry eyes, inflammation and vision loss. In some cases, says Whitney, the medications linked with arthritis can also cause eye disease.  

“While optometrists see a lot of people affected by arthritis with dry eyes, we wouldn't necessarily ask a patient who has dry eyes to get checked for arthritis. We may, however, ask someone with dry eyes or a dry mouth to get checked for autoimmune conditions like Sjögren’s disease, which is linked to arthritis."

Similarly, she adds, optometrists check for an inflammatory eye condition called uveitis, which may also be linked to autoimmune disease.

8. Ocular tumours

Ocular tumours can occur in or around the eyes and can either be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (eye cancer). They can occur on your eyelids and on your eyeball. Some people may even start to notice signs by looking in the mirror, says Whitney.

“Optometrists also look for any freckles on the eyelids which grow in size/shape/height, and also eyelash fallout, which is a concern.” 

It’s important to get any symptoms checked, she adds, particularly if you have a family history of cancer.

9. High cholesterol

While cholesterol is essential for many functions within your body, high levels can increase your risk of heart disease. Optometrists can help monitor your eyes for signs of high cholesterol. 

“When it comes to cholesterol, a white ring can form in the front, coloured part of the eye [iris] – the outer edge where it meets the white part,” explains Whitney.  

If an optometrist notices anything concerning during an eye test, they'll usually recommend you follow-up with a GP for further investigation.

How often should you get your eyes checked?

All babies are checked in hospital at birth and most younger kids are checked in preschool, but parents should continue to check their children’s eyesight every two years, says Whitney.

“If there’s a high risk of myopia – like a family history of short sightedness – the optometrist may recommend a yearly or six-monthly check-up.”

For healthy adults, Whitney says it’s still important to check your eyes every two years, while the official government guidelines suggest Australians over 40 should have an eye test every two to three years (annually if over 65), and more often if they have diabetes, high blood pressure or a family history of eye disease.

Book an eye test

If you’re Sydney-based, our network of HCF Eyecare Centres gives members easy access to high-quality, affordable care. Don’t live near one? You could still get 100% back⁺ on a range of prescription glasses^# and free digital retinal imaging, through our nationwide No-Gap network. Use our Find a Provider tool to find a participating optometrist near you.