Position applicant 3m from Snellen Eye Chart. Visual Acuity (VA) is recorded as a ratio in a numerator and denominator format (i.e. 6/12). The numerator represents the subject’s distance from the chart (usually 3m or 6m), and the denominator represents the smallest letter line that the applicant identifies.

Test the workers far vision uncorrected initially then again corrected with their corrective lenses on. It is important to ensure that the person is wearing the appropriate spectacles/glasses or contact lenses for the distance they are testing. If the applicant wears contact lenses: they do not need to be removed for any vision tests.

Examine each eye individually by getting the applicant to occlude the eye not being examined with the PALM of their hand (Beware people peep through or around hands to cheat!).

Ensure that the Snellen chart is clean and in good light. The chart should be flat and straight on the wall, and not positioned too high or too low.

The applicant should start at the top of the Snellen Chart and work their way to the bottom. Encourage the person to give you an answer (instead of just telling you they “don’t know”, they might just be embarrassed to make a mistake).