A dilated fundus exam may or may not be part of the routine eye exam where dilating drops are used to enlarge the pupils to obtain a more thorough view of the retina (back part of the eye). The effects of the drops are light sensitivity and inability to focus up close for about 2-3 hours. The use of the drops would be at the discretion of the doctor after evaluating your individual situation. Dr. Liu recommends that you bring dark sunglasses for your drive home or bring a driver if needed.
A visual field exam is usually not part of the routine eye exam. It is recommended by Dr. Liu if you are at risk of developing and monitoring glaucoma, assessing for blinds spots due to strokes or any space occupying lesions. Sometimes visual field is also required for re-instating your driver’s licence.