What should you know about eye otoscope?

An otoscope has a light and a narrow viewing tip. A clinician uses it to look into the ear canal and inspect the eardrum for findings such as blockage, irritation, fluid or inflammation. It may also help explain ear pain, reduced hearing or discharge. Looking at the outside of the eye with a light does not replace an eye examination, because vision, eye movements, the surface of the eye and deeper structures may need separate checks.

If a child has an ear or eye concern, the clinician will consider the symptoms together with the examination. A [Child Health Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/child-health-consultation/) can provide an age-appropriate assessment.

Describe exactly what you have noticed: redness, pain, discharge, blurred vision, light sensitivity, injury, fever or hearing change. Do not put an otoscope tip, cotton bud or other object into the ear or eye yourself. Arrange a [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/) if symptoms persist, recur or are difficult to explain. The clinician can decide whether the ear, eye or both need examination and whether another service is appropriate.

Seek urgent medical help for sudden loss of vision, severe eye pain, a chemical splash, an eye injury, marked swelling, new weakness, confusion or a severe headache with eye symptoms. An ear problem also needs prompt assessment if there is severe pain, blood or fluid after an injury, or a sudden change in hearing.

Could my symptoms be coming from the ear, the eye or both? Which examination will check my vision and the surface of the eye? Do I need same-day assessment, and what changes should prompt urgent help?