Visual field testing: pearls and pitfalls.

1. Three major items are needed for a visual field test to take place: a perimetrist, a patient, and a request for a certain type of test. All of these are subject to knowledge of certain information and the ability to perform certain tasks. 2. The purpose of visual field testing is to provide information that will assist in diagnosing ocular diseases, evaluating neurologic diseases, and monitoring progression in ocular diseases. 3. The assessment of the patient's visual field is vital to his or her complete ocular examination. This diagnostic tool is very important and needs to be administered with professional technique and responsibility.