This article begins with a description and definition of flashes and floaters, before going into the differential diagnosis to each. The main body of the article covers systematic assessment of patients presenting with flashes and floaters, splitting this into history and symptoms, followed by clinical examination.

The ‘History and Symptoms’ section of the article covers a routine with questions tailored to patients presenting with flashes and floaters.

The ‘Clinical Examination’ section details tests which should form part of a comprehensive clinical exam of a patient presenting with flashes and floaters, under the following headings:

• Visual function

• Anterior slit-lamp examination

• Posterior ocular examination

• Other ancillary tests

• Imaging

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