The patient/client is sitting (or standing) and either facing a mirror or facing the person who will demonstrate opening the eyes without raising the eyebrows. After showing a picture or demonstrating opening of the eyes without raising the eyebrows, ask the patient/client to open the eyes without raising the eyebrows. With the muscle relaxed initially and with permission, gently place one or two fingers above the patient/client's eyes and ask the person to open the eyes without raising the eyebrows. Ask the person to relax and repeat this motion if necessary. If permission is not granted, then observe as the eyes are opened, closed, and then opened again.

Palpation of the levator palpebrae superioris muscle in this video demonstrates finger placement after muscle activation to allow better viewing. The correct technique of palpation of muscle includes the sequence of muscle activation, relaxation of the muscle, placement of the fingers on the muscle before the muscle is activated, activation of the muscle, and relaxation of the muscle.

Ipsilateral function of this muscle can be assessed as the person opens one eye without raising the ipsilateral eyebrow and while keeping the other eye closed. Many people are unable to do these motions. Inability to perform these motions does not necessarily indicate abnormal muscle function.