The patient/client is sitting (or standing) and either facing a mirror or facing the person who will demonstrate closing the eyes gently and then tightly. After showing a picture or demonstrating closing the eyes, ask the patient/client to close the eyes gently and then tightly. With the muscle relaxed initially and with permission, place one or two fingers gently on the patient/client's eyelids and around the eyes and ask the person to close the eyes gently and then tightly. Ask the person to relax and repeat these motions if necessary. If permission is not granted, ask the person to close the eyes gently and then tightly, open the eyes and then close the eyes again while you observe.

Palpation of the orbicularis oculi muscle in this video demonstrates finger placement after muscle activation to allow for 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 closes each eye while keeping the other eye open. Many people are unable to do these motions. Inability to perform these motions does not necessarily indicate abnormal muscle function.