Is there a way to find out your visual acuity without consulting your doctor?

There are a number of on-line tests of near and distance acuity. One good site is www.Preventblindness.Org/eye_tests/. There are also some vision test apps for your iphone or mobile devices.

Visual chart: Many places have a visual chart on the wall and you can use this to determine your acuity. There are also charts on the internet which you can google and even an app or two.