Eye Exams

Comprehensive Eye Exams in Calgary

When did you last have an eye-health examination? Please visit our three Eye Health Centres located in Calgary (Kensington or Shawnee) and Regina. Please do not forget your kids: 80% of learning is through vision first. First eye-health examinations should begin at 6 months! At the Eye Health Centres we provide comprehensive eye care to our patients by way of education, service, and compassion. Our staff and doctors make every effort to remain current with recent research and technology to evaluate and maintain the health of patient's eyes. Please allow at least 30 minutes for a complete eye-health examination which will include the following:

Reception

Pre-test with a series of diagnostic equipment.

List of medications, previous appointments, and patient history.

What Is a Comprehensive Eye Exam?

A comprehensive eye examination is a thorough assessment of your eyes performed by a licensed eye doctor, an optometrist. It involves an entire review of eye health including visual symptoms, and a refraction. A comprehensive eye examination in Calgary will include, but not limited to, the following:

Case history including past and current medical issues

Visual requirements including those at school, work, home

Visual acuity

Refractive status

Colour vision

Eye coordination including “lazy” eye

Neurological/metabolic assessment of the optical system

Eye health conditions such as glaucoma, diabetes, macular degeneration, dry eyes etc.

Please speak to us if you require further information.

The Importance of Eye Exams

When it comes to eye care services, routine eye exams are critical for countless reasons. Firstly, eye examinations are the cornerstone of preventative care. When you get your eyes checked regularly at our Calgary or Regina clinics, we can spot the early signs of eye impairments and other health related issues. Attending to the problem in its early stages will help you prevent loss of vision and in some cases even save your life as vision may be the first organ affected by many diseases such as diabetes, stroke, and brain cancer. Eye exams will enable you and us to monitor your changing vision and take the necessary measures to protect your health and your sight. Early intervention is the key to long term sight and health. Vision can never be replaced and significantly determines quality of life and well- being.

Eye exams can be indicative of your general health as many diseases and conditions might first show up in your eyes. For instance, a study recently revealed that those suffering from vision loss and eye conditions related to specific types of retinopathy, may lead to permanent vision changes, and even a stroke.

What to Expect During an Eye Exam?

During an eye-health examination we will evaluate your entire visual system including depth perception, color vision and eye coordination. We will assess your eye health and advise you of any vision impairments including recommendations for long term visual health. You can expect the following pre-tests during your eye exam:

Fundus Photography

Humphrey Visual Fields

Corneal Topography

Lensometry

Pachymetry

Intraocular Pressures

Autorefraction

Colour Vision Testing

Ocular Coherence Tomography

Stereo Acuity

After pre-testing, you will be thoroughly examined by the doctor who will evaluate your eye health and advise you on how to best care for your vision including any necessary visual aids as spectacles or contact lens. Please ask our doctors any questions that you may have about your eye health. We care and are here to help you!

Preparing for an Eye Exam

You can prepare for your eye exam by ensuring that you:

Bring your eyeglasses, sunglasses, or contact lens information with you.

Bring a list of the medications, supplements, and eye drops that you use.

Get a clear idea of your family history of eye issues.

Check your insurance information to determine what is covered.

Have your primary physician’s information available.

If necessary, bring someone with you.

If necessary, bring a list of questions you may want answered

Please contact us if you have any questions.

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People Who Need Annual Eye Exams

Annual eye health examinations should include patients who are:

Diabetic

Hypertensive

Have any eye disease such as glaucoma, macular degeneration etc.

Contact lens wearers

Taking certain drugs for rheumatoid arthritis

Children by age 6 months and annually to 18, inclusive

Seniors 65 and older

The Cost of Eye Exams

The cost of eye exams and whether it is covered will depend on your coverage through Alberta Health, age, and medical condition.

Eye-health examinations are covered annually by the government for:

Diabetic health examinations not including examination for a spectacle or contact lens prescription.

Children up to the age of 17 (Saskatchewan) and 18 (Alberta) inclusive

Those who are of age 65 and above (Alberta only)

Partial eye health exams for emergencies (please call the office to determine)

Some instances of supplementary income are covered every two years – please inquire with the office

Please contact us directly for more details if required for your eye exam in Calgary or Regina.

Eye Exams for Children

About 80% of learning is through vision! Moreover, good vision is vital to perform well in school including extracurricular activities. Poor vision can make it difficult for children to function effortlessly causing them to lag academically leading to great frustration with attached unnecessary labeling that destroys self- esteem. Please note that:

The first eye-health examination should begin at at least six months of age (sooner if there is a noticeable problem or medical condition) and annually to age 17 (Saskatchewan) and 18 (Alberta), inclusive.

These eye-health examinations are covered annually by the provincial government!

We offer eye exams for infants, toddlers and school-aged children. Our optometrists provide a customized and comfortable experience based on our young patient’s needs.

Eye Exams for Adults

As you age, your eyes change and may become more susceptible to vision impairments. Lifestyle changes may impact your eyes in different ways with conditions that may determine the frequency of eye exams. You should follow the recommended schedule.

If you experience unexplained headaches or vision problems, it can be a sign that you have an eye condition and should have it checked. Myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism are some of the common eye problems adults face. Timely intervention from a professional can help you avoid serious problems.

Eye Exams for Seniors

If you are a senior citizen (65 and beyond), your eye health exam is covered annually for one exam per year by Alberta Health. As you age, your eyes become more susceptible to developing conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration etc. that may permanently impair your vision. It is recommended that seniors have an annual eye – health exam. Frequency will depend on the advice of the eye doctor and eye health.

What Are Diabetic Eye Exams?

Diabetes can affect a lot of systems inside your body and the eyes are one of those. It can cause issues like diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema which can lead to blindness. A diabetic retinal eye examination becomes necessary to identify this condition. The comprehensive dilated eye exam allows your optometrist to detect signs of the disease.

If you have one of the following conditions, you should schedule a diabetic retinal exam:

If you've been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, you should get an eye check-up within five years of your diagnosis, and then annually.
If you've been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, have an eye exam right away. This kind of diabetes is frequently identified years later, making early detection of potential retinal impairment crucial. Annual exams should follow.
Pregnant women with diabetes should get their eyes checked within the first three months of their pregnancy, and then again a year later.

Emergencies

Eye infections, sudden loss of vision, and sudden visual disturbances are covered by Alberta Health. If uncertain, please email or phone us. You may email Dr. Monea directly at dr.dmonea@gmail.com. We are here to help you!

Schedule an eye examination today at our Calgary (Shawnee or Kensington) or Regina location.

Insurance Coverage

Specific cases such as emergencies, eye infections, diabetic exams, etc are covered by Alberta Health. In addition to Alberta Health, your insurance agency might provide coverage. We provide direct billing for most insurance agencies, including:

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