A routine eye exam is an overall review of all areas of vision, eye coordination and health to optimize vision and to make sure no unknown vision or medical eye conditions exist.
A Medical eye exam is specifically designed to diagnose and treat medical conditions that affect the eyes.
If your routine eye exam reveals an eye health problem or a medical problem that might affect your eyes, then our Calgary eye doctors will recommend a follow-up appointment for a medical eye exam or treatment.
Why a medical eye exam?
Some of the eye health conditions that require a medical eye exam include:
- Glaucoma
- Cataract
- Corneal or Macular Degeneration
- Retinal diseases or defects
- Amblyopia or Strabismus
Some of the general health conditions that require a medical eye exam include:
- Diabetes
- Cardiovascular Disease
- Thyroid Conditions
- Autoimmune Diseases
- Use of Certain Medications
These two lists can never be all-inclusive, so our eye doctors are trusted Optometrists in Calgary, trained and qualified to help you to know if you require further medical eye examination or if you are OK with regular routine eye exams.
If you have a family history of any of these conditions, or if you take any medications, tell us at your eye exam so we can give you the best guidance and recommendations. Dr. Chorel and Dr. Doig are trained and qualified to prescribe medications when required and will coordinate your medical eye care with your family doctor and your other health care specialists.
Emergency eye exams in Calgary
A medical eye exam becomes an emergency eye exam when the risk for vision loss or further damage to the eyes is high. Here is a list of symptoms that make an emergency medical eye exam necessary.
- Sudden vision loss - If you experience sudden and complete loss of vision in one or both eyes, it could indicate a serious underlying condition such as retinal detachment or a stroke.
- Double vision - Double vision can be a sign of a variety of conditions, including stroke, brain tumour, or nerve damage, and requires prompt medical attention.
- Eye pain - If you experience sudden and severe eye pain, it could indicate an eye infection or injury that requires immediate attention.
- Flashes or floaters - Flashes of light or sudden onset of floaters (dark spots or lines in your vision) could indicate retinal detachment or other serious conditions.
- Chemical exposure - Exposure to chemicals such as acid or bleach can cause severe eye pain, vision loss, and even permanent damage to the eyes. Seek immediate medical
- Eye trauma - If you experience trauma to the eye, such as a foreign object entering the eye or a blow to the eye, it could cause serious injury or even vision loss.
- Eye redness or swelling - Redness or swelling of the eye can be a sign of an eye infection, inflammation, or injury and requires prompt medical attention.
Prompt medical attention can help prevent further damage to the eyes and preserve vision. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above, seek emergency medical care as soon as possible. At Doig Optometry, we reserve time each day for urgent appointments in our Calgary Clinic. If you are experiencing an eye emergency, or if you feel you might be, call us for an appointment with one of our eye doctors.
Medical eye exams are covered by Alberta Health Care
Albertans of all ages have Alberta Health Care Coverage for medical eye exams and urgent eye exams. Doctor Chorel and Doctor Doig can charge Alberta Health Care when your medical eye exam is for:
- The monitoring of diabetes to screen for diabetic retinopathy
- The assessment and treatment of eye infections and injuries
- The assessment and removal of foreign bodies on the surface of the eye
- Pre and post-operative care for cataract surgery patients
- Urgent assessment and treatment of ocular emergencies
If your visit to Doig Optometry is for a medically necessary eye exam, please bring your Alberta Health Care card. Call or visit our office if you require further information.
Book your medical eye exam with Doig Optometry
At our eye care clinic, we pride ourselves on providing a compassionate, helpful, and welcoming environment for all of our patients. We understand that visiting the eye doctor can be intimidating and stressful, so we strive to create a comfortable and friendly atmosphere where patients can feel at ease.
Our team of experienced and caring eye care professionals is dedicated to providing personalized care and attention to each patient, listening to their concerns and working with them to develop the best possible treatment plan. Whether you are coming in for a routine eye exam or seeking treatment for an eye condition, we are committed to providing you with the highest level of care and making your experience as pleasant as possible
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