Ensure you’re getting an eye exam with expert level care

Have you ever questioned whether the service you received matched industry benchmarks? It's common to wonder about this, especially in the past year when interacting with professionals. While I can't speak for all industries, I can shed light on what constitutes a high-quality eye exam based on industry norms.

A thorough eye exam begins with precise and efficient pre-testing, typically including auto-refraction, tonometry, lensometry, and fundus photography. Auto-refraction helps estimate your prescription through a machine that shows a shifting focus. Tonometry measures your eye pressure, often known as the 'puff of air' test. Lensometry involves reading your current glasses using an automated process. Fundus photos capture images of your eye's back surface with a bright flash. Some clinics also incorporate Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) in standard exams, exceeding basic requirements to provide top-notch care by visualizing the eye's inner layers for disease detection.

The exam progresses in the Doctor's room, starting with a detailed patient history to identify any risk factors based on medications, genetics, or other variables. The Doctor then evaluates your vision, eye alignment, pupil function, and tracking ability. A subjective refraction follows, where you participate in choosing between lens options. The Doctor combines this data with your current glasses and auto-refraction results to finalize your prescription.

The exam continues with a comprehensive health assessment of your eye, from front to back, using a slit lamp—a specialized microscope for eye care. This device is equipped with precise magnifications, enhanced lighting, and additional filters for accurate diagnostics.

At the exam's conclusion, you'll receive your glasses prescription and a summary of the findings. The Doctor will advise on glasses or contact lenses and schedule any necessary follow-ups, informing you about the frequency of regular visits. Remember, practices can vary between Doctors, and different tests may be used to gather similar information. So, always feel free to ask questions and expand your knowledge—knowledge is power.

Our eye exams are an affordable $99. Children and seniors are covered under Alberta Health Care. Every patient will get complimentary fundus photo scans and OCT scans with their eye exam. No extra fees to finally get the eye care you’ve always wanted.