Eye exams are covered under Alberta Healthcare

Dr. Charles Boulet, Columnist, Gateway Gazette

If you are having concerns regarding your eyes or vision, the exam is covered under Alberta Healthcare. Often times people will attend their family doctor clinic, or go to an emergency room for eye/vision concerns, but there is a better option that is more accessible and cheaper for the healthcare system.

Optometrists in Alberta are designated primary care doctors for eyes and vision problems. This is because they have years of specialty medical training in dealing with minor and more severe conditions affecting vision. Patients will most often not have to wait to see an optometrist, while family doctor clinics can be backlogged with other health concerns and not be able to respond quickly patient needs. Furthermore, optometrists have specialized equipment and training to diagnose and, if needed, refer to specialty care for surgery, for example.

..it costs less than $60 to healthcare when you see an optometrist for eye and vision concerns, whereas a trip to the ER for the same concern will cost the Province a minimum of 10X as much.

Because optometrists are eye health and function specialists, most often patient concerns can be dealt with locally, with no need to travel for additional care, which often happens when eye/vision concerns are assessed by general doctors. Likewise, it costs less than $60 to healthcare when you see an optometrist for eye and vision concerns, whereas a trip to the ER for the same concern will cost the Province a minimum of 10X as much.

You will not pay for eye exams at an optometry clinic if you are having trouble with your eye/vision health. In Alberta, these exams are covered under healthcare. Exams for eyeglasses and general checkups are also covered for children and seniors.

All children should be assessed for vision defects early, before 2 years of age, then again as they enter school. All adults are advised to have general eye exams every 2 years as many eye health concerns can grow silently until they are sight threatening. You will not know you have a problem until you check.

~

Advertisement:
If you have not had an eye exam in the last 2 years, or if you are having trouble with eyes or vision, call us now to book an appointment. 403-933-5552 www.dvvc.ca.