Maintain your vision and overall health with comprehensive eye exams at Ambleside Family Optometry. Our family-focused clinic in Southwest Edmonton provides in-depth assessments to detect eye diseases and systemic health issues early. Our experienced optometrists use advanced diagnostic technology to ensure your eyes remain healthy at every stage of life.
A comprehensive eye exam is much more than a simple vision screening. It can be thought of as a complete physical for your visual system. These exams look at the entire eye and help detect disorders such as cataracts, glaucoma, retinal detachments, and macular degeneration. Furthermore, a thorough eye exam can uncover signs of systemic health problems including high blood pressure and diabetes. At Ambleside Family Optometry, we are committed to providing personalized care for patients of all ages.
What to Expect During Your Eye Exam
Our optometrists prioritize patient education and clinical accuracy. During your visit to our Ambleside clinic, our doctors will:
- Review Medical History: Discuss your eye health, general health history, and any family history of ocular disease.
- Determine Prescription: Measure your vision to determine the exact correction needed for glasses or contact lenses.
- Evaluate Eye Health: Use specialized lights and high-definition imaging to examine the internal and external structures of your eyes.
- Ancillary Testing: Discuss the results of advanced diagnostic tests to ensure you have a complete understanding of your eye health.
Eye Health and Exam Frequency
Vision needs evolve significantly throughout your life. Following the recommendations of the Alberta Association of Optometrists, we suggest the following schedule:
Infants (6 to 9 Months)
Most newborns possess the ocular structures required for sight, but their vision is not yet fully developed. We recommend infants have their first comprehensive eye exam between six and nine months of age. Our optometrists use child-friendly tests to evaluate development. If there is a family history of amblyopia (lazy eye) or strabismus (turned eye), please book an appointment sooner.
Preschoolers (Ages 2 to 5)
Children in this age group are rapidly developing hand-eye coordination and depth perception. You should book an exam if you notice behaviors such as squinting, eye turning, or covering one eye. Your child should have at least one comprehensive exam before starting kindergarten.
School-Age Children (Annual Exams)
Approximately 80% of learning is visual. This includes skills beyond "20/20" sight, such as tracking and focusing. Poor visual skills can lead to headaches, fatigue, and academic challenges. Because children often do not realize they have a vision problem, annual eye exams are essential while they are in school.
Adults (Ages 19 to 64)
Regular eye exams are a vital part of preventative health care. Your eyes can change as you age, and exams can uncover underlying issues like type 2 diabetes. We recommend a comprehensive exam at least once every two years. If you have specific health conditions, your optometrist may suggest more frequent visits.
Seniors (Age 65+)
Vision needs change significantly as we age, and many conditions like glaucoma or macular degeneration have no symptoms in their early stages. Early diagnosis is the only way to protect your sight. Adults aged 65 and older should have a comprehensive eye exam at least once a year.
Eye Exam Coverage in Alberta
We want to ensure that every resident of Southwest Edmonton has access to quality eye care:
- Children and Seniors: For Alberta residents under the age of 19 and those 65 and older, a comprehensive eye exam is partially covered by Alberta Health Care once per year.
- Medically Necessary Visits: Urgent care visits for eye infections, injuries, or sudden vision changes are typically covered by Alberta Health Care for all ages.
- Adults: Most private or employer-provided insurance plans offer coverage for eye exams and eyewear. Our staff can help you navigate your insurance benefits.
Eye Exam FAQs
How long does a comprehensive eye exam take? Most exams at our Ambleside office take approximately 30 to 45 minutes. If additional diagnostic imaging or dilation is required, the appointment may take slightly longer.
Will my eyes be dilated during the exam? Dilation allows our optometrists to get a much wider view of the retina. While not always necessary for every patient, it is often recommended for seniors, diabetics, or those with high prescriptions to ensure no underlying issues are missed.
Do you offer evening or weekend appointments? Yes, Ambleside Family Optometry offers flexible scheduling to accommodate busy families in Windermere and surrounding Southwest Edmonton communities.