Much more than one expects! A comprehensive eye examination not only determines your prescription for glasses, but will also uncover other visual conditions as well as potential eye related health problems.

It should include:

• A careful history of any past or present eye and medical problems, including those which may be inherited.
• An analysis of your visual needs, during work and leisure time.
• An assessment of vision in each eye, with and without glasses or contact lenses.
• An analysis of eye coordination.
• An evaluation of colour vision may be required.
• Refractive status – the prescription lens powers need to see clearly – is evaluated.
• A thorough evaluation of the health of the eye – internally and externally.
• Further specialized testing for contact lens wearers is necessary to ensure that there are no complications resulting from the lens wear.
• Counseling and treatment options, as well as recommendations for future eye care.

Eye health is a serious matter. Many eye diseases have no initial symptoms: a person would feel no pain or discomfort, and his or her vision would not be impaired early on. Unfortunately, when a person does notice a loss of vision, extensive and irreparable damage may have occurred. Systemic diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes can also have serious consequences on the health of the eyes, and they may actually be first detected in the eyes.

A complete eye health evaluation includes examination of the external eye using a biomicroscope, evaluation of the internal structures of the eye, neurological assessment of the pupils and eye muscles, and assessment of intraocular pressures. In doing so, we are able to detect eye disease, such as cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration. Dr Gilbertson & Associates now uses the Optopmap® Retinal Imaging System to detect early signs of eye disese. In some circumstances further testing may be required.

The testing and analysis performed during the examination requires a high degree of skill that can only be provided by an eye doctor with university training. Our optometrists have the necessary knowledge to provide this level of eyecare service.

Comprehensive eye examinations are covered by Alberta Health and Wellness for Albertans 18 and under, and those 65 and over. 

Do not run the risk of anything less than complete, professional eyecare!