JASPER AVE 780‑488‑0944 | CAPILANO 780‑469‑2020 | MAYFIELD 780‑486‑2020 | LEDUC 780‑986‑2020 | WESTLOCK 780‑349‑3702
CHANGES TO ALBERTA HEALTH CARE BILLING
We want to keep our patients informed of recent funding cuts to optometry, effective February 1, 2025. Alberta Health Services has not increased any compensation since 2017, despite overall inflation of 21.5% in Alberta in that timeframe. Recently they surprised us with multiple cuts for various procedures and appointments, as high as 32% cut in some cases. They have also restricted the number and types of appointments that they will cover. Since we cannot fully absorb this compensation decrease and maintain the same quality of care you’ve come to expect from Optometrists’ Clinic Inc, we will be instituting balance billing. We are trying our best to minimize the impact to patients, some of whom have been seeing us for decades! We would like to thank you for your support over the years and look forward to taking care of your eyes in the future. If you have concerns about these changes, please consider contacting your local MLA.
Emergency Eye Care
Emergency Eye Care Services in Edmonton
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Common Eye Care Emergencies
Here’s an overview of some of the most common eye injuries we see come through our doors:
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Corneal abrasions. A corneal abrasion is a scratch on the surface of the cornea, usually caused by foreign objects like dust, dirt or contact lenses. Symptoms include pain, redness, tearing, and light sensitivity. Immediate attention from an optometrist is crucial to prevent infection and promote proper healing.
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Iritis. Iritis is a condition that causes your iris — the coloured part of your eye — to become inflamed. It usually presents with a painful, red, light-sensitive eye and can sometimes be due to trauma or abrasion. Early diagnosis and treatment by an optometrist are essential to prevent complications.
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Foreign objects. The presence of a foreign object in the eye, such as metal, dust, or an errant eyelash, can cause significant discomfort. Never attempt to remove embedded objects yourself, as this could cause further damage. Our optometrists have specialized tools and expertise to safely remove foreign objects.
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Conjunctivitis. Also known as pink eye, conjunctivitis occurs when the tissue that lines the front of the eye and the underside of the eyelid becomes infected and inflamed. It's often caused by allergies or viral or bacterial infections. While not always an emergency, severe cases or those affecting vision require prompt attention.
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Burns. Flash burns can occur due to exposure to intense light, such as welding or sunlight. Chemical burns occur when the eye comes into contact with irritating substances like bleach. First aid by immediately flushing the eye extensively with water should be performed if any concerning substance enters the eye. After flushing, seek immediate care from an optometrist to assess and treat any damage.
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Blepharitis. Blepharitis occurs when the oil glands around the edge of your eye become infected or inflamed. While not typically an emergency, severe cases can lead to complications and should be evaluated by an optometrist.
Symptoms of An Eye Emergency
Recognizing the symptoms of an eye emergency is crucial for prompt intervention. Some indications of an eye emergency include:
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Severe eye pain
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Sudden vision changes
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Severe itching, burning or stinging
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Redness and irritation
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Light sensitivity
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Discharge from the eye
Immediately contact our office if you have any of these symptoms, especially if they’re severe or persistent.
What to Do If You Have an Eye Emergency
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Contact Optometrists' Clinic immediately. We can provide expert care without the long wait times often associated with emergency rooms.
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For chemical exposure, flush your eyes immediately with clean water for at least 15 minutes.
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Don't rub or put pressure on the affected eye, as this may worsen the condition or cause further damage.
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If you think you have a foreign object in your eye, avoid touching or attempting to remove it yourself. Gently rinse your eye with clean water and let our optometrists handle the removal.
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If you have a cut or puncture, protect it from further injury or contamination by covering your eye with a clean, sterile bandage or cloth without applying pressure.
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For sudden vision changes or severe pain, come to our clinic immediately. Time is critical in preserving vision in many eye emergencies.
Remember, our optometrists are specially trained to handle eye emergencies. We have the necessary equipment and expertise to quickly diagnose and treat a wide range of eye conditions. By choosing Optometrists' Clinic for your eye emergency, you're ensuring that you receive specialized care from eye health professionals who can provide immediate, targeted treatment.
FAQs about Emergency Eye Care Near You in the Greater Edmonton Area
Q: Does Alberta Health Care cover eye emergencies/infections treated by an optometrist?
A: Yes, Alberta Health Care covers emergency eye care and eye infections treated by optometrists for all residents, regardless of age.
Q: What can an optometrist treat in an emergency?
A: Optometrists can treat eye infections, injuries, foreign bodies in the eye, sudden vision changes, eye pain, red eyes, and other urgent eye issues. They can also prescribe medication.
Q: Do I need a referral to see an ophthalmologist or eye specialist?
You do not need a referral to see an optometrist for urgent eye care in Alberta; however, if an ophthalmologist's care is required, your optometrist can refer you to one or schedule an appointment for emergency ophthalmology care at the Royal Alexandra Hospital.
Emergency Optometrist in the Greater Edmonton Area
The caring team of professionals at Optometrists’ Clinic Inc. have several years of experience and use state-of-the-art equipment to swiftly diagnose and treat all types of eye emergencies. Your eye health and well-being are our top priorities. Contact us immediately for urgent eye care services in Edmonton, Westlock and Leduc.