What’s included in my eye exam?

Our optometrists take routine eye exams one step further to ensure that you leave understanding your eye health and your vision solutions. Adult eye exams include the following:

  • Computerized visual field screening,

  • Retinal photography,

  • OCT digital retinal imaging screening to look under your retina to screen for glaucoma and macular degeneration,

  • A review of your work and hobbies for specialized visual requirements

  • A detailed medical history of eye-related conditions

  • A detailed ocular history (personal and family)

  • A thorough eye health examination,

  • Puff-less eye pressure check,

  • A thorough vision examination with digital auto-refraction and manual refraction for eyeglasses,

  • A review of our findings and recommendations at the conclusion

  • A copy of your eyeglass prescription

Eye Exams - Adults….. ages 19-64

Cost: $124

Regular eye health exams by an optometrist are vital for monitoring, preserving and protecting your eyesight.

An eye exam can determine if your eyes are healthy and your vision is clear while an up-to-date eyeglass prescription can help reduce visual fatigue and computer eye strain. The eye is one of the only places where a doctor can directly view and assess the blood vessels in your body, which is vital for anyone with diabetes or other circulatory diseases.

An eye health exam by an optometrist can provide indications of high blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes. It can also provide early indications of eye diseases such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. Early detection of eye diseases is crucial for limiting vision loss and preserving your vision for the future. eye-bar offers advanced digital retinal imaging and optic nerve analysis which allows our optometrists to have an in-depth assessment of your ocular health.

Dilated Retinal Exam

Cost: Paid by Alberta Health Care or $55.00

A dilated retinal exam provides a thorough exam of your overall eye health and allows your optometrist further insight into eye diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma, diabetes, age-related macular degeneration, optic nerve disease, retinal disease, floaters and numerous other eye conditions. A dilated retinal examination allows your eye doctor to have early detection of these eye diseases and start treatment early.

“Why should I have my eyes dilated?"  A dilation is performed in the case of reduced vision, visual concerns and if certain medical conditions are present (such as diabetes).  If your optometrist detects any eye health conditions during your comprehensive eye exam that requires further examination, they may suggest additional testing in order to investigate your ocular health more closely. 

What can I expect?

  • Medicated eye drops are administered to enlarge the pupil. These eye drops take about 20-30 minutes to start working.

  • At first, you’ll notice that your near vision will start to blur slightly, then eventually you may notice distance blur. You may also become more sensitive to light. Depending on the eye drops used, your vision may remain blurry for 4-6 hours.

  • Interesting! People with light-coloured eyes will often react quicker to the drops than those with darker-coloured eyes. Their pupils will often dilate more, but the effects of the drops will usually wear off quicker, too.

  • After the procedure, we recommend you bring an extra driver or wait a few hours to drive for the effects of the eye drops to diminish. If you feel comfortable, however, you are certainly ok to drive yourself home. It’s a great idea to wear dark sunglasses after the procedure to reduce light sensitivity.

So, why doesn't eye-bar optometry just dilate everyone? Ideally, we would like to perform a detailed retinal examination on every patient every time. However, not everyone has the time to perform this type of eye exam. Many of our patients visit us during their workdays or drive to our clinic independently. Dilated retinal examinations can make it harder to read at work afterwards and may blur your vision for driving or make you light-sensitive. However, if your eye-bar optometrist feels that a dilated eye examination is required, they will rebook you at a more convenient time or when someone can drive you home.

Contrast Sensitivity Testing - $55.00

Contrast sensitivity testing measures the ability to distinguish between fine increments of light vs. darkness (contrast).  In situations of low light or glare, reduced contrast can affect a person's visual function, such as night driving and make you feel as if you are not seeing well. Certain visual diseases (such as glaucoma or cataracts) and surgical procedures such as LASIK or PRK can lead to reduced contrast sensitivity. 

Both the Edmonton Police Services application and the RCMP vision application requires contrast sensitivity testing for any applicant who has undergone a refractive eye surgery procedure such as LASIK, PRK or Lens Implant procedure. 

eye-bar Optometry in Sherwood Park is an approved provider for contrast sensitivity testing. If you require contrast sensitivity testing, please notify us when you book your eye exam so our doctors can allocate enough time to complete the test and fill in the required paperwork.

Adults - Vision for your lifestyle

At eye-bar, our vision correction solutions consider your lifestyle, occupational demands, safety and sports. The discussion begins with an eye-bar optometrist who will conduct a very thorough eye exam to discover any vision problems that you may have.  From these results, your eye-bar optometrists will be able to discuss various options for your vision correction including: a prescription for eyeglasses, sunglasses, computer glasses, safety eyewear, contact lenses or laser vision correction.

Your eye-bar optometrist will also provide you with a detailed eye-bar eye exam review form, outlining your eye exam findings, and treatment recommendations. Following your eye exam, one of our trained Licensed Opticians will assist you in selecting the right frames, lenses and sunglasses as recommended by your eye doctor to provide you with optimal vision to suit your lifestyle needs.

Adults - Refractive Surgery consultations

If you have been considering laser vision correction such as LASIK or PRK, implantable contact lenses or other elective eye care procedures you will benefit from a refractive surgery consultation with an eye-bar optometrist. Dr. Amy Bakelaar and Dr. Ross McKenzie work alongside local Edmonton ophthalmologists offering state-of-the-art femtosecond wavefront laser vision correction, implantable contact lenses and elective cataract procedures. Eye-bar optometrists will fully discuss your surgical options with you, allowing you to make the right decision and to choose the right surgery centre for your surgical needs. Learn More

Adults - Eye Issues: Dry eyes, red eyes & more

Occasionally your eyes will show signs of irritation such as dry eyes, red eyes, pink eyes and more. These more common eye health conditions need to be taken seriously and treated immediately as they can profoundly impact your daily life and a lasting influence on your long-term vision. Our eye doctors diagnose and treat dry, irritated and red eyes and help you return to your normal lifestyle as soon as possible.

Medical or emergency eye exams are paid for by Alberta Health Care regardless of age.