How to get a referral to see an ophthalmologist:
Your eye-bar optometrist can treat most primary eye care problems and eye care emergencies that may arise.
Your eye-bar optometrist will closely examine your eyes for diseases, systemic health conditions, and neurological conditions during your annual comprehensive eye exam or emergency eye care visit. If your optometrist detects any conditions during your eye exam, further in-office testing may need to be performed. Based on these findings, your optometrist may also recommend further testing by an ophthalmologist in Sherwood Park or Edmonton specializing in your specific condition.
eye-bar works closely with local Sherwood Park & Edmonton ophthalmologists to ensure a continuity of care. If you are from out of town, we will try to arrange an appointment with an ophthalmologist close to your hometown or city whenever possible. However, we will always choose the best ophthalmologist for your condition.
Steps involved:
All patients require a baseline eye examination with one of our optometrists to determine the nature of the visual problem and the best initial treatment plan.
If a referral to an ophthalmologist is recommended, your optometrist will send a referral letter to the eye specialist for them to review. There is no charge for this service.
The specialists’ office will review your situation and exam file before contacting you directly with the appointment details.
Eye-bar will receive a report from the specialist to provide continuous care for all your vision needs.
Common eye conditions that require an ophthalmology referral:
Cataracts
Cataracts are a common and natural aging condition of the lens structure within the eye. Cataracts slowly develop over a number years but may form more rapidly in some patients. Risk factors include: a family history of cataracts, smoking cigarettes, not wearing protective sunglasses and diabetes. Your optometrist will initially be able to manage your cataract development in the early stages by updating your eyeglass or contact lens prescription to ensure you have optimal vision. Eventually, however, a referral for cataract surgery may be required to restore visual acuity to more optimal levels.
Important - Out of Province or Out of Country Patients: Please be aware that if you do not have Alberta Health Care, additional fees may apply for a referral to an ophthalmologist. Our office will try to provide you with an estimated cost to ensure that there are no surprises.
