Whether you are going to your next regularly scheduled eye exam, following a recommendation to see an optometrist after a vision screening, or because you are having vision problems or discomfort, it's always good to know what to expect.

The more you know going in, the easier the entire vision care process will be.

For regularly scheduled eye exams, expect to talk about any changes in your medical history since the last time you saw your eye doctor. And if this is your first time in a new practice, you’ll be asked to provide a more complete medical history, including a list of medications you’re currently taking, and any vision problems your parents may have experienced.

In addition, you’ll undergo a series of vision and eye tests that help determine the overall health and quality of your vision. These tests also help to check that your current prescription glasses or contacts (if you have one) are still meeting your vision needs. Your optometrist will also check your eyes for signs of any potential vision problems or eye diseases. In many instances, your pupil may be dilated (opened) using special drops so that your eye doctor can better see the structures of the eye.

You’ll then have an honest discussion about the current state of your eye health and vision, and your eye doctor may “prescribe” vision correction for you in the form of eyeglasses or contact lenses. Any health concerns or possibly serious vision complications will also be discussed, including the next steps you must take to preserve and protect your sight.

How Long Is a Vision Test?

In general, a routine eye exam will last less than an hour depending upon the number of tests you have, and may be partially or completely covered by many vision insurance plans.

Visiting eye doctors as a result of a vision screening is also common, but remember: vision screenings offered by health clinics, pediatricians, public schools, or local charitable organizations are not a substitute for comprehensive eye exams. Be sure to bring the findings from your screening to your eye doctor—it’s a great way to begin the discussion of your current eye health.

For eye doctor visits that result from eye pain, eye discomfort, or vision problems you actually can see, expect to take many of the steps involved in a routine eye exam, but specific to the symptoms you’re having. There may be a number of additional tests required as well, so it’s important—especially when suffering pain or discomfort—to allow for as much time as possible for a complete, comprehensive eye exam.

And if you feel you are in an emergency situation with your eyes or your vision—don’t wait. Seek immediate emergency medical treatment.

What to Remember For The Eye Doctor’s Appointment

Many vision problems and eye diseases often present minimal, if any, symptoms. That’s why it’s so important to make regular appointments to see your eye doctor. And since vision can change gradually over time, it’s important to know that you’re seeing your best, year after year.

Remember the following for your next eye doctor visit:

Know your medical history and list of current medications
Know your current symptoms and be able to describe them—write them down if necessary
Know your family history—some eye diseases like glaucoma and cataracts are hereditary
Ask in advance about your particular vision insurance plan, and if a co-pay will be due
Bring your insurance card, identification, and method of payment, if necessary
Bring your most recent prescription for glasses or contact lenses
Bring your corrective eyewear to the exam
If undergoing a test using dilation eye drops, bring proper eye protection, like sunglasses, for after your appointment

Most importantly, remember that our NW & SW Calgary eye doctors — and everyone within the eye care practice — are there to help you see your best and feel your best.

* Special thanks to the EyeGlass Guide, for the information material that aided in the creation of this website

Our Eye Exams

Children's Eye Care

Taking your children for regular eye exams is important because if your child is not seeing clearly, his or her ability to learn is being compromised. Pediatric eye care incorporates special techniques and technology to ensure accurate test

LEARN MORE

Comprehensive Eye Exams

Evaluating the health of your eyes and the quality of your vision requires a comprehensive eye exam, which includes a range of tests and procedures - from simple tests, like having you read an eye chart, to complex ones, such as using a hig

LEARN MORE

Contact Lenses Eye Exams

While contact lenses are a great alternative to wearing eyeglasses, some people don't use their contact lenses as the primary source of vision correction. Some patients wear contact lenses daily, while others only on weekends, for sport

LEARN MORE

Diabetic Retinal Exam

Diabetic retinopathy is one of the most common complications of diabetes and a potentially sight-threatening disease. It damages the blood vessels in the retina and can get worse over time. Regular screenings are important for people with d

LEARN MORE

What To Expect From An Eye Exam

LEARN MORE

Outstanding vision care across Calgary

Blink Eyewear is the largest provider of vision services and care in Calgary, operating no fewer than 3 accessible locations across the region. All of our stores are inventoried with the most sought-after designer and commercial frames and eyewear for all occasions and purposes.

Home to experienced optometrists and opticians, our stores also offer comprehensive eye exams to individuals of all ages, emergency eye care, and the treatment and management of eye conditions such as glaucoma and macular degeneration.

Fill out the form below and we'll get back to you ASAP!

Blink Eyewear boasts the largest collection of eyewear in Calgary, but our 3 locations are also home to the region’s finest optometrists. Just as you will not find a better store to shop for your eyewear, you will not find a better vision clinic to do your eye exam or treat your eye condition.

Go ahead and Blink; what you see is really what you get. Call one of our store numbers or fill out the form below to book an appointment.