If you are experiencing an eye care emergency
that requires immediate attention by an optometrist, please contact our Kingsway Mall location.
Our clinic is open 7-days a week and we provide same-day appointments.

Cost: Covered by Alberta Health Care*
Frequency: Hopefully never

Common Eye Care Emergencies We See

• Eye Infections: Red Eyes, Pink Eyes,

• Swollen Eyelids: Styes, Hordeolums

• Lid Infections: Blepharitis, Meibomitis

• Sudden Vision Loss or a Change in Your Vision

• Retinal Detachments: Sudden onset of floaters and bright flashes

• Visual Concerns

• Foreign Object Removal (Metal/Plastic)

• Dry Eye Symptoms

From a lost contact lens to a broken pair of eyeglasses, to a more serious situation such as a loss of vision or an eye infection. We will get you the treatment, service, or products you need as soon as possible.

Our optometry office is equipped to handle most eye care emergencies that may arise. We use the latest high definition retinal photography, OCT Imaging, optomap retinal imaging, and computerized visual field testing to aid in our diagnosis, education and treatment plans.  

If your eye care emergency is more serious and warrants the care of an ophthalmologist or eye specialist, our eye doctors will make the necessary arrangements.

What You Need to Know About Emergency Eye Care in Edmonton

1. Most eye care emergencies are covered under Alberta Health Care, so there is no charge when you see an optometrist for an eye infection.*

2. If you broke your eyeglasses or lost a contact lens, unfortunately these items are not considered eye care emergencies and normal exam fees will apply. We still understand though the urgency and are happy to accommodate you as soon as possible.

3. Optometrists in Alberta are licensed to prescribe both topical and oral medications for your eyes. Please let us know all the medications you are currently taking and if you have any allergies to medications like penicillin or sulfa.

4. Seeing an optometrist may be faster than waiting in the emergency room. If we determine that you need to see an ophthalmologist, we will call the on-call ophthalmologist directly and schedule you an appointment time so you're not waiting for treatment.

5. Please call our office as soon as you think you might need our help. We allocate a certain number of emergency spots each day to ensure that we can accommodate last minute appointments should the need arise. These exam spots fill up fast though, so please don't leave it to the last minute, remember it’s an emergency. You can reach our office @ 780.628.6886. We do not accept walk-in emergency appointments within the last hour of the doctors schedule because of the extra testing that may be required.

*Alberta Health Care covers the cost of most eye emergency visits, but some restrictions still apply. If your visit is not covered by Alberta Health Care, standard professional fees apply. 

You will not be given a prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses.*

Common Signs & Symptoms of Eye Emergencies

• It's important to recognize the common signs and symptoms of an eye emergency. If you should ever notice any of these symptoms of the following eye conditions, please contact our office immediately. Even if you have just had a comprehensive eye examination, it is still possible to develop any of the following conditions. A sudden loss or sudden change in your vision is always a reason to get a consultation.

Sings & Symptoms of a Retinal Detachment 

• Retinal detachments are not common, but they are also not uncommon. It’s important to know the signs and symptoms of a retinal detachment, as they can occur at any age to anyone and without warning.

Symptoms of a retinal detachment often include new or increased number of floaters or cobwebs within your vision. These floaters may also be accompanied by sudden flashes of light (a sign that something is pulling on the retina). The most telling sign of a retinal detachment is when you feel like something is blocking a portion of your vision, usually described as the ‘curtain’ effect.

Retinal Detachment Risk Factors Include: 

1. High nearsightedness

2. Recent eye surgery or Previous Eye Surgery – such as cataract surgery

3. Previous retinal detachment in the other eye

4. A recent eye injury or hit to the eye

Retinal detachments are considered a medical emergency and require urgent treatment in order to repair the retina before too much damage occurs. It’s important that if you should ever notice any of these signs or symptoms that you see our office as soon as possible. Once diagnosed, we will arrange for you to be seen by a retinal specialists as soon as possible.