Frequently
Asked Questions

We recommend patients have their eye exams yearly. Eye diseases such as Glaucoma, and Age-Related Macular Degeneration, are best managed when detected early. In our clinic, various instruments such as the Retinal Camera and Visual Field aid our eye doctors screen and diagnose for conditions that pose a threat to the health of our eyes. Systemic conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, are also routinely screened for during annual eye exams.

We recommend children have their first eye exam at 6 months of age and recur yearly afterward. Amblyopia (lazy eye), and high hidden prescriptions are common conditions that can impede healthy vision and eye development. Because such conditions are not readily observable, it is important to bring your children to have their annual eye exam. Eye exams are tailored to children of varying ages and maturity. The methods used to test children’s eyes may include non-verbal ways and special eye drops that are gentle on their eyes.

MSP (BC Care Card) covers eye exams for children 18 and under. For seniors 65 and above, and adults with eligible medical or eye emergencies, MSP covers a portion of the eye exam fee. For patients who have private insurance, we can submit claims for eye exams and glasses/contacts on their behalf.

In a normal eyeball, light enters the eye and focuses on the retina to allow for clear vision. Myopia (near-sightedness) occurs when the eyeball grows beyond its normal shape, causing light to focus in front of the retina and creating blurry vision at a distance. The more the eyeball elongates, the more severe the myopia becomes. The most common form of Myopia usually spurs around the ages of 6-8 and continues to accelerate throughout the teenage years. In rare cases, myopia can start as early as 3 years of age. Studies have shown that genetics, as well as increased near activities, are linked to myopia progression. In today’s age where children are exposed to increased screen time more than ever, the risk of developing advanced myopia is the highest across generations. Because myopia is irreversible, and high myopia is linked to Glaucoma, Macular degeneration, and retinal detachment, it is crucial to begin control when Myopia is first diagnosed. What parents and our young patients can do: It is important to encourage children to engage in more outdoor activities, as these have been shown to hamper myopic progression. Moderating screen use and prolonged close activities have also been shown to help. While there is no gold standard for what the ratio of activities may be, it is wise to trade more indoor, up-close activities for outdoor activities. What your eye doctor can do: Because of its potential early onset, myopia is best screened for during yearly eye exams in children. The Canadian Association of Optometry recommends that children have their first eye exam occur at the age of 6 months, and recur yearly thereafter. This ensures that when myopia is detected at its earliest onset, intervention can be implemented to preserve the vision and eye health of affected children. There are a variety of ways to effectively control myopia, and each of them comes with its unique advantages. For example, ortho-keratology is an effective way to control myopia while allowing children to restore their daytime vision. It is done by temporarily and gently reshaping the curvature of their cornea while children sleep in the custom rigid contact lenses designed by the optometrist. In recent years, technology and advancement in myopia control have allowed for other avenues of treatment and control. An experienced optometrist will be able to tailor the most suitable treatment for a child diagnosed with myopia. Our Approach: When your child is diagnosed with myopia, our optometrists can provide a myopia control consultation and go over the treatment plan to ensure your child’s eye health and vision are maintained and controlled as they grow. For an appointment with one of our optometrists experienced with myopia control, please reach out to us during our clinic hours via phone or website.