Visiting an eye clinic in Winnipeg doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. This guide walks you through every step of the process, from booking your appointment to understanding your prescription and follow-up care. Whether you’re a first-time patient or returning for a routine check, this recipe for a smooth eye clinic visit covers all the essential ingredients and instructions you need.
Ingredients
- 1 valid health card (Manitoba Health) or private insurance information
- 1 list of current medications (including eye drops, vitamins, and supplements)
- 1 pair of current glasses or contact lenses (if you wear them)
- 1 referral from your family doctor or optometrist (if required by your insurance or the clinic)
- 1 list of any eye symptoms or concerns (e.g., blurry vision, floaters, eye pain)
- 1 list of family history of eye disease (e.g., glaucoma, macular degeneration)
- 1 form of payment for any co-pays or non-covered services (credit/debit card)
- 1 pair of sunglasses (for after dilation, if applicable)
- 1 driver or a plan for transportation (if you plan to have your eyes dilated)
Instructions
- Book your appointment. Call the eye clinic or use their online booking system. Have your health card and availability ready. If you need a referral, confirm that your family doctor has sent it to the clinic before your visit.
- Prepare your paperwork. On the day of your appointment, bring your health card, insurance information, and a list of your medications. If you have any recent eye-related test results from another clinic, bring those too.
- Arrive 15 minutes early. This gives you time to fill out any new patient forms or update your information. It also helps the clinic run on time.
- Complete the pre-exam screening. A technician will likely check your visual acuity (reading an eye chart), eye pressure (with a puff of air or a tonometer), and may take a digital image of your retina. This is painless and takes about 10 minutes.
- Meet with the optometrist or ophthalmologist. The doctor will review your history, ask about any symptoms, and perform a comprehensive eye exam. This includes checking how your eyes work together, your side vision, and examining the front and back of your eyes with a slit lamp.
- Discuss your results and prescription. The doctor will explain any findings and, if needed, give you a prescription for glasses or contact lenses. Ask questions if anything is unclear.
- Consider dilation. If the doctor recommends dilating your pupils (using eye drops), it will take about 20-30 minutes for them to take effect. Your vision will be blurry and light-sensitive for a few hours afterward. Plan to wear sunglasses and have someone drive you home if possible.
- Schedule follow-up if needed. Before you leave, book any necessary follow-up appointments, such as a retinal imaging session or a contact lens fitting.
Tips
- Bring your current glasses: Even if you don’t wear them all the time, the doctor can measure your current prescription and compare it to the new one. This helps detect changes.
- Don’t wear contact lenses for at least 2 hours before your exam: Contact lenses can alter the shape of your cornea and affect the accuracy of your measurements. If you wear them regularly, consider bringing your contact lens case and solution.
- List all medications, even non-eye ones: Some systemic medications (like certain antihistamines or blood pressure drugs) can affect your eyes or cause dry eye. Your doctor needs the full picture.
- Ask about coverage: In Manitoba, an annual eye exam is covered by provincial health insurance for most adults and children. However, some services like retinal photography or contact lens fittings may not be covered. Ask upfront to avoid surprises.
Serving Suggestions
After your eye exam, treat yourself to a break. If you were dilated, your vision may be blurry for 2-4 hours, so plan a low-vision activity like listening to a podcast or having a coffee with a friend who can drive. If you got new glasses, wear them for a few hours each day to let your eyes adjust. For contact lens wearers, follow the doctor’s recommended wearing schedule, especially if you’re new to them.
Variations
- Pediatric eye exam: Children’s exams often include special tests like picture charts and retinoscopy. They may not need dilation as often as adults. Bring a favorite toy or snack to keep them occupied.
- Contact lens fitting: This is a separate appointment that includes measuring your cornea and trying on trial lenses. You’ll learn how to insert, remove, and care for your lenses. The fitting may take an extra 30-45 minutes.
- Low vision assessment: If you have significant vision loss, a low vision specialist can provide aids like magnifiers, specialized lighting, or electronic devices. This is a more in-depth consultation.
- Emergency eye visit: If you have sudden vision loss, eye pain, or an eye injury, call the clinic immediately. They will likely see you the same day, and you may be directed to a hospital emergency room if it’s after hours.
Storage and Reheating
Your eye exam results are stored in your medical file at the clinic. You can request a copy of your prescription or test results at any time. Keep your written prescription in a safe place—it’s valid for up to 2 years in Manitoba, but your eye doctor may recommend a shorter period if your eyes are changing. If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date and time on your calendar or set a reminder on your phone. For contact lens wearers, store your lenses in the solution provided, and always replace the solution daily. Never reuse old solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I get an eye exam? For most adults with no vision problems, every 2 years is recommended. However, if you have diabetes, a family history of glaucoma, or wear contact lenses, you may need an exam every year. Your eye doctor will advise you based on your individual risk factors.
Will my eyes be dilated every time? Not necessarily. Dilation is done if the doctor needs a better view of your retina, which is common for people with diabetes, high myopia, or certain symptoms like flashes of light. Many clinics now use digital retinal imaging, which can sometimes replace dilation. Ask your doctor if you’re concerned.
Can I drive after my eye exam? If you are not dilated, you can usually drive. If you are dilated, your vision will be blurry and light-sensitive for a few hours, so it’s not safe to drive. Bring sunglasses and arrange a ride or take a taxi/transit.
What is the difference between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist? An optometrist (OD) performs routine eye exams, prescribes glasses and contacts, and treats common eye conditions like dry eye or pink eye. An ophthalmologist (MD) is a medical doctor who specializes in eye surgery and treats more complex diseases like cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal detachment. Your optometrist will refer you to an ophthalmologist if needed.
What if I don’t have a health card? If you are not a Manitoba resident or don’t have a valid health card, you will be billed directly for the exam. The cost for a comprehensive eye exam typically ranges from $100 to $150. Some private insurance plans may reimburse you, so check with your provider.
Can I get a copy of my prescription without buying glasses? Yes, by law you are entitled to your prescription after the exam. You can take it to any optical store or online retailer to purchase glasses or contacts. However, the clinic may charge a small fee for a contact lens fitting or for releasing a contact lens prescription if you don’t purchase from them.
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