What To Look For In An Optometrist And Their Clinic
Well-Educated Staff
All optometrists are highly qualified medical professionals with a Doctor of Optometry degree. Optometrists also have to be certified and registered in the province they practice in. To learn more about your optometrist’s education and credentials, read How To Become An Optometrist In Canada. Opticians also need education and qualifications, specifically the completion of a diploma program in eyeglass dispensing approved by the Alberta College and Association of Opticians. All Alberta opticians and optometrists who practice will have these qualifications, so search for the ways optometry clinics go above and beyond, including other staff members. A really great optometrist clinic will have staff members who are highly knowledgeable about various aspects of eye health, the clinic itself, and other partners, and they should be able to answer all of your questions. For example, your optometrist can answer any questions about your eye health, your optician can answer questions about your eyeglasses and the companies that supply the frames, and office staff can answer questions about insurance processes or Alberta optometry clinic regulations.
Technology And Services
Not all optometrists have access to the same technology and can offer the same services. Optometry clinics that have advanced technology such as Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) Scans or on-site dry eye clinics will be able to provide comprehensive service at one convenient location instead of referring you to another provider or specialist. If you have a specific or niche condition that you want tested and aren’t sure the optometrist will be able to test for it, you can always call the optometry clinic and ensure they have the proper resources.
Calming Environment
Optometrists and opticians need to have a good bedside manner just as much as any nurse or doctor. Your eye exams shouldn’t be an uncomfortable experience and the staff should all make you feel welcome. Optometrists also need to be effective communicators who know how to keep clients calm, since they sometimes need to discuss potential threats to vision or developing eye conditions. Since these topics and diagnoses are alarming to some patients, having a calm optometrist who can clearly and simply explain your eye health to you, whether it is a diagnosis or just a routine eye exam summary, is highly valuable. Your optometrist and all of the staff at the optometry clinic should be able to communicate effectively and calmly.
Do you want to know more about eye exams before your next appointment? Read Vision Health Month: What Your Optometrist Looks For During An Eye Exam.
Schedule An Eye Exam With A Trusted Calgary Optometrist
If you are ready for your annual or semi-annual eye exam, book an appointment with Market Mall Optometry. Our Calgary staff always welcomes new clients and we work to accommodate all client needs through annual eye exams, digital imaging, contact lens fitting, pre and post-operative care, therapy for various eye conditions, disease management, and more. At our NW Calgary eye clinic in Market Mall, our team of highly experienced eye doctors can assess your vision and eye health to provide you with the most advanced care and treatment options. To learn more about our team of optometrists or to book a comprehensive eye exam, contact Market Mall Optometry by calling (403) 286-4884 or by filling out the online contact form.
FAQ
Q: How often should I visit my eye doctor?
A: Adult eye exams are recommended once every two years, once a year for those 65 and over. Children’s eye exams (until age 18) are recommended once a year.
Q: What should I bring to my eye exam?
A: If you’re scheduled for an appointment at our eye clinic in Market Mall, coming prepared for your appointment can help us better meet your eye care needs. You should bring:
- Any prescription glasses, sunglasses, and contact lenses
- Any eye drops you are using
- Any medications and supplements
- A family history of significant medical conditions
- Your vision insurance information
- A record of recent eye injuries or surgeries
Q: How long do comprehensive eye exams take?
A: Most comprehensive eye exams take less than 60 minutes depending on what your vision requirements are and what vision tests are performed.
