If you have any concerns about the state of your vision, and you live in or around the communities of Fort McMurray, Drayton Valley, Leduc, and Prince Albert, The Eye Centre encourages you to book an appointment for a checkup. If you have general questions about how our range of services can improve the quality of your vision, click on the FAQ categories on this page. Feel free to contact our clinics with any follow-up questions you may have.
Do you provide direct billing?
Yes. The following is a list of the insurance providers we work with.
Canada Life
Chambers of Commerce
CINUP
Claim Secure
Desjardins
Empire Life
Equitable Life
Eyesafe
GMS Carrier 50
Green Shield
Group Health
Group Source
Industrial Alliance
Johnston Group
Manitoba Blue Cross
Manulife
Maximum Benefit
Medavie Blue Cross
NIHB
RWAM
Sunlife
Why do some frames cause a reaction on my skin?
If metal frames cause a reaction, nickel is the culprit. Most metal frames are made of a nickel alloy. Other metals used include aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, zinc, copper, beryllium, gold and silver. Stainless, titanium, gold and silver are usually hypoallergenic.
Some people can also be allergic to the nose pads on metal frames. Most are made of silicone or acetate, but they can also be made out of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), nickel, titanium or rubber. Silicone is tricky. Certain silicones are hypoallergenic (such as medical silicone), but others can trigger allergic reactions. Both PVC and titanium are usually hypoallergenic. Most plastic eyeglass frames are made of zyl (also called zylonite, acetate and cellulose acetate) or propionate. Other materials used in plastic frames include polyamide, nylon, polycarbonate, carbon and Optyl (a brand of epoxy resin). Propionate, polyamide, nylon and Optyl frames are all considered hypoallergenic.
I see fine, why do I need to see an Eye Doctor?
I see fine, why do I need to see an Eye Doctor?
How do I know if I need bifocals?
How can I stop glare at night or at a computer?
What's the secret to getting glasses that look great on me?
How often should I get a new pair of glasses?
Are the lenses that change colors OK for sunglasses?
Do sunglasses really help to keep my eyes healthy?
Why are my lenses so thick?
Can the thick lenses be made thinner?
Can I use no-line bifocals with fashionably smaller frames?
Can sunglasses help night vision?
Do regular glasses protect my eyes from the sun?
What are all those numbers for my prescription?
What is Ultraviolet (UV) and Infrared (IR) light?
Do I need an optometrist and or an ophthalmologist?
Can I wear Contact Lenses?
With the newest contact lens designs and materials available today, our doctors are able to fit patients who may not have had success wearing contact lenses in the past. Whether due to poor vision, astigmatism, comfort issues, or dry eyes there are many more choices in contact lens materials to meet those challenges.
What types of Contacts Lenses are there and which lens is right for me?
What’s involved in a Contact Lens Exam?
What’s involved in a Contact Lens Fitting?
Why is a yearly contact lens exam important?
Can I swim or shower with contact lenses on?
Can children wear Contact Lenses?
What is the difference between soft and hard Contact Lenses?
Why shouldn't I wear my two-week disposable lenses longer?
What if I don't wear my two-week disposable contacts every day?
Can I safely wear extended wear Contact Lenses overnight?
Why can I no longer focus on objects up close?
Vision changes occur naturally as you age. When you reach your 40’s, focusing at close range becomes difficult. This is a natural part of the aging process caused by a gradual hardening of the eye’s crystalline lens, reducing its ability to change shape and focus. This condition is called Presbyopia.
How do progressive lenses differ from ordinary bifocals?
Are Varilux® lenses better than other progressive lenses?
Who would be a candidate for Varilux® progressive lenses?
Is it difficult to adjust to Varilux® Lenses?
Can Varilux® reduce the thickness of my eyeglass lenses?
Do Varilux® lenses have scratch & ultraviolet protection?
What is the warranty on Varilux® lenses?
How can I obtain more information about Varilux® Lenses?
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is the term for a diverse group of eye diseases, all of which involve progressive damage to the optic nerve. Glaucoma is usually, but not always, accompanied by high intraocular (internal) fluid pressure. Optic nerve damage produces certain characteristic defects in the individual’s peripheral (side) vision or visual field.
Are there different types of Glaucoma?
How is Glaucoma detected?
Is surgery necessary to treat Glaucoma?
Can Glaucoma cause blindness if left untreated?
What are the signs and symptoms?
Can Glaucoma be cured?
Can Glaucoma be prevented?
How can I know if I am a high risk for Glaucoma?
What is the best defense against Glaucoma?
What is a Cataract?
A cataract is the clouding of the crystalline lens in your eye. This opacity obstructs the passage of light resulting in a reduction of clear vision. Normally, light passes through the clear lens and is focused onto the Retina. However, the natural aging process can cause the lens to become cloudy, or milky. The cataract blocks the passage of light through the eye and causes distorted or blurred vision, glare, or difficulty seeing in poor lighting conditions.
There are three types of cataracts:
What are the symptoms of a Cataract?
How is a Cataract treated?
What causes a Cataract?
Can I be too young or old for Cataract surgery?
How do I decide whether to have surgery?
Is Cataract surgery right for me?
How soon can I drive after the surgery?
Do I have to avoid all activities post-operatively?
Does Cataract surgery hurt?
What else should I know about surgery?
Will I still need glasses or contact lenses?
What is Dry Eye?
In medical terms, Dry Eye is lovingly known as "KERATOCONJUNCTIVITIS SICCA".
The tear film consists of 3 layers: A superficial lipid (oily) layer which decreases evaporation, a middle aqueous layer which contributes 90% of the tear film, and a deep mucin layer which facilitates spreading of the tears over the cornea.
How do you treat Dry Eye?
Can Watery Eyes Be a Symptom of Dry Eye?
Can reading & TV or computer viewing cause Dry Eye?
What else can cause Dry Eye?
What are the warning signs and how is it detected?
Can Dry Eye syndrome come and go?
What if I don't treat Dry Eye. Can I lose sight?
Is there treatment for corneal scarring caused by Dry Eye?
What can I do to prevent or control Dry Eye syndrome?