Senior Eye Exams: Preventing Vision Loss
As individuals age risk of vision loss increases. Statistics indicate that by age 65, 1 in 9 Canadians develop irreversible vision loss. By age 75 this figure increases to 1 in 4. Expert vision care and regular eye exams are the best way to minimize the risks of vision loss, reduce the impacts of eye disease, and preserve the quality of life at advanced ages. Schedule an eye exam today with us today and you will be certain to see how, and why, our eye exams are considered to be one of the most thorough, comprehensive, advanced and personalized available.
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Senior Eye Exams: Why They Are Important
Many common eye diseases produce no early signs or symptoms. As a result, regular eye exams are essential for their early detection. Annual comprehensive eye exams can detect and provide the ability to manage eye diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration, plus uncover other potentially serious medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Maintaining eye health and clear vision is critical to healthy ageing. Vision loss or impairment can seriously impact daily living, safety, and quality of life. At advanced ages, vision loss increases the risk of injuries, like fractures and falls, which are major threats to senior well-being and independence.
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Senior Eye Exams: What They Are & When To Schedule
Comprehensive Eye exams are comprised of a series of tests and scans used to assess eye coordination and muscle balance, visual acuity, and most importantly, for evaluating overall ocular health. Because the risk of developing eye diseases, such as glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration, are significantly greater at advanced ages, annual comprehensive eye exams are recommended for seniors. The Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) covers one complete senior eye exam per benefit year.
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Senior Eye Exams: What To Share With The Optometrist
Be sure to inform the eye doctor of the following:
- Medical History
- Past & Present Medical Conditions (e.g., diabetes, hypertension, etc.)
- Current Medications
- Changes in Vision
- Presence of Dry Eye Symptoms
- Poor eye tracking skills
- Name of Your Family Doctor and Specialists
- How You Use Your Eyes
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Senior Eye Exams: Covered By Alberta Health Care
In Alberta, senior eye exams are covered by the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP). Children 18 years old and under, and seniors 65 years and older are eligible for one complete eye exam, one partial exam and one diagnostic procedure per benefit year (July 1 to June 30). This healthcare benefit makes taking care of your vision easier in the advanced stages of your life.
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Financial Assistance For Alberta Seniors
Seniors in Alberta with low to moderate incomes may be eligible for some benefits under the Dental and Optical Assistance for Seniors Program.
To be eligible for the Dental and Optical Assistance for Seniors programs you must:
- Be 65 years of age or older;
- Be an Alberta resident and must have resided in Alberta for three months immediately prior to applying;
- Be a Canadian citizen, or admitted to Canada for permanent residence (landed immigrants);
- Have submitted a completed Seniors Financial Assistance programs application form; and
- Meet financial eligibility criteria.
Eligibility for the Alberta Dental and Optical Assistance for Seniors programs is determined using prior year's total income (line 15000 of the personal tax form) as reported to Canada Revenue Agency.
| Marital status | Total household annual income | Optical benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Single senior | $0 to $28,785 | Up to $230 |
| $28,786 to $31,675 | Up to $115 | |
| Over $31,675 | Not eligible | |
| Senior couple | $0 to $57,570 | Up to $230 |
| $57,571 to $63,350 | Up to $115 | |
| Over $63,350 | Not eligible |
Source: Government of Alberta, March 2021.
Diabetic Eye Exams
Diabetes can cause irreversible vision loss. Patients can manage their diabetes with annual eye exams designed specifically for diabetics.
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What Is Presbyopia?
Learn more about the age-related process that causes blurred near vision.
Senior Eye Care FAQ
- Eye infections
- Eye injuries
- Eye and eyelid inflammation
- Foreign objects in the eyes
- Dry eyes
- Styes
- Sudden changes in vision
- Monitoring for diabetes issues, glaucoma and retinal disease
- Post-operative care for cataract patients
Our Edmonton Optometrists
Searching for an optometrist in Edmonton? Our experienced Edmonton eye doctors use advanced modern technologies and devote upwards of 500% more time towards providing personalized patient care than elsewhere so that they can see more and ensure that you may never see less. Position yourself to see the future with a visit to our eye clinic and Edmonton's best eye care!
Dr. Jennifer Ash, OD
Dr. Jennifer Ash is the Resident Optometrist at Eye-deology Vision Care. Dr. Ash provides patient care 5 days a week. Read more about Dr. Ash.
Dr. Ruhee Kurji, OD
Dr. Ruhee Kurji is an Associate Optometrist at Eye-deology Vision Care. Dr. Kurji provides patient care Tuesdays & Fridays. Read more about Dr. Kurji.
Dr. Jade McLachlin, OD
Dr. Jade McLachlin is an Associate Optometrist at Eye-deology Vision Care. Dr. McLachlin provides patient care 5 days a week. Read more about Dr. McLachlin.
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