FAQs About Eyecare

If you are under 19 years of age, your eye exam fee is fully covered under your BC CareCard. For patients 65 years and older, a portion of your eye exam fee will be covered by your BC CareCard. For patients between the ages of 19-64, your eye exam is usually not covered by your BC CareCard, with the exception of patients who have specific eye diseases or health problems. All ocular health emergencies are covered under your BC CareCard.

If this is your first visit to our clinic, please bring your BC CareCard. You may also need to bring a pair of sunglasses and make arrangements for someone to drive you home in case the dilation drops (used to check the health of your eyes) cause you to be more light sensitive and blurry than usual. Don't worry if you forget your sunglasses, we have temporary ones that will help you get where you need to go after your appointment.

Unfortunately, we cannot directly bill your extended health care provider. You will need to submit your invoices from your eye exam and eyewear purchases to your extended health care provider for reimbursement. Please bring any additional paperwork that your extended health care provider requires for reimbursement and we would be happy to help you fill it out.

We are a multi-lingual clinic and can speak English, Cantonese, Mandarin and French.

There is free parking along West 41st Avenue east of Maple Street. In addition, there are 1 and 2 hour parking on East Boulevard near the Kerrisdale Arena. Finally, about 4 blocks away there is a Kerrisdale Parking Lot, free parking for 2 hrs. It's at 42nd Avenue on Yew Street.

All eye exams are tailored to the age and concerns of the patient. In general, all testing will include a detailed case history, eye muscle testing, peripheral vision assessment, refraction (glasses prescription), and an ocular health assessment. Your eyes will likely be dilated (unless there is a contraindication).

Just imagine how your pharmacist, family doctor and surgeon works as a team. Your optician will dispense your glasses and contact lens like how your pharmacist will dispense medications to you. Your optometrist (Doctor of Optometry) is like your family doctor where they detect diseases, prescribe medications and glasses/contact lens prescription. Your ophthalmologist is your medical specialist where they are able to perform surgery such as glaucoma, retinal detachment and laser surgery.

No, you do not need a referral to see an optometrist.

Children as young as 6 months old can have their first eye examination and it will be covered by your BC CareCard

For patients who prefer to wear contact lenses to correct their vision, an additional examination in conjunction with a comprehensive eye exam is required. This is referred to as a contact lenses fitting. The contact lens fitting is a separate and distinct exam from a comprehensive exam, though both may be conducted at the same visit at the discretion of the optometrist. A contact lenses fitting is required even if a patient has worn contact lenses in the past.