You juggle a lot to keep your family healthy and on schedule. A comprehensive eye exam is an important part of that routine, but it’s natural to wonder how much time you need to set aside. We design our exams to be thorough yet efficient, respecting your family’s valuable time.
A complete eye exam for an adult or child, which is a thorough check of your eye health and not just a vision screening, typically takes between 30 to 60 minutes. This timeframe can change based on your personal eye health and specific needs for the visit. Our focus is on providing comprehensive care without ever making you feel rushed.
Factors That Shape Your Appointment Time
Several factors can influence the length of your visit with the eye doctor.
Your Age & Health History
Depending on age and history, appointments might take longer. For instance, a child’s first eye exam often has a different focus than an adult’s routine check-up. Likewise, if you’re a new patient, your appointment may take a bit longer as we get to know you and your family’s health history.
The Type of Exam You Need
A routine exam to check your vision has a different timeline than a visit that also includes a fitting for contact lenses. If you have specific concerns—like symptoms of digital eye strain from screen use or dry eyes—we may suggest extra tests.
Pupil Dilation
If your pupils need to be dilated for a better look at the back of your eye, this will add time to your appointment. A dilated eye exam is a key tool for detecting serious eye diseases, and is almost always performed during diabetic eye exams and in patients over 65 years old.
What to Expect at Your Family’s Eye Exam
A comprehensive eye exam is more than just a vision test. Modern technology helps your eye doctor get a full picture of your eye health comfortably and efficiently. Here are some of the techniques we use to assess the health of your eyes:
Vision & Refraction Tests
This is the part you’re likely most familiar with—reading letters from an eye chart to see how clearly you can see. A refraction test helps determine the right prescription for glasses or contacts if you need them.
A Look at Your Eye Health
Your eye doctor will check the overall health of your eyes. This often includes:
- A loss at the surface of your eye, including the lids/lashes, cornea, and iris
- A look inside your eye at your lens, optic nerve, and retina
- A check of your eye pressure, which is important for detecting conditions like glaucoma
How Your Eyes Work Together
An eye-teaming assessment checks that your eyes move and work together smoothly, also known as binocular vision testing. This is especially important for children’s visual development and learning, as it can help identify subtle issues that may affect reading or coordination.
How to Prepare for Your Eye Doctor Visit in Kelowna
A little preparation can help your appointment go smoothly. It helps to have these items handy:
- Your current glasses, sunglasses, and contact lenses
- A list of any medications you or your child takes
- A general idea of your family’s eye health history
What to Do Before You Arrive
To save time, you can often fill out any new forms online before your visit. Try to rest your eyes before the appointment—avoid long hours on screens right before you come in. Arriving a few minutes early can also help you settle in without feeling rushed.
Schedule Your Exam Before The Year Ends
With the end of the year approaching, now is an ideal time to schedule eye exams for the whole family. It’s a simple step to put your family’s health first and start the new year with clear vision. Using your benefits is a smart way to manage your family’s healthcare.
Use Your Benefits & Plan Ahead
Many health benefit plans reset at the end of the calendar year. Booking now helps you make the most of your coverage before it expires. It’s also a great way to secure appointments before the busy holiday season starts.
A Great Time for a Family Check-Up
As a clinic trusted by many local families, Orchard Park Optometry offers 7-day eye care with a personal touch to fit your busy life. We can help you find an appointment time that works for everyone’s schedule.
Contact us today to schedule your family’s eye exams before the year is over.
