Eye Exams | Ophthalmology Referrals
Stonewire Optometry is set up to handle most primary eye care situations. During your comprehensive eye health examination your optometrist will closely examine your eyes for signs of eye diseases, systemic problems and neurological conditions. If any conditions are detected during the eye exam, further testing may be performed.
If further specialized eye tests or treatments are required, the optometrist will take care of setting up an appointment with a local Edmonton ophthalmologist who specializes in your specific eye care condition and to ensure continuity of care.
If you are from out of town, we will try to arrange an appointment with an ophthalmologist close to your home town or city whenever possible. However, we will always try to choose the best ophthalmologist for your condition who can see you in a timely manner.
5-Steps Involved in an Ophthalmology Referral:
All patients require a routine eye examination or medical eye examination by one of our optometrists to determine the nature of the visual problem and the best initial treatment plan before any referrals can be made.
If a referral is required or recommended, your optometrist will write a referral letter to the eye specialist for them to review. There is no additional charge for this service.
Our office will book an appointment with the ophthalmologist at the next soonest available date, as determined by their office.
Our office will contact you with all the information, including: date, time, location, and the ophthalmologists name. If for some reason the date and time don't work for your schedule, you will be able to contact the specialists office directly to make the appropriate changes. If you left your email address with us, we will can email you this information instead.
After your appointment with the specialists our office will receive a follow-up letter by the ophthalmologist outlining their findings and treatment plan. Our office will contact you for further follow-ups if required or this letter will be held in your file until your next exam visit.
**Important: If you are unable to attend your appointment because of a conflict in your schedule or for any other reason it's important that you contact the ophthalmologists office as soon as possible to reschedule. This helps to ensure that there is no delay in your treatment.
Common Eye Conditions that Require a Referral to Ophthalmology
Cataracts
Cataracts are a common and natural ageing condition of the lens structure within the eye. Cataracts will often slowly develop over a number of years but may form more rapidly in patients with: a family history of cataracts, who smoke cigarettes, who don't wear protective sunglasses or patients who are diabetic. Your optometrist will initially be able to manage your cataract development in the early stages by updating your eyeglass or contact lens prescription to ensure you have optimal vision.
You can learn more about cataract surgery by checking our in-depth guide to cataract surgery in Edmonton.
Important - Out of Province or Out of Country Patients: Please be aware that if you do not have Alberta Health Care coverage additional fees and charges may apply for a referral to an ophthalmologist. Our office will try to provide you with an estimated cost to ensure that there are no surprises.
