We’re Here to Help When You Need It Most

Eye emergencies can happen to anyone at any time. Because some eye emergencies can cause permanent vision loss, it is important to see your optometrist as soon as possible for assessment and treatment.

If you’re experiencing an eye emergency, please call us immediately. The Eye Care Centre offers same-day appointments for eye emergencies.

Symptoms of an Eye Emergency

It can be difficult to know whether you’re having an eye emergency without expert advice. However, it’s better to overreact to an injury than risk your eyesight. If you or a loved one experience any of the following symptoms, please call us right away:

Sudden vision loss
Burning or stinging eyes
Pupils that are not the same size
One eye not moving like the other
One eye sticking out or bulging
Eye pain
Decreased vision
Double vision
Redness and irritation
Light sensitivity
Bruising around the eye
Bleeding from the eye
Blood in the white part of the eye
Discharge from the eye
Severe itching
New or severe headaches

Types of Eye Emergencies

Trauma to the Eye

Our eyes are extremely fragile; even minor eye injuries can have permanent consequences. Chemical injuries and foreign objects should be treated immediately to protect your eye from inflammation, infection, and vision loss.

If you have had trauma to the eye, administer appropriate first aid such as using eyewash for a chemical splash, and contact the Eye Care Centre immediately to arrange further care.

Sudden Vision Loss

For many of us, sight is our most precious sense. Sudden loss of vision should be treated with care and urgency. There are many reasons for sudden vision change, ranging from minor (ocular migraines) to severe (stroke in your eye). The only way to know the difference is to have your eyes examined by your Eye Care Centre optometrist.
If a serious problem is found, we’ll arrange a referral to a specialist.

Flashes & Floaters

Many patients see black dots or lines in their vision, commonly referred to as floaters. Floaters are typically caused by the natural aging process. However, sudden floaters accompanied by flashes of light or vision loss can indicate a serious problem, including retinal detachment.

Your optometrist at the Eye Care Centre should be your first point of contact if you experience new flashes or floaters in your vision.

Important Information Regarding Eye Emergencies

Emergency Eye Exams Are Covered by Alberta Health Care

Alberta Health Care covers emergency eye exams for all Albertans in medically necessary circumstances. This coverage also includes follow-up or referral appointments as required.

Safety Precautions for Eye Injuries

90% of eye injuries are preventable by wearing appropriate eye protection. Any time you’re working in an environment that puts your eyes at risk, you should protect your eyes with CSA-certified safety glasses.

Receive Immediate Emergency Eye Care at Our Optometry Clinic

There is a wide variety of potential eye emergencies. No matter how minor your injury or situation may seem, always seek immediate medical attention from your eye doctor or local emergency clinic. Quick action can save your eyesight.

If you’re interested in learning more about eye emergencies or how to protect your eyes, please reach out to us. We’d love to answer any questions you have.

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Our Locations

Red Deer Eye Care Centre

4402 49th Avenue
Red Deer, AB T4N 3W6

Hours

Mondays: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesdays: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesdays: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursdays: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Fridays: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturdays: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Sundays: Closed
Closed on all Statutory Holidays

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Rimbey Eye Care Centre

5010 50th Avenue
Rimbey, AB T0C 2J0

Hours

Mondays: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesdays: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesdays: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursdays: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Fridays: Closed
Saturdays: Closed
Sundays: Closed

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Rocky Eye Care Centre

5040 B – 50th Street
Rocky Mountain House, AB T4T 1A5

Hours

Mondays: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesdays: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesdays: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursdays: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Fridays: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturdays: Closed
Sundays: Closed

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Our Services

Dry Eye Therapy

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Children’s Eye Exams

Start your child’s eye care journey with the help of our team.

Adult & Senior Eye Exams

Protect and preserve your vision throughout your life.

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Give your eyes the gift of clearer vision.

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