Retinal imaging
Takes a detailed picture of the back of your eye, including the retina and optic nerve, to look for changes related to eye disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, macular degeneration, and other conditions.
Comprehensive eye exams
Comprehensive Eye Exams in Edmonton, St. Albert & Morinville
Advanced imaging. Thorough pre-testing. Clear answers about your vision and eye health.
More than a prescription check, our comprehensive exams pair advanced imaging with a full eye-health assessment, so changes are caught early and explained clearly.
- Advanced retinal imaging
- Thorough pre-testing
- Direct insurance billing
- Six Edmonton-area locations
Why it matters
What Makes a Capital Vision Care Eye Exam Different?
Our eye exams are designed to look beyond "which lens is clearer?" Your visit may include advanced images of the back of the eye, eye pressure screening, measurements of how your eyes focus and work together, and checks for early signs of eye disease, giving your optometrist more information to explain your results and recommend the right next step.
A basic vision check may tell you whether you need glasses. A comprehensive eye exam tells a much bigger story. Your eyes can show early signs of conditions that may not cause symptoms right away, and many people can still read the chart while developing changes related to eye pressure, the retina, the optic nerve, dry eye, diabetes, or cataracts.
That is why our process includes detailed pre-testing and imaging before your optometrist completes the final assessment. The goal is simple: better information, earlier detection, clearer explanations, and more personalized care.
Advanced technology
Advanced Imaging and Pre-Testing, Explained Simply
Before you see the optometrist, our team gathers detailed information about your eyes using advanced diagnostic technology. These tests are comfortable, efficient, and help your optometrist see details that are not visible from a standard vision chart alone.
OCT scan
Creates a layered, cross-section image of the retina, helping your optometrist look beneath the surface for subtle changes a standard exam may not reveal.
Wide-field retinal imaging
Captures a broader view of the back of the eye, so your optometrist can see more of the retina in one image and monitor changes over time.
Eye pressure testing
Measures the pressure inside the eye, one of the screening tools used when assessing your risk of glaucoma.
Corneal measurements
Measures the shape and surface of the front of the eye, useful for contact lens fittings, dry eye assessment, and certain prescription concerns.
Visual field screening
Checks areas of your side vision that can be affected by glaucoma, neurological concerns, or other eye health issues.
Prescription & focusing measures
Estimates your prescription and how your eyes focus, giving your optometrist a starting point to refine the final result.
Eye coordination checks
Looks at how well your eyes work together, which can affect headaches, eye strain, reading comfort, and screen use.
Available at select Capital Vision Care locations. Your clinic team can confirm which imaging or testing is recommended for your visit.
The value of imaging
Why Advanced Imaging Matters
Advanced imaging gives your optometrist a more complete view of your eyes. It can help:
For many patients, the most valuable part is comparison. At future exams, your optometrist can compare new images with previous ones to look for meaningful changes.
- Create a baseline for future comparison
- Detect subtle changes earlier
- Monitor conditions over time
- Explain your eye health with images you can see
- Support more personalized recommendations
- Reduce guesswork when symptoms are complex
Beyond your prescription
What We Look For During Your Eye Exam
Your eye exam helps us assess both vision and eye health. Depending on your age, symptoms, health history, and test results, your optometrist may check for signs of:
- Nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia
- Eye strain and focusing problems
- Dry eye and tear film issues
- Cataracts
- Glaucoma risk
- Macular degeneration
- Diabetic eye disease
- Retinal holes, tears, or detachments
- Eye pressure changes
- Contact lens-related complications
- Inflammation, redness, or irritation
- Vision changes related to medications or health conditions
Many eye diseases can develop before you notice symptoms. MyHealth Alberta notes that some eye diseases, including glaucoma, may have no early symptoms and may only be found through an eye exam.
Ready to book?
Book a comprehensive eye exam at any of our six Edmonton-area clinics, with advanced imaging and direct insurance billing.
Book an Eye Exam
What to expect
What Happens at Your Capital Vision Care Eye Exam
- 1 We start with your historyWe ask about your vision, symptoms, medications, health conditions, family history, screen use, work, driving, hobbies, and any concerns you want addressed.
- 2 We complete pre-testing and imagingOur team gathers measurements and images that help your optometrist understand your prescription, eye pressure, retinal health, focusing, and overall eye function.
- 3 Your optometrist checks your vision and eye healthYour optometrist refines your prescription, examines the front and back of your eyes, reviews your imaging, and checks for signs of eye disease or vision changes.
- 4 We explain what we foundYou should leave understanding your prescription, eye health, risk factors, and recommended next steps.
- 5 We help with glasses, contacts, treatment, or follow-upIf you need updated glasses, contact lenses, dry eye care, disease monitoring, emergency care, or a referral, we will guide you through the next step.
When to book
When Should You Book an Eye Exam?
Regular eye exams protect your sight even when your vision feels fine, because many eye conditions develop gradually and without early symptoms.
We recommend a comprehensive eye exam once a year. Your ideal schedule still depends on your age, eye health, prescription, symptoms, and medical history: the Alberta Association of Optometrists recommends a first exam between 6 to 9 months, at least one exam between ages 2 and 5, annual exams through the school years, and an exam at least every two years for adults, or more often as your optometrist recommends.
Patients with diabetes, glaucoma risk, macular degeneration risk, sudden symptoms, high prescriptions, contact lens concerns, or active eye disease may need to be seen more often.
Book Sooner if You Notice These Signs
- Blurry vision
- Headaches or eye strain
- Trouble seeing at night
- Squinting
- Dry, red, watery, or irritated eyes
- New floaters or flashes
- Light sensitivity
- Trouble reading or using screens
- Changes in contact lens comfort
- A family history of glaucoma, macular degeneration, or other eye disease
- Diabetes, high blood pressure, autoimmune disease, or other health concerns
- A prescription that no longer feels right
Call urgently if you have sudden vision loss, new flashes or floaters, an eye injury, severe pain, or a red eye with pain or light sensitivity.
Good to know
Quick Questions
Are eye exams covered in Alberta?
Routine exams for adults 19 to 64 are generally not covered by Alberta Health, but many people have private or employer benefits. We direct bill most plans, so bring your benefits card.
How long does an eye exam take?
About 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the testing and imaging, and whether you are also choosing glasses or contacts.
Will my eyes be dilated?
Sometimes. Dilation gives a clearer view of the back of the eye and can leave your vision blurry and light-sensitive for a few hours.
Where to go
Book an Eye Exam Near You
Capital Vision Care offers comprehensive eye exams at six Edmonton-area clinics. Choose the location that is most convenient for home, work, school, or errands.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in a comprehensive eye exam?
A comprehensive eye exam checks more than your glasses prescription. It may include a health and vision history, prescription testing, eye pressure screening, retinal imaging, focusing and eye coordination checks, and a detailed assessment of the front and back of your eyes.
Is retinal imaging included in every eye exam?
At Capital Vision Care, advanced imaging and pre-testing are an important part of our exam experience. The specific tests recommended for you may depend on your age, symptoms, health history, and clinic location.
What is an OCT scan?
An OCT scan creates a detailed layered image of the retina. It helps your optometrist look beneath the surface and check for subtle changes related to eye health.
What is wide-field retinal imaging?
Wide-field retinal imaging captures a broad image of the back of the eye. It helps your optometrist assess more of the retina and compare images over time.
Do I need an eye exam if I see clearly?
Yes. Clear vision does not always mean healthy eyes. Some eye diseases may not cause early symptoms, which is why regular comprehensive exams are important.
How long does an eye exam take?
Most comprehensive eye exams take about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the testing needed, whether dilation is required, and whether you are also being fitted for glasses or contact lenses.
Will my eyes be dilated?
Sometimes. Dilation may be recommended when your optometrist needs a more detailed look at the back of your eyes. If dilation is used, your vision may be blurry and light-sensitive for a few hours.
Can I book an eye exam without a referral?
Yes. You can book directly with Capital Vision Care for a routine eye exam, contact lens exam, dry eye concern, or many urgent eye concerns.
Should I bring my old glasses or contact lenses?
Yes. Bring your current glasses, sunglasses, contact lens boxes, medication list, Alberta Health card, and insurance information.
Can I get glasses after my exam?
Yes. If your prescription changes, the optical team can help you choose frames and lenses that match your prescription, face shape, work needs, driving needs, and lifestyle.
Explore more
Related Services
Ready to Book Your Eye Exam?
See clearly today and protect your vision for the future. Book a comprehensive eye exam at one of six clinics across Edmonton, St. Albert, and Morinville.
Sources
Sources and Further Reading
Trusted background on eye health and exam timing: