Eye exams & eye emergencies
Why have a comprehensive eye exam?
Your eyes are one of your most precious possessions. To maintain good eye health, we recommend regular eye examinations.
The frequency of exams varies depending on the age and health of each individual. This examination can only be performed by a qualified healthcare professional, namely an optometrist. That is why it is essential to consult an optometrist who is a member of the Ordre des optométristes du Québec (Quebec Order of Optometrists).
Here is a list of the examinations we perform at Auclair Meloche:
- Routine examination
- Diabetic retinopathy screening
- Glaucoma screening, monitoring, and treatment
- Dry eye
- Amblyopia treatment
- Myopia control
- Contact lens fitting
- Eye emergencies
- Forms for the SAAQ, police techniques, etc.
17 years and under
We recommend that children have their eyes examined to ensure good eye health throughout their development. The first eye exam should be performed between the ages of 6 and 9 months. Then, at least one exam should be performed between the ages of 2 and 5.
Finally, once your child starts school, it is recommended that they have an eye exam every year. Several symptoms may indicate that your child has a vision problem: headaches, irritability, rubbing or covering their eyes, etc. If left uncorrected, these disorders can lead to serious vision problems. Exams for people 17 and under are covered by the RAMQ. The RAMQ reimburses $300 every two years for the purchase of glasses for children aged 0 to 17.
18 to 60 years
As an adult, several factors can impact your vision and lead to gradual vision loss. These include computers, televisions, and other electronic devices. Time spent in front of these devices generally causes eye strain.
In addition, it is important to protect your eyes from ultraviolet rays and blue light to prevent various eye diseases.
60 years and older
Starting at age 60, natural changes in vision may occur. An annual eye exam is therefore essential to monitor these changes and ensure your eye comfort. You may eventually need corrective lenses, reading glasses, or glasses adapted for computer use.
In addition, just as between the ages of 18 and 60, it is important to protect your eyes from ultraviolet rays and blue light to prevent various eye diseases.
Eye emergencies: get an appointment quickly
Do you have insurance?
The Québec provincial health insurance plan covers:
- Annual eye exam for ages 0-17 and ages 65 and over.
- Medically or clinically necessary eye exam for ages 0-17 and ages 65 and over.
- Part of the emergency eye exam is covered by the government for ages 18-64.
- Certain medical procedures or imaging tests are not covered by the RAMQ but may be covered by private insurers.
For more information, visit the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec website.