Even if you do not notice problems with your vision, regular eye exams with an optometrist are recommended to screen for visual problems that can be detected before you notice them. Conditions such as glaucoma do not have any symptoms until the vision loss is present and untreatable. However early detection and treatment can preserve vision. Other systemic conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure can also be detected by looking at the delicate blood vessels inside the eye.
This depends on your age and risk factors. For instance, for healthy adults with no other risk factors, we suggest a routine eye health examination every two years. For children below the age of nineteen and adults above the age of sixty-five yearly eye exams are recommended.
A first eye exam is recommended at the age of three. A child does not need to know their alphabet as there are different tests and techniques used in a young child's eye exam that are specially developed for young children to understand. However if a parent suspects a problem they can have their children's eyes and vision examined at any age. In most cases there will be no concerns. The first five years of life are the most critical to the development of the visual area in the brain so better safe than sorry.
Eye problems such as amblyopia (one eye that does not see as well as the other) can be detected before the child or parents are aware of it. Early detection for certain conditions are crucial as treatment is often only effective in the young development ages. Dr. Kelly does focus on family eyecare so please call our office with your concerns.
The length of an eye exam depends on your age, eye conditions, risk factors, whether you wear contact lenses or not, and your questions. We suggest allowing for an hour at the office, although in many cases it can take less time. In some rare cases, when we have to fit in someone with an eye emergency, we may be delayed, but we strive to keep you informed if this occurs.
This depends on your eyes and general health and is very individual. If you are interested in refractive surgery please mention it during your eye health exam and Dr. Newhouse will go over it with you.
Nelson Family Eyecare is located at 366 Baker Street in downtown Nelson, BC
We are open Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 5:30pm and Saturdays from 8:30am to 3:00pm.
Call us at 250 352-5152.
This depends on your age and your medical or eye conditions. All children under the age of nineteen and seniors over the age of 65 are partially covered by MSP every year. Between the ages of nineteen and sixty-five the coverage and frequency depends on certain systemic and eye health conditions.
For example, adults diagnosed with Diabetes have partial MSP coverage yearly. These conditions that are covered are subject to change by the BC government. Please contact our office for specific questions about your specific coverage.
We accept cash, debit, Visa, and Mastercard.
More and more people in Canada have independent health insurance and there are many companies who offer coverage. Please check with your provider before your eye exam to see how much they cover towards eye exams, eyeglasses, and contact lenses. We can directly bill many extended health insurance plans for you in office.
We are also able to bill directly for those covered through the Ministry of Social Development for individuals or families who are on income assistance or disability.
We can directly bill Blue Cross for Veterans Affairs, RCMP, Canadian Forces, and First Nations & Inuit Health.
Please let our staff know about your coverage when making your appointment.
