Your Appointment

You have been referred by a physician / optometrist to see an ophthalmologist, or eye specialist.

When to Contact Us

Contact us if:

• you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, do this as soon as possible
• you are running late

For contact information and hours of operation, view our service listing:

• Eye Institute of Alberta – Outpatient Eye Clinic

What to Bring

You will need:

• your Alberta health care card and photo ID for registration
• a list of current medications / health concerns
• your up-to-date prescription glasses
• sunglasses, which will help with the glare and light sensitivity when you leave your appointment if you are dilated

Parking

• Royal Alexandra Hospital Parking Map

Parking fees in the parking lot and parkades are in effect 24 hours a day. We recommend you park in the SE Parkade. The SE Parkade is on Kingsway Ave and 101st (next to the Esso station).

Finding Us

We are located on the main floor of the Active Treatment Centre (main building) at the Royal Alexandra Hospital (ATC1111). Upon arrival, register with our admitting staff and they will help direct you.

What to Expect

Once you arrive at the clinic, you will need to check in at the registration desk.

Visit lengths may vary considerably depending on the reason of your visit. If other tests have been ordered on the day of the clinic visit, there may be periods of waiting between appointments.

You will be seen initially by an ophthalmic personnel who will review your history, medications, check your vision and put in eye drops. They may perform some additional testing dependent on the reason of your visit. You will be asked to wait in the waiting room until a space becomes available.

Please note that you may be dilated. If you are being dilated, arrange for a driver to assist you in returning home. When your eyes are dilated, your vision will be blurry. You will have trouble focusing on close objects. You also will be extra sensitive to bright light. This usually lasts four to six hours.

You will meet with your ophthalmologist and they will examine you. Our ophthalmologists are also clinical professors for the University of Alberta and are actively involved in teaching medical students, ophthalmology residents and fellows. You may be examined by a medical student, resident, and/or fellow.

The ophthalmologist will discuss and explain your eye concern and determine the kind of treatment and management required. If you require a follow up visit, our clerks will schedule that for you before you leave the clinic.

Alert the Eye Clinic staff if you do not feel well while you are in the waiting room so a nurse can assess and provide assistance as required.

For more details view Ophthalmic Testing Information.

FAQs