Tips for your eye care appointment

Make the most of your appointment with your optometrist.

These tips can help patients, families, and caregivers get the most from their optometry appointments.

This resource was developed by a team of patients, optometrists, and family doctors to support anyone receiving eye care in Alberta.

Optometrist

Before your appointment

Use these tips to prepare for your appointment.

  • List your questions and concerns. Include your symptoms, medications (including dosage), and what each medication treats.


  • List any of your other health conditions. Sharing this information with your optometrist can help them understand your overall health and provide care that aligns with your needs.


  • Mention any online information you’ve found about your eye concerns. Your optometrist can clarify what’s accurate.

  • Reflect on your priorities. Think about what matters most to you, such as managing a condition or staying proactive with regular checkups.


  • Know your family’s eye health history. Note any conditions like glaucoma or macular degeneration to help assess your risks.


  • Write down your family doctor’s name and clinic. This helps your optometrist share updates and coordinate care.


  • If needed, send information before your appointment. Call the clinic to ask how to share your records or details before your visit.


  • Bring a support person if needed. A family member or friend can help with note-taking, translation, communication, or mobility.


  • Ask for more information or resources. If you’d like to learn more about your concerns, medications, or treatment options, ask your optometrist for reliable resources.


  • Check your coverage. Review available Alberta Health coverage and clinic fees here.


    • If you have private insurance, confirm your benefits and renewal dates in advance.
    • If you are unsure about fees or coverage, call the clinic before your appointment.



“As an optometrist, my job is to determine the cause of your discomfort, find solutions to your current eye health issues, and inform you on potential future issues. 

Patients know their symptoms best and your health care team should always take your symptoms seriously. Preparing a list of questions and issues you’ve noticed, along with any research you’ve done on your own, will help direct our discussion and treatment decisions in a more personal way.”

– Dr. Aaron Yau, Optometrist in Airdrie, AB

During your appointment

Use these tips during your appointment with your optometrist.

  • Start the conversation. Bring up your questions, concerns, symptoms, and any medications that you are taking.


  • Ask about your treatment options. Find out the advantages and disadvantages, possible side effects, frequency, expected results, alternatives, reliable information sources, and any related costs or available insurance coverage.


  • Ask your optometrist to share your report with your family doctor. Your optometrist can share your report with your family doctor and/ or other health care providers to help keep them informed and involved in your care.


  • Write or record any instructions provided. This can help you remember important details.


After your appointment

Use these tips after your appointment with your optometrist.

  • Schedule recommended appointments and fill prescriptions. To support your care, try to complete these tasks as soon as possible.
  • Let your family doctor know about your recent appointment, treatments, or surgeries. This can help them understand your health and support your care.
  • Continue to track your symptoms. Include any changes or patterns you notice.
  • If you notice any changes before your next eye exam, contact your optometrist. This may include changes in your vision, redness, pain, or unusual discharge. Medical visits are partially covered by the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan regardless of your age– learn more here.

You can print these tips for your eye care appointment here. 

See tips for eye care appointments



Some of this information has been adapted from Health Quality Alberta’s Tips for talking to your health care team and Questions to ask about treatment options.

Feedback about these tips? Please email us at alberta.association@optometrists.ab.ca