You know that moment when you’re squinting at a sign, blinking at a blurry screen, or realizing your contacts aren’t quite cutting it anymore—and you think, “When was my last eye exam?” It sneaks up on all of us.
At Village Eye Centre in North Edmonton, Downtown Edmonton, and Sherwood Park, we do things differently. Our optometrists take the time to get to know your vision and your health history—and if it’s your child’s first visit, we ensure they feel safe and heard, too.
Add to that our advanced imaging tools, and you’ve got a comprehensive exam that provides an accurate picture of your eye health.
What Is a Full Scope Eye Exam and How Often Do You Need One?
A full-scope eye exam goes well beyond checking if you see 20/20. It includes a thorough check of your eye structures. It also reviews your medical history. Screenings look for early signs of conditions like glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease, or retinal detachment. So, how often should you schedule one?
- Children should start as young as six months, then again at age three, before school starts, and every 1–2 years afterward.
- Adults under 65 are generally good with a routine eye exam every two years—unless you have risk factors like diabetes, high myopia, or a family history of eye disease.
- Seniors over 65 benefit from annual exams as age-related eye and vision changes and conditions become more prevalent.
Skipping a regular exam can mean missing signs of vision loss or eye disease—many of which don’t show symptoms early on.
4 Benefits of Full Scope Eye Exams
It’s easy to think of an eye exam as just a prescription check—but there’s so much more happening behind the scenes. Here are some benefits of full-scope eye exams:
1. Early Detection Saves Sight
Many serious eye conditions, like glaucoma or macular degeneration, show no early symptoms. A comprehensive exam can detect them before they impact your vision.
2. Clear Vision, Better Comfort
Whether you wear contacts, glasses, or neither—your vision can change gradually. Minor adjustments to your prescription or screen habits can significantly improve your day-to-day comfort.
3. Children's Learning & Development
Vision is closely tied to how your child learns, behaves, and even socializes. Eye exams enable us to detect issues that may impact school performance. And if needed, our vision therapy services are available to help your child build stronger visual skills.
Overall Health Check
Did you know that full-scope eye exams can reveal signs of high blood pressure, diabetes, and even autoimmune conditions? Your eyes are the only place where blood vessels can be seen directly, making them a unique window into your overall health.
What to Expect from a Comprehensive Eye Exam at Village Eye Centre
When you come in for your appointment at one of our locations, here’s what your visit might include:
- Detailed Conversation: We’ll ask about your health, your vision concerns, and any symptoms you’ve noticed.
- Visual Acuity Testing: This assesses your ability to see letters clearly at a distance.
- Refraction: We’ll fine-tune your prescription using lenses to figure out what gives you the clearest vision.
- Eye Health Screening: Utilizing tools such as OCT scans, visual field testing, and glaucoma pressure screening, we identify early signs of eye disease.
- Personalized Recommendations: Whether it’s new glasses, vision therapy for your child, or dry eye treatment, we’ll clearly walk you through your options.
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all. That’s why each appointment is tailored to your lifestyle, medical history, and comfort level.
Keep Your Vision Sharp—Schedule a Full Scope Eye Exam in Alberta
If you need a checkup or want to ensure your child's vision is suitable for school, our eye doctors can help. Our team at Village Eye Centre believes that good eye care begins with listening closely. That’s exactly what we do at every visit.
With advanced diagnostic tools, a team of caring optometrists, and a personalized approach that puts you first. Book your eye exam with us to protect your vision for the long term.