Eye Exams for Preventive Healthcare
Regularly scheduled eye exams are a cornerstone of a preventive healthcare plan. Not only is an eye exam helpful in determining whether you need new prescription glasses or contact lenses, but it can also be instrumental in catching early signs of eye diseases and systemic conditions.
Many eye conditions, such as glaucoma and diabetic eye disease, develop without symptoms in their early stages. By proactively attending eye exams, we can help protect your eyesight through early detection and prompt management.
Our optometrists can also detect signs of systemic conditions in your eyes, such as hypertension, heart disease, and diabetes, sometimes before you’ve been diagnosed. This makes eye exams an important part of your overall healthcare.
Book your eye exam today.
How Often Do I Need an Eye Exam?
Adults ages 20 to 64 should have an eye exam at least every 2 years. If you’re 65 or older, we recommend you get an eye exam annually. Regular check-ups help you see clearly and are essential for diagnosing, monitoring, and managing more serious eye issues early.
Depending on your family and personal health history, whether you wear contact lenses, and if you are actively managing any eye conditions, we may recommend an eye exam schedule tailored to you.
What Happens During an Eye Exam
Eye exams at Broadway Eyecare typically only take about an hour. During that time, we test what you see and how you see it, using our diagnostic technology. This allows us to map your internal eye structures to make sure they are healthy and free of any signs of disease.
We take time to discuss our findings with you, making sure you understand your eye health and any care recommendations we make. We’ll listen to any concerns, answer your questions, and gain an understanding of your day-to-day needs regarding your vision. Your appointment is only finished when you are completely satisfied, with all your questions answered.
Vision Conditions We Screen For in Exams
When you think of vision problems that your eye doctor checks for, the first thing that comes to mind is likely nearsightedness or farsightedness. In addition to these common refractive errors, we also assess changes such as presbyopia, which usually occurs around age 40 and makes it more difficult to see fine details. We can recommend updated eyewear to improve your visual clarity.
Then, we’ll assess for conditions like digital eye strain and dry eye disease, which can impact your daily comfort. As well, we monitor for any signs of diseases, including glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, and diabetic eye disease, through diagnostic testing. The earlier these conditions are detected, the more options there are for better treatment outcomes.
Convenient Eye Care, Built Around You
We want eye care to feel simple and accessible, both during and between visits.
Online Contact Lens Ordering
Order your contact lenses online with ease. Our team will confirm your order and let you know when it is ready. Annual supply orders may also qualify for rebates.
Online Appointment Booking
Schedule an appointment online for non-urgent visits. For same-day care or emergencies, please call the clinic directly so we can support you as quickly as possible.
Direct Billing Available
We offer direct billing with many major insurance providers, helping reduce paperwork and simplify your visit.
Ongoing Eye Care and When to Book an Appointment
We want your vision to stay sharp and your eyes healthy between regular exams. While most insurance plans cover routine eye exams every 2 years, your eyes can change more frequently. If you notice any changes in your vision or have concerns at any time, please contact us. We’re here to help.
Partial exams are also available if you experience specific symptoms, such as:
- Blurry near or distance vision
- Eye strain, especially when reading or using a computer
- Dry or irritated eyes
Additionally, the Saskatchewan Health Authority covers eye exams for various urgent or specialized eye health concerns, including eye infections, allergies, flashes or floaters in your vision, corneal scratches or abrasions, and sudden vision loss.
Certain groups qualify for yearly eye exams through the Saskatchewan Health Authority:
- Children under 18 years old
- People with diabetes (regardless of treatment)
Lastly, we are always happy to clean and adjust your glasses between visits to keep your eyewear comfortable and effective.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eye Exams
We recommend a comprehensive eye exam every 1 to 2 years, depending on your overall medical and family history. Regular exams help monitor subtle vision changes and catch underlying eye conditions long before noticeable symptoms develop.
If you have chronic health conditions like diabetes or a personal history of vision issues, your optometrist may suggest more frequent appointments.
A comprehensive eye exam checks both your visual acuity (sharpness) and the overall health of your internal and external eye structures. Additionally, these assessments can reveal early signs of broader medical issues, including high blood pressure and diabetes.
Common warning signs that indicate you need an evaluation include frequent headaches, blurry vision, irritated eyes, and persistent discomfort while using digital devices. You should also watch for difficulty reading fine print, poor night vision, or general eye fatigue during daily tasks.
If you notice any of these warning signs or have concerns about your vision, please call our clinic at 306-653-2993 or book an eye exam online today.
Saskatchewan Health covers annual comprehensive eye exams for children under 18, as well as routine eye health assessments for individuals diagnosed with diabetes.
Provincial coverage also applies to urgent care for ocular emergencies, such as eye injuries or sudden infections.
For adults aged 18 to 64, routine eye exams may be covered through private health insurance, workplace spending accounts, or direct payment.
Please bring:
- Your valid Saskatchewan Health Services Card
- Insurance information
- Current prescription eyeglasses, sunglasses, and any contact lens packaging you currently use
It is also helpful to make a quick note of any prescription medications, family health history, or specific visual symptoms you have been noticing. If your optometrist needs to dilate your pupils during the appointment, consider bringing a driver or wearing sunglasses for the ride home.
A vision screening is a brief check, often performed in school or workplace settings, that only tests your visual acuity (how clearly you see letters on a chart).
A comprehensive eye exam performed by an optometrist thoroughly evaluates your complete ocular health, internal eye structures, and visual coordination.
While a basic screening can identify obvious focusing troubles, only a full exam can detect silent eye diseases and determine an accurate prescription.
Visit Our Location
We’re conveniently located on the corner of Broadway and Main Street, just down the street from Oskayak High School. There is paid street parking in front of our office and more parking in the lot behind the building.
Our Address
Contact Information
- Phone: 306-653-2993
- Fax: 306-653-2995
- Email: bwecadmin@yxevision.ca
After Hours Emergencies: 306-371-9911
Hours of Operation
*Closed, but we’d be happy to see you at InVision Eyecare, Stonebridge Eyecare, Pinehouse Eyecare, Brighton Eyecare, Warman Eyecare, or Northern Lights Eyecare!
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