The P.E.I. Association of Optometrists has launched an ad campaign in an attempt to clear up some confusion about what Health P.E.I. does and does not cover. “There are a few things that are different now, just in the last couple of years,’’ says Dr. Catherine Arsenault, an optometrist with Family Vision Centre in Charlottetown. “There seems…
To ensure children get the best possible start to their education, the Eye See … Eye Learn™ program provides one free eye exam and, if required, one free pair of glasses during their kindergarten year. The PEI Association of Optometrists and eyewear sponsors, VisionTech Labs PEI and Viva Canada have partnered with Health PEI to…
It might be a surprise to some parents to learn that Island optometrists recommend taking your kids for their first eye exam when they’re infants. “The best age is to start right back at six months of age,” Dr. Lester Jinks, a Charlottetown optometrist, told Mainstreet P.E.I. host Angela Walker. “There are enough tests that…
What is an Optometrist? The Canadian Association of Optometrists (CAO) defines an optometrist as “an independent primary health care provider who specializes in the examination, diagnosis, treatment, management and prevention of disease and disorders of the visual system, the eye and associated structures as well as the diagnosis of ocular manifestations of systemic conditions” As…
Health PEI has started to cover red eye and dry eye visits. If a patient has allergies or happens to have an infected eye for whatever reason, an optometrist will take a look at it at no cost. Appointments for issues like red eye from infections or allergies, watery eyes, itchy eyes, or dry eyes…
Kindergarten students in P.E.I. continue to benefit from ongoing free eye exams and glasses with help from the Eye See…Eye Learn program. The program focuses on early detection of eye and vision problems in young children as they enter the school system. Island kindergarten students are eligible for the program from July 1 to June…
The P.E.I. Association of Optometrists has launched an ad campaign in an attempt to clear up some confusion about what Health P.E.I. does and does not cover. “There are a few things that are different now, just in the last couple of years,’’ says Dr. Catherine Arsenault, an optometrist with Family Vision Centre in Charlottetown. “There seems…
Expanded coverage of optometry services is reducing the need for referrals to ophthalmologists, visits to family doctors, emergency departments and walk-in clinics. “Uptake has been excellent for this new program which allows optometrists across the province to screen for conditions such as diabetic retinopathy which can be an indicator of diabetes complications, or red eye…
When Virginia McGowan of Charlottetown began having eye pain three years ago, she believed it was due to allergies. McGowan’s eyes were dry and itchy, yet she was producing excess tears that wouldn’t stay in her eyes. Her eyes were constantly straining, and she was having a difficult time reading. McGowan decided to visit her…
Health PEI provides some coverage for diabetic eye exams. One diabetic eye exam is covered per year for patients with type 1 diabetes and every two years for patients with type 2 diabetes. This fee only covers the dilated diabetes examination, therefore the optometrist may charge a co-pay for the remainder of their examination, such…