When to call us immediately
If you have any of the following, call us now or go to the nearest emergency room. Do not wait for an appointment:
- Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes
- Severe eye pain
- Chemical splash or foreign object in the eye
- Eye injury from impact or trauma
- Flashes of light and new floaters together (possible retinal detachment)
For all other urgent eye concerns, call us — we hold same-day appointments at all four locations.
Alberta Health Care coverage
Emergency eye exams are covered partially by Alberta Health Care for eligible patients. Call us to confirm your coverage details.
Conditions we treat urgently
Eye infections
- Bacterial or viral conjunctivitis (pink eye)
- Styes and chalazia
- Corneal ulcers and keratitis
Trauma and foreign bodies
- Metal or wood fragments in the eye
- Corneal abrasions (scratches on the eye surface)
- UV/arc flash burns (welder's flash)
Sudden vision changes
- New floaters or flashes (requires same-day examination)
- Sudden blurred vision
- Painful red eye
Allergies
- Sore, red, or itchy eyes caused by allergic reactions
What to do before your appointment
Do not attempt to treat yourself at home. Serious complications can occur from an eye injury. Be sure not to:
- Rub your eyes or apply pressure
- Try to remove foreign objects yourself
- Use non-prescribed medications in your eyes
- Chemical exposure: Immediately flush with clean water for 20 minutes before calling us or going to emergency
- Foreign body: Do not rub your eye; do not attempt to remove an embedded object
- Contact lenses: Remove them if possible and do not reinsert until you've been seen