Welcome to Optometry 101 - What it means to be an Eye Doctor in Edmonton

Optometry is a unique field that correlates your eye health to your general health. People may incorrectly assume that we are medical doctors, sometimes going as far as mistaken us as a specialist in medicine such as an ophthalmologist, also known as an eye surgeon or eye specialist. We are Doctors of Optometry which is a rigorously trained medical professional specializing in eye conditions and disease. It is easiest to think of an optometrist as your primary eye doctor and should be the first point of contact with any eye related problem(s) or concern(s); like your family doctor. Depending on the cause of concern or eye related problem, we address these through corrective vision aids such as contact lenses and/or glasses, at times as a highly customizable fit. Other times the correction may include topical or oral treatments, including medications, and some basic and/or minor procedures of the eyes.

We recommend that adults get their eyes checked at least every two years regardless of how well you think you see. Like anything else, prevention is key. Furthermore, patients 18 years and younger should be checked every year starting at 6 months of age to monitor proper development, and all patients 65 years and over should also be checked every year to screen for common age-related eye conditions. Many of the primary care services we provide are covered through Alberta Health Care for ages 18 and under, 65 and over, and most medically necessary visits are covered for everyone through Alberta Health Care depending on government budget cuts.

Trifecta Optometry was named, not based on horse racing, but rather on the principle of three. First off, our specialty services in myopia management, specialty contact lenses, and dry eye disease. Secondly is our dedication to each generation in the family unit, children, parents, and grandparents. And lastly, but most importantly, our dedication to our faith.

One of the three specialties that we focus on is myopia management. Myopia, also known as nearsightedness or shortsightedness, is on the rise in children due to many risk factors. We can identify these risk factors and tailor management solutions to your child’s needs to slow down myopia progression. This addresses the children at risk of developing high myopia that can result in potentially sight threatening conditions later in life. Another specialty that we offer are specialty contact lenses which not only includes solutions for myopia management but also includes those highly customizable fits for the difficult to fit eyes either for vision at near, intermediate, or far for all ages. And finally, our third specialty is our holistic approach to dry eye disease that is very comprehensive and has been underrepresented in our dry Alberta climate.

Our goal is to have a positive impact on your friends, family, and our community and meet all your eye care needs. We hope to see you soon!