Key Takeaways
- Eye exams usually run about 25 to 55 minutes, and kids’ exams can be shorter.
- Plan for roughly 1 hour from check-in to walking out the door.
- First visits, contact lens fittings, and health conditions like diabetes can add time.
- Dilation drops take up to 30 minutes to work and leave vision blurry for a few hours.
- Bringing your current glasses, medication list, and questions helps the appointment move along.
What to Expect from Your Appointment Time
You’ve got school pickup at 3pm, groceries to grab, and somewhere in between you’re trying to squeeze in that eye exam you’ve put off since last spring. So the real question isn’t whether you need one—it’s how much of your afternoon it’s going to take.
Eye exams typically take between 25 and 55 minutes, so blocking off about an hour gives you enough room for paperwork, testing, and time to chat about your results. Our team at Vision Care Centres can walk you through what your visit includes.
Typical Eye Exam Times by Age
Children’s exams usually land somewhere between 15 and 45 minutes. A 3-year-old getting their first exam goes quickly. A ten-year-old who reads all day and squints at the whiteboard may need a longer appointment.
Adults, including adults 65+, can expect roughly 25 to 55 minutes. There’s simply more ground to cover, including prescription updates and a closer look at eye health.
Either way, plan for about an hour total and you won’t feel rushed.
What Affects the Length of Your Appointment
Your first appointment takes longer than a return visit. Our team needs your full history, your family’s eye history, and a baseline set of measurements to compare against down the road. Returning for a yearly check is usually quicker because that groundwork is already done.
Adding a contact lens fitting stretches things out too. Getting the fit and comfort right takes a few extra steps, especially if you’re trying contacts for the first time.
Health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure can also mean a more detailed look at the back of your eye.
Symptoms Worth a Mention at Booking
If you’re experiencing vision-related symptoms, speak up when you book. This lets us set aside enough time to properly consider your situation. Symptoms worth mentioning include:
- Dry, gritty eyes that feel worse by the end of the day
- Tired, achy eyes after hours on a screen
- Headaches or blurry vision
What Happens During an Eye Exam
Vision & Prescription Checks
You’ll read letters off a chart, then compare different pairs of lenses in order to confirm your prescription. Our team also checks how well both your eyes work together, since eyes that don’t team up smoothly can leave you feeling worn out by mid-afternoon.
Eye Health Checks
Beyond your prescription, an eye exam also looks at the health of your eyes. That includes measuring internal eye pressure, taking images of the back of your eye, and checking your side vision.
Checks for Kids
As part of a children’s eye exam, your optometrist checks focusing power and eye teaming, looks at colour vision and hand-eye coordination, and tracks nearsightedness from one year to the next so any change shows up early.
How Dilation Changes Your Timeline
Sometimes dilation drops are part of your eye care plan. These drops need up to 30 minutes to take effect, so that’s extra time added to your visit.
Afterward, your vision can stay blurry and light-sensitive for a few hours. Bright sunlight in the parking lot will feel harsh, and small print may be hard to read. Bring sunglasses, and consider arranging a ride home, as driving with dilated eyes isn’t especially safe.
How to Prepare & Save Time
Before You Arrive
A little prep shortens your visit. Jot down your medications and any family eye history, bring the glasses or contacts you’re currently wearing (if any), and write down the questions you keep forgetting to ask.
How Often to Book
Kids and teens do well with a yearly exam. Adults from 19 to 64 are generally fine every 2 years, and adults 65+ benefit from checking in once a year.
Book with an Eye Doctor in St. Albert & Spruce Grove
Vision Care Centres keeps appointments friendly for every age, from a 4-year-old’s first exam to a grandparent’s yearly checkup. Direct billing to many insurance companies means less paperwork for you, and you can review eye exam costs before you come in.
Request an appointment with Vision Care Centres at one of our two locations, Erin Ridge Vision Care or Spruce Grove Vision Care, and set aside an hour for your eyes.
