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When to Book an Emergency Eye Exam

Name: Eye Check Calgary Optometry
Address: 100 Anderson Rd SE 2nd Floor, Calgary, AB, T2J 3V1, CA
Telephone: (587) 441-5254

The eye symptoms that can't wait, what to do on the way in, and when the ER is the better call.

In Short

Book an emergency eye exam the same day for sudden vision loss or changes, new flashes or a shower of floaters, eye pain, an eye injury, or a red, painful eye, especially if you wear contact lenses. For a chemical splash, rinse right away, then get urgent care. If you're not sure, call us: it's better to be checked than to wait on something that could affect your vision.

The Rule of Thumb

If it's sudden, painful or changing, don't wait.

Many eye problems build slowly and can wait for a regular appointment. The ones that can't usually share a pattern: they come on suddenly, they hurt, or they change how you see. Those are the symptoms that can point to an injury, an infection, or a problem with the retina or optic nerve, where hours can matter.

An emergency eye exam is a same-day visit focused on the problem in front of us. Not sure whether you need one or a regular exam? Our guide to emergency vs. regular eye exams explains the difference.

Same-Day Symptoms

Book a same-day exam

A sudden change or loss of vision in one or both eyes
New flashes of light, or a sudden shower of floaters
A dark shadow or curtain across part of your vision
Moderate to severe eye pain
A red eye with pain, light sensitivity or blurred vision
Redness, pain or discharge while wearing contact lenses
A scratch, a foreign object, or a knock to the eye

Call 911 or Go to the ER

When it's bigger than an eye problem

A chemical in the eye: rinse with clean water for at least 15 minutes first, and go to the ER if it's a strong chemical or the pain is severe
A deep cut, an object stuck in the eye, or a suspected ruptured eye
Sudden vision loss with weakness, numbness, trouble speaking or a severe headache
A swollen, red eyelid with a fever, or an eye that looks like it's bulging
Sudden double vision after a head injury
Severe trauma to the face or head

On the Way In

A few things to do, and not do, before you arrive.

Take out your contact lenses and don't put them back in. Don't rub the eye, press on it, or try to remove anything stuck in it. For a chemical splash, rinse with clean water right away, for at least 15 minutes, before you go anywhere. Bring your glasses, your contact lens case and any eye drops or medications you use, and have someone drive you if you can, since some exams include drops that blur your vision.

What We Can Do

Answers fast, and a plan for what comes next.

At Eye Check Calgary, an emergency visit focuses on finding out what's wrong, quickly. We can look closely at the front and back of your eye, including OCT scans and fundus photography when they're needed, and manage many urgent problems on the spot, such as scratches on the cornea, foreign objects, and eye infections or inflammation. If you need an ophthalmologist or hospital care, we'll coordinate it directly so nothing falls through the cracks.

FAQ

Emergency eye exams, answered.

Do I need an appointment for an emergency eye exam?

Same-day and walk-in appointments are available at our Southcentre Mall clinic. Calling ahead at (587) 441-5254 helps us prepare and get you seen as quickly as possible.

Are flashes and floaters an emergency?

A few occasional floaters are common and usually harmless. But new flashes of light, a sudden shower of floaters, or a shadow over part of your vision can signal a retinal tear or detachment and should be checked the same day.

What should I do if I get a chemical in my eye?

Rinse the eye with clean running water or saline right away and keep rinsing for at least 15 minutes, then get urgent care. If the chemical is strong or your pain is severe, go to the nearest ER or call 911.

Can I see my optometrist instead of going to the ER?

For many urgent eye problems, yes. An optometrist can examine the eye and manage things like scratches, foreign objects, infections and sudden vision changes, and refer you onward if you need more. For severe injuries, chemical burns or stroke symptoms, go to the ER or call 911.

More on urgent eye care.

Need Care Today?

Call before you come in.

Same-day and walk-in appointments are available. Calling ahead helps us get you seen as quickly as possible. If your symptoms are severe, don't wait: go to the ER or call 911.

Call (587) 441-5254 → Book an Eye Exam →

Eye Check Calgary

100 Anderson Rd SE, 2nd Floor
At SpecSavers Southcentre
Calgary, AB T2J 3V1

(587) 441-5254

Mon to Wed10am – 8pm

Thu & Fri10am – 9pm

Saturday10am – 8pm

Sunday11am – 6pm

See Clearly. Feel Confident.

Book your comprehensive eye exam in Calgary with Eye Check Calgary. Whether it’s digital eye strain, dry eyes, diabetes-related vision concerns, or a contact lens fitting, we’ll guide you through every step with care and clarity. Call us today at 587-441-5254.