Please visit the link below to visit the Manitoba Health website regarding coverage for optometrists' services. In most cases, a routine eye exam is not covered under Manitoba Health and is the responsibility of the patient at the time of service. Some portions of examinations for those under the age of 19, over the age of 65, or diabetic are covered; the portions of the exam not covered under Manitoba Health are the responsibility of the patient and due at the time of service. Please visit our service listing page for current offerings and prices.
Manitoba Health covers eligible portions of the exam for anyone who is over the age of 65. Certain testing performed in our office such as retinal photography and OCT scans are not covered under Manitoba Health and are the responsibility of the patient at the time of service. Please see our service listing for current pricing.
Manitoba Health covers eligible portions of the exam for anyone who is diabetic. Certain testing performed in our office such as retinal photography and OCT scans are not covered under Manitoba Health and are the responsibility of the patient at the time of service. Please see our service listing for current pricing.
Manitoba Health covers eligible portions of the exam for anyone who is under the age of 19. Certain testing performed in our office such as retinal photography, axial length measurements and OCT scans are not covered under Manitoba Health. At this time, we offer these non-covered services free of charge during the routine eye exam and will continue to do so as long as possible. Please see our service listing for current pricing on non-insured children's eye examination services.
Manitoba health provides coverage for some testing under certain circumstances. In any case, Manitoba Health does not cover retinal photos, OCT scans, axial length measurements, certain glaucoma tests, among others. Please see our service listing for current pricing for these services.
As a general guideline, healthy patients should get their eyes checked every 1-2 years. People with certain ocular health conditions may need more frequent examinations, as determined by their optometrist.
Dilation isn't necessarily required at every eye exam. Our optometrist will determine whether dilation is appropriate based on your age, eye health, symptoms, medical history, and exam findings. Dilation may be recommended to provide a better view of the retina and other structures inside the eye. This service is usually covered by Manitoba Health.
Yes. A school vision screening is designed to identify children who may have a vision problem, but it does not replace a comprehensive eye examination. A child can pass a screening and still have problems with eye health, focusing, eye coordination, or other aspects of vision.
Your pupillary distance (PD) is a measurement taken during an eyewear fitting and is not part of a routine eye examination. We highly recommend getting your pupillary distance measured at the dispensary where you choose to purchase your eyewear, although, we can measure this and provide to you at your request. Please see our service listing for current pricing of dispensary services.
Sometimes. If you bring your current contact lenses with you to your routine eye exam and no changes are needed to the lens type and material, there is no additional fee. A new contact lens related ocular health assessment fee applies if you need a new lens type, design or material. Over time, your eyes' prescription, visual demands and the available lens options can change. A contact lens assessment allows us to determine the best lens, assess how it fits and performs on your eye and ensure your vision and eye health are being properly monitored.
It is recommended that you bring the following to your appointment:
Yes. Diabetes can affect the blood vessels and other structures inside the eye and may lead to diabetic eye disease and vision changes. Changes in blood sugar can also temporarily affect your vision and glasses prescription. Regular eye exams are important for people with diabetes to monitor ocular health changes and address issues before you experience symptoms.
We can direct bill to most insurance companies. Coverage and eligibility vary between plans, so we recommend confirming your benefits with your insurance provider prior to your appointment.
Every insurance plan is different. Your coverage may depend on your plan's annual maximum, frequency limits, or eligible products and services. In some cases, we can submit your claim on your behalf, but we are not aware of how much coverage you have available. We recommend confirming your benefits and eligibility with your insurance provider prior to your appointment.
Progressive lenses are more complex than standard single-vision lenses because they provide multiple areas of vision, typically distance, intermediate and near, within one lens without a visible line. The more advanced lens designs, higher index materials, and newer technologies typically come with a higher price tag.
Sometimes. We can assess your existing frames to determine whether they are suitable for your new lenses. We always recommend getting a new pair which also comes with a warranty. Factors such as the frame age, condition, size, shape and the new prescription all need to be considered.
Yes. Prescription sunglasses can be made in a variety of lens designs and materials. They can provide clear vision while protecting your eyes from the harmful UV rays outdoors.
It can take up to 4 weeks for your eyes and brain to adjust to a new prescription, especially if there has been a significant prescription change or you've switched to a different lens design, such as progressives. If your glasses continue to feel uncomfortable or your vision doesn't seem right, please contact us so we can assess the fit and prescription and rule out any ocular health causes for changes in vision.
Astigmatism is a common vision condition caused by an irregular shape of the eye's cornea or lens. Instead of light focusing evenly on one point on the retina, it may focus in multiple areas, causing blurry or distorted vision at both near and far distances. Astigmatism is very common and can usually be corrected with glasses or contact lenses.
Below you will find short answers to some common questions. Please visit our website for a more in depth discussion of the importance of myopia management and the treatment options available here.
Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a condition where light focuses in front of the retina, whereby distant objects are blurred and near objects remain clear.
As myopia progresses, the eye continues to grow longer causing the retina and other ocular structures to stretch and thin. This change to the retina causes it to become brittle and leads to an increased risk of ocular disease in the future.
Signs can include:
Myopia management is provided by optometrists who have knowledge and experience with myopia control treatments. At Sage Creek eye centre, our optometric team is equipped with additional training and education in myopia management (IACMM) and holds membership in the AAOMC (American Academy of Orthokeratology and Myopia Control). We can assess your child's vision and eye health, monitor myopia progression with axial length measurements, and discuss all management options to find the one best suited to your child.
While Manitoba Health does cover some routine optometric services for patients under the age of 19, additional testing specific for myopia management is not covered, and is the responsibility of the patient. Such tests include axial length measurements, corneal topography, extensive binocular vision (eye teaming) testing, and case management. Please see our service listing page for the current offerings and pricing.
Sometimes. Every provider and plan is different and would depend on the specifics of your individualized insurance policy. Please check with your insurance provider for coverage for additional services.