Vision for Seniors

DID YOU KNOW:   Age related Macular Degeneration is one of the most common diseases of the eye to affect seniors?  It is also the leading cause of blindness in North American adults over the age of 55. Learn More>>

Optical Assistance Program

Alberta Seniors and Community Supports offers an Optical Assistance Program for seniors.

This program is based on income and provides a maximum annual reimbursement of up to $230 for prescription eyeglasses.

To be eligible, you must be at least 65 years of age and meet the financial requirements.  For more information, click here.

Eye Exams for Seniors are Covered by Alberta Health Care

The value of prevention… Health, nutrition and prevention are the keys to quality of life.  Maintaining excellent general health can often delay and reduce the effects of aging on our eyes.

Even with the best preventative care, however, it is very common to experience changes in vision in the golden years of life.  That's why it's important to obtain regular, annual eye examinations.  To make it easier to get the care you need, Alberta Health & Wellness covers the cost of most vision services for seniors, including:

- One complete eye examination per year
- One partial examination per year (if necessary)
- One single diagnostic procedure per year (if necessary)

Seniors with conditions such as diabetes, glaucoma, cataracts, and other eye-health issues may be eligible for covereage for further services.

Ask your optometrist which services are covered for you!

Common Conditions for Seniors

Presbyopia is very common among this age group. It is the loss of ability to change focus from far to near. It is often the first wake-up call that our eyes “aren’t what they used to be”. The most common signs or symptoms include the tendency to hold reading materials at arm’s length, blurred vision at normal reading distance and eye fatigue when attempting to do close work. For more information, click here.

Glaucoma can result when excessive fluid pressures damage the optic nerve. It is one of the leading causes of blindness in Canada. Glaucoma can be effectively treated with prescription eye drops, and in some cases, surgery may be required. A simple and painless procedure allows your optometrist to measure the internal pressures of your eye. Early detection is the key to success when fighting glaucoma. Most glaucomas offer no pain or symptoms. For more information, click here.

Cataracts are another common condition you may encounter. Cataracts occur as the lens becomes cloudy, distorting our vision. Cataracts are most often found in persons over the age of 55, but can occur in younger people as well. This condition often requires a corrective lens change or surgical removal. After surgery, you, along with your Optometrist, can decide on the best type of vision correction for you. For more information, click here.

Eyewear

There is often a greater need to rely on glasses for tasks such as reading, and multiple pairs of prescription glasses, or multi-focal lenses, may be required.  Special filters and sunglasses can also help with problems associated with glare or light sensitivity.  Extra lighting or special magnification may be helpful for people with reduced or low vision.