Important Information About Urgent Eye Care Fees
Please be aware that we have a $90 fee for all non-routine, urgent eye care services at our clinic. This fee is not covered by Manitoba Health. Your private insurance may reimburse part or all of the cost; however, in many cases it will count toward your total eye care coverage within your 2-year benefit period. Because individual plans differ, we recommend checking your coverage before your appointment.
Manitoba Health currently provides the lowest funding for optometry services in Canada, meaning the costs for delivering urgent eye care now fall to Manitobans.
During your visit, your optometrist may determine that additional scans or procedures are necessary. These may also not be covered by Manitoba Health, including:
- Retinal imaging (Optomap and/or OCT)
- Corneal staining
- Foreign body removal (e.g., Alger Brush for rust ring removal)
- Bandage contact lenses
- Certain medical reports or documentation
You may choose to seek emergency care at the Misericordia Eye Hospital, where urgent services continue to be covered by Manitoba Health.
If you are unhappy about this situation, please contact:
Minister of Health – Uzoma Asagwara minhsltc@manitoba.ca
Emergency Eye Care at Eyes in the Village
If you are experiencing an eye emergency, we are here to help. Our optometrists provide urgent evaluations and treatment for a wide range of issues. Using advanced diagnostic technology, we can assess the surface and internal structures of the eye to detect infection, trauma, or other concerns requiring immediate attention.
We commonly accommodate urgent eye problems such as:
- Eye infections
- Eye trauma or injury
- Foreign materials stuck in the eye
- Scratched eyes
- Sudden loss of vision
- Flashes of light or new floaters
- Painful, red, irritated, or itchy eyes
- Dislodged contact lenses
- Broken or lost glasses or contacts
Many emergency room visits for eye issues can be treated more effectively by an optometrist. If you are experiencing any urgent symptoms, call us to book an immediate assessment.
Understanding Common Eye Emergencies
Eye Infections (Conjunctivitis)
Eye infections may be bacterial, viral, or allergic. Symptoms can include redness, swelling, tearing, and irritation. Some infections, particularly bacterial, can become serious if untreated.
Are eye infections dangerous?
Yes. Untreated infections can lead to corneal ulcers and even permanent vision loss.
Can children attend school with an eye infection?
In cases of viral conjunctivitis (“pink eye”), children are typically advised to stay home for a few days to reduce contagion. Good hygiene is essential to prevent spread.
Chemical Exposure
If chemicals enter your eye:
- Rinse immediately with lukewarm water for at least 20 minutes.
- Wash your hands thoroughly afterward.
- Remove contact lenses if they don’t flush out on their own.
- Seek emergency medical assistance.
Do not rub the eye or apply anything other than water or saline unless directed by a healthcare professional.
Foreign Body in the Eye
Debris such as sand, metal, or wood can cause corneal scratches or embed in the eye.
- Begin with a thorough rinse at a sink or eyewash station.
- Do not attempt to remove visible objects yourself.
- Seek optometric care if discomfort, redness, or vision changes persist.
Even if the foreign body falls out, a corneal abrasion may remain and requires treatment to prevent complications.
Flashes, Floaters & Sudden Visual Disturbances
Sudden flashes of light or new floaters can indicate:
- Posterior vitreous detachment
- Retinal tear
- Retinal detachment
These symptoms require same-day evaluation, especially if paired with a shadow or “curtain” in your vision.
Scratched Eyes (Corneal Abrasions)
Symptoms of a scratched cornea include tearing, redness, light sensitivity, and significant discomfort. Prompt assessment is important to prevent infection and reduce the risk of chronic issues such as recurrent corneal erosion.
Eye Trauma
Blunt injuries can cause internal inflammation, bleeding, or retinal damage. You should be seen promptly if you experience:
- Pain
- Vision loss
- Flashes or floaters
- A black eye with worsening symptoms
Children’s Eye Emergencies
Children should be evaluated if they experience:
- Ongoing eye pain
- Redness or swelling
- Vision changes or new floaters
- Something stuck in the eye
- A bump or lesion on the eye
All children’s eye exams are covered by Manitoba Health. For urgent concerns outside clinic hours, Misericordia Urgent Eye Care is available.
Severe Eye Emergencies — When to Act Fast
Seek immediate care if you experience:
- Sudden loss of vision
- Severe eye pain
- Double vision
- Internal eye bleeding
- A dark veil or curtain in your vision
If our clinic is unavailable or if your symptoms are severe, go to Misericordia Urgent Eye Care or the nearest emergency room.
Red, Pink, or Sore Eyes? We Can Help
In addition to routine exams, contact lenses, eyewear, and preventive care, our optometrists offer:
- Treatment for red, sore, or itchy eyes
- Care for pink eye and bacterial infections
- Foreign body removal
- Treatment for eye allergies or burns
- Urgent and emergency eye care
We are dedicated to providing your family with prompt, specialized attention—especially when it matters most.