A sudden eye problem can be frightening. The right place to go depends on what is wrong. This guide explains who does what, and when to go to emergency right away.
Go to emergency right away if you have:
- Sudden loss of vision in one eye or both eyes.[1]
- An injury to the eye.[2]
- A chemical splash in the eye. Flush the eye with lots of water right away. Keep flushing for 30 minutes. Then get emergency care right away.[3]
- Severe eye pain.
- Sudden blurred vision with pain and redness in one eye. This can be a sign of acute closed-angle glaucoma, which needs emergency care.[4]
- New flashes of light or new floaters, together with vision loss or a shadow or curtain over part of your vision. These signs can mean a retinal tear or detachment.[5]
- Sudden blurred vision together with numbness in the face or body, dizziness, or trouble speaking. This can be a sign of a stroke.[6]
If you are not sure how urgent it is, call HealthLinkBC at 8-1-1.
Start with an optometrist for other eye problems
Optometrists are the primary eye care providers in British Columbia. They do eye exams. They diagnose and treat many eye conditions. Most can prescribe certain medications for eye infections, inflammation, and allergies. They can remove a superficial foreign body from the eye. They also prescribe and fit glasses and contact lenses.[7]
If your problem needs surgery or specialist treatment, an optometrist can refer you to an ophthalmologist. Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who specialize in eye disease and eye surgery. You usually see an ophthalmologist by referral, from your family doctor or your optometrist.
What about a walk-in clinic?
Some walk-in clinics handle minor eye problems. Others send you to an optometrist. Call first and ask. Tell them what is wrong. Ask if they can help, or if you should see an optometrist instead.
How to find care
To find an optometrist near you, use the Find an Eye Doctor tool from BC Doctors of Optometry.[8] To check that an optometrist is registered in British Columbia, use the public register of the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC.[9]
If you are not sure where to go, call HealthLinkBC at 8-1-1. The call is free in British Columbia. A nurse can help you decide what to do. Translation services are available in over 130 languages. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, call 7-1-1.[10]
Who pays for the eye exam
Who pays for the exam is a separate question. Our guide on MSP coverage for eye exams explains who is covered. See our Eye exams and MSP guide.
Quick guide
Emergency signs above: go to emergency right away. Any other sudden eye problem: see an optometrist as soon as you can. Not sure where to go: call 8-1-1.
Sources
- HealthLinkBC — Sudden Changes in Vision
- HealthLinkBC — Symptoms of an eye injury
- HealthLinkBC — Chemical in the Eye
- HealthLinkBC — Closed-angle glaucoma
- HealthLinkBC — Retinal Detachment
- BC Doctors of Optometry — Sudden Blurred Vision
- BC Optometrists Regulation, B.C. Reg. 33/2009
- BC Doctors of Optometry — Find an Eye Doctor
- College of Health and Care Professionals of BC — Public register
- HealthLinkBC — 8-1-1 services