I am curious what your thoughts on the changes from AHS for services and billing for people in your profession? Is this unique to AB and a disaster waiting to happen? The savings from what I hear don't appear to be very high ($8 mil/year) Is this going to affect a lot of people?
If you are located in Calgary, accepting new patients and it works well location wise, PM your office if you wish. You have helped me out a few times in the past and can try and repay the favor with some minor visits. Pretty much just routine eye exams and no need for glasses from last visits for me so nothing important or complex.
Typical UCB stuff. Making changes without consultation. Part of their push to make more public health private.
This is a good summary of the issues and how it affects patients.
The main takeaway is that Alberta Health had previously only increased what they would pay us by 1% two times. The rest of that time has been flat. With inflation it is essentially a pay cut by 27% already. Overall, we had been "paid higher" that other provinces, but only in the sense that we had more testing we could cover under health care. Having this covered has really helped to reduce the burden on Ophthalmology and actually saved the health Care system money by offloading some testing to a cheaper option (us).
To be honest, it is going to lead to some extra Fee's added for previously covered services. I am working on some math now to see if I can still provide the service without adding additional fee's. For now I am not adding anything as I am a new office trying to bring in new patients.
I appreciate you wanting to support me. I will PM you some information but where I work is covered in the first post of this thread as well.
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Appreciate you doing this thread. I have a couple questions.
Almost 50 and had Lasik 25+ years ago and now back in glasses. Pre-op refraction was:
OD -7.50 -1.75 x 165
OS -6.00 -2.50 x 2
Latest prescription that I haven't updated to yet:
OD -4.00 -1.00 x 150
OS -2.50 -0.75 x 165
I was considering contacts, since my glasses are getting heavier on my face but my optometrist said I can only use scleral lenses because of the topography of my cornea from Lasik? Unfortunately, that is way out of my budget! I have read on other forums where people have been successfully fitted with just soft contacts after Lasik so wondering why I cannot try soft or other less costly rigid lenses. Any recommendations?
My optometrist says I have genetic myopia to explain the extreme regression since Lasik. Does that mean there is nothing I can do to stop my eyesight deteriorating? I also have a very steep posterior pole and beginning signs of AMD. I had a sudden PVD in my right eye a couple years ago with some macular bleeding and now have permanent floaters. Are these all considered serious issues?
For the AMD, they recommended Vitalux pills - do these actually work? Each time I start supplements (calcium, fish oil, etc), I get GI issues. The Vitalux bottle says it contains 40mg zinc/pill. Is there anything besides supplements to try? I've been referred back to the retinal specialist I saw for the PVD and still waiting for them to confirm appointment.
And lastly, do you dilate patient eyes for annual exams in your practice and is it better than just a scan/photo? I haven't been dilated at the optometrist office since they got some fancy machine ~ 5 years ago. I think it's an OCT scanner? What tests should an annual exam actually consist of?
Sorry, that's a lot of issues I have when actually typed out! Thanks for any "insight" you may have.
Appreciate you doing this thread. I have a couple questions.
Almost 50 and had Lasik 25+ years ago and now back in glasses. Pre-op refraction was:
OD -7.50 -1.75 x 165
OS -6.00 -2.50 x 2
Latest prescription that I haven't updated to yet:
OD -4.00 -1.00 x 150
OS -2.50 -0.75 x 165
I was considering contacts, since my glasses are getting heavier on my face but my optometrist said I can only use scleral lenses because of the topography of my cornea from Lasik? Unfortunately, that is way out of my budget! I have read on other forums where people have been successfully fitted with just soft contacts after Lasik so wondering why I cannot try soft or other less costly rigid lenses. Any recommendations?
Without seeing the topography I can’t judge. The problem is your high prescription pre lasik meant they took a lot of tissue during the procedure. Soft lenses likely won’t fit very well (if at all) and it’s doubtful you get the vision or comfort you would like from them. Scleral lenses will provide both of those to you.
My optometrist says I have genetic myopia to explain the extreme regression since Lasik. Does that mean there is nothing I can do to stop my eyesight deteriorating? I also have a very steep posterior pole and beginning signs of AMD. I had a sudden PVD in my right eye a couple years ago with some macular bleeding and now have permanent floaters. Are these all considered serious issues?
Some eyes just like going nearsighted. Especially if you sped a lot of time with near work. Best bet is reduce near work as much as possible (but isn’t alwyss practical). Those issues can be serious or can be minor. Thought to judge without seeing it.
For the AMD, they recommended Vitalux pills - do these actually work? Each time I start supplements (calcium, fish oil, etc), I get GI issues. The Vitalux bottle says it contains 40mg zinc/pill. Is there anything besides supplements to try? I've been referred back to the retinal specialist I saw for the PVD and still waiting for them to confirm appointment.
The evidence for Vitalux is pretty solid but the effect isn’t crazy high. It’s about a 6% reduction in degeneration vs the control group. What vitalux has that really helps is Lutein and Zeaxanthin. These carotenoids are found in leafy green veggies.
Not smoking, controlling Blood pressure, getting exercise, reducing weight and wearing UV protection.
And lastly, do you dilate patient eyes for annual exams in your practice and is it better than just a scan/photo? I haven't been dilated at the optometrist office since they got some fancy machine ~ 5 years ago. I think it's an OCT scanner? What tests should an annual exam actually consist of?
It depends. If you see a retinal specialist then it can be redundant for us to dilate. Even with the high end peripheral retina scans dilation g should be performed every couple years (for high prescriptions it is every couple years. For others every 5-6 year). The retina specialist will dilate your pupils every visit.
As for an eye exam. It should include visual acuity, prescription check, binocular vision assessment, slight lamp external eye exam and a thorough retinal exam at a bare minimum.
Sorry, that's a lot of issues I have when actually typed out! Thanks for any "insight" you may have.
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So... apropos of nothing ... I happened to get my eyes checked yesterday at a random place that has nothing to do with this website or thread, as far as any of you know.
Strangely enough, it was video taped:
I have no idea why he had me take nitrous for an eye exam?
Other than that, it was thorough, professional and I was very impressed. Not surprising based on the completely unrelated posts in this thread.
He (or her) practices in a very reasonable and responsible manner, treating what needs treating and that is it. No pressure or upsales.
Anyways... Also, on a completely unrelated note, here is the google reviews for the anonymous eye doctor (If he is even a real doctor!! Remember, my wife is a chiro!!!) if you want to see what people have said: https://www.google.com/maps/place/He...U1SAFQAw%3D%3D
Edit. Here I am trying to be all 007 so he doesn't get in trouble with the mods and it is all in the first post! D'oh. Oh well. I am leaving it as it amuses me. The nitrous is true though!!
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E=NG
Last edited by Titan2; 05-16-2025 at 12:50 PM.
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Hmmm…have never seen this thread before..so…thanks!
A bit of a story by way of background. For close to two decades I’ve had two pairs of glasses…one for driving/distance, with a small cutout at the bottom for reading short printed materials (phone, menus, email etc). Second pair was for REAL reading (section at bottom for long reads of small type, top half for computer at 20-30”). Originals were done with the Late Ken Gellatly who did my eye stuff for a long time.
Got a pair of glasses from a respectable and not inexpensive location in the Beltline. All worked, no problem. Moved to BC, got a new Rx, same frames, all good…about 5 years back.
Tried last year to repeat…went to two different Optometrists over the journey, had new frames and three or four sets of lenses, none of which ended up working for either purpose, though the distance ones are great for that, terrible for short reads. The reading ones are useless junk. Came from the same high-end store as the others.
I’m back using my 5-y/o reading/computing ones. Store blames the manufacturers.
My wife had a similar journey, but a store in Vernon managed to get the manufacturing and spread of “vision bands” correct for her on a new set.
So…is the manufacturing of lenses THAT bad/ variable / error-prone…or what? I’ve spent a couple of grand for very little other than nice frames….one of which I can’t use, LOL.
Well I would say go and see Dr. Knut!! He will fix you right up!!
How many of these do I have to pull in before I get those sweet, sweet Maui Jims?
I have a pair of MJs. You can have them. NOBODY who sells them is “allowed” to put in anything but MJ lenses (they have to be sent to MJ and be less than x years old too), and nobody who doesn’t sell them will touch them.
Not my cup of tea to be locked in (didn’t know when purchased!).
I had surgery due to a retinal tear in one eye. My right is close to 20-20 but my prescription is different in each eye. I don’t need glasses for distance but use reading glasses (2.5). Because my reading prescriptions differ, I struggle reading and sometimes close one eyes to read.
I’m considering getting prescription reading glasses even though I like having cheap drugstore glasses.
I recently got prescription distance glasses for night driving but they’re not great. Those prescriptions differ also but they’re not perfect so I sometimes close one eye and use my one eye with near-perfect vision.
I think I’ll get prescription reading glasses but may try new prescription distance gjasses although my doc wasn’t able to perfectly nail my prescription.
Hmmm…have never seen this thread before..so…thanks!
A bit of a story by way of background. For close to two decades I’ve had two pairs of glasses…one for driving/distance, with a small cutout at the bottom for reading short printed materials (phone, menus, email etc). Second pair was for REAL reading (section at bottom for long reads of small type, top half for computer at 20-30”). Originals were done with the Late Ken Gellatly who did my eye stuff for a long time.
Got a pair of glasses from a respectable and not inexpensive location in the Beltline. All worked, no problem. Moved to BC, got a new Rx, same frames, all good…about 5 years back.
Tried last year to repeat…went to two different Optometrists over the journey, had new frames and three or four sets of lenses, none of which ended up working for either purpose, though the distance ones are great for that, terrible for short reads. The reading ones are useless junk. Came from the same high-end store as the others.
I’m back using my 5-y/o reading/computing ones. Store blames the manufacturers.
My wife had a similar journey, but a store in Vernon managed to get the manufacturing and spread of “vision bands” correct for her on a new set.
So…is the manufacturing of lenses THAT bad/ variable / error-prone…or what? I’ve spent a couple of grand for very little other than nice frames….one of which I can’t use, LOL.
No idea what to even try next or be aware of?
Dr. Gellatly probably had you in some higher end Progressives (nikon or Zeiss). The other place you are trying most likely was going the more inexpensive, higher margin route for lenses.
Should also request to stick with the brand/style that you are used to. Sometimes even upgraded to higher end leads to issues with adaptation.
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I have a pair of MJs. You can have them. NOBODY who sells them is “allowed” to put in anything but MJ lenses (they have to be sent to MJ and be less than x years old too), and nobody who doesn’t sell them will touch them.
Not my cup of tea to be locked in (didn’t know when purchased!).
They operate under MRSP only pricing and have rules in the contract that you must follow if you want to carry them. No flexibility unfortunately. But, we carry them as they are typically in high demand and patients are generally loyal to them.
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I had surgery due to a retinal tear in one eye. My right is close to 20-20 but my prescription is different in each eye. I don’t need glasses for distance but use reading glasses (2.5). Because my reading prescriptions differ, I struggle reading and sometimes close one eyes to read.
I’m considering getting prescription reading glasses even though I like having cheap drugstore glasses.
I recently got prescription distance glasses for night driving but they’re not great. Those prescriptions differ also but they’re not perfect so I sometimes close one eye and use my one eye with near-perfect vision.
I think I’ll get prescription reading glasses but may try new prescription distance gjasses although my doc wasn’t able to perfectly nail my prescription.
You should have more success with the reading glasses. However, if you find it is similar (feel you need to close one eye) you should have your binocular vision tested. Also, measure your working distance so you can pass that along to the doctor. That can help get the right Rx
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With too much screen time with this sweatshop job, and texting staff, and spring pollen and insane insomnia. My eyes have this dull burn, is there a drop? I used an old bottle of 2021 systane balance lube drops but doesn't seem to do anything to make it not burn. I really don't feel like going to the optometrist for this.
With too much screen time with this sweatshop job, and texting staff, and spring pollen and insane insomnia. My eyes have this dull burn, is there a drop? I used an old bottle of 2021 systane balance lube drops but doesn't seem to do anything to make it not burn. I really don't feel like going to the optometrist for this.
Try Systane Hydration as step 1. Morning and Night. That old Systane will be expired and not useful. PM me if that doesn't work. There are a lot of things to try before a visit is necessary.
Think of lubrication of the eyes like hand cream. If we wait until our skin is cracked it was too late for the hand cream. Using it daily prevents the cracked skin.
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