What to Expect During Your Eye Exam in Burnaby (6 Important Things to Bring)
Let’s be honest, most medical tests can be anxiety-inducing even if we’ve done them before. Part of the stress can be getting to your appointment in the first place. At Real Eyes Optometry in Burnaby, parking is free, and you can easily navigate to our office by following these instructions:
A routine eye exam at Real Eyes Optometry in Burnaby usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes once you are checked in. You can expect a few quick screening tests, a full eye exam with your optometrist, and time at the end to ask questions, review results, and get help with glasses or contact lenses if needed.
Step 1: Check-in – Our front desk staff will help with verifying patient information and filling out enrollment forms. Remember to bring your care card to fill out your MSP waiver.
Step 2 – Preliminary Testing: Depending on your age, you will be led through some vision testing. Patients under 12 will use the auto refractor. Patients over 12 will use the pressure retinol camera and have an OCT test if required by the doctor.
Step 3 – Waiting for your optometrist: Take a seat while your preliminary test data is reviewed by your optometrist. These results can take a minute to process and will be used during your comprehensive eye exam. Thank you for your patience.
Step 4 – Eye exam with your optometrist: During your eye exam, your prescription is measured. Your optometrist will screen your eye health and do a visual field screen if you need to be tested for glaucoma.
Step 5 – Check out: Once your eye exam is complete, our front desk staff will help you schedule any follow-up appointments and get you any products recommended for your eye health.
Step 6 – Eyeglasses: If you have a new prescription and want new frames, we are here to help you in the glasses gallery.
What to Bring to your Eye Exam at Metrotown, Burnaby
Bringing the right information and items helps your optometrist get a complete picture of your eye health and makes the visit smoother for you.
British Columbia health services care card
Your most recent pair of glasses
Your most recent contacts
A driver is recommended if your eyes are dilated
A list of your prescription medications
A translator if you do not speak English
Reviewed by Dr. Amit Sahota, Registered Optometrist (BScOD)
Your Comprehensive Eye Exam: How to Get Here
Knowing what to expect and bring for your comprehensive eye exam makes for a pleasant and relaxed visit!
Please arrive 15 minutes before your exam to ensure that you have enough time to park, walk to us, and fill out paperwork.
Our office is located at Metrotown Metropolis, which is a large mall where you can find over 300 stores. To make your visit more convenient, we have drawn up a map to point you to the closest free parking near us.
Call us ahead of time if you need additional help or accommodations so that we can make sure you are taken care of.
If you are sky training, we created a video to help you navigate the mall. Once you’ve reached Metrotown mall, head to the Grand Court and take the elevator up to the Office Galleria (OG). You will see our office as soon as you step off of the lift.
When you get to Real Eyes Optometry, you will be asked about your health history, including previous and current eye conditions with treatments, systemic conditions, family medical history, current medications, and known allergies.
What is a comprehensive eye exam?
Eye exams are more than just reading letters off a chart, they offer a detailed look at your overall eye health and can even detect underlying health issues.
For a full breakdown of what a comprehensive eye exam involves and why it’s essential for maintaining good vision and eye health, be sure to check out our page on comprehensive eye exams. There, you’ll find everything you need to know to understand its importance.
Why Choose Real Eyes Optometry for your Comprehensive Eye Exam
Our staff at Real Eyes Optometry try our very best to give compassionate, inclusive, and courteous care when helping you with your eye health.
Direct Billing
We make your life easier by submitting your claim directly and confirming coverage prior to booking your eye exam.
Convenient Location
Located in Metrotown Metropolis in Burnaby, with free and accessible parking and easy SkyTrain access.
Family-Run
We are a family-run, full-scope optometry office that strives to provide the highest level of service – all while keeping a smile on our faces.
5-Star Care
Our optometrists try their best to provide inclusive care. They are calm and comforting to make patients of all ages feel at ease.
30+ Years Experience
We provide a comprehensive evaluation of your refractive status, binocular vision system, ocular health, and more.
Kids Play Area
Being located at Metrotown means you can bring your kids, run your errands, and leave them in the play area while you attend to your own vision health needs.
Professional and Compassionate
“I found my new optometrist! Went in for an eye exam and Dr. Pati was very thorough and patient. He was also very knowledgeable and was happy to answer any questions I had. I learned a lot about how my eyes worked and how to keep them healthy, and I will definitely be coming back. Highly recommend!” — Mike Okada
Ready to Book Your Comprehensive Eye Exam?
Your comfort is of the utmost importance to us. You can schedule an appointment by booking online or calling the office if you have any further questions.
You can also keep up with our promotions by following us on social media.
Patient-Centered Comprehensive Eye Exams
“First time here and Dr. Sahota was extremely friendly and personable. Told me exactly what she was doing and what she was looking for. Went above and beyond to do some extra testing as well to ensure everything was healthy with my eyes. Receptionists are friendly as well. COVID procedures like any other retail/office space – felt safe alongside keeping any distance. Happily would recommend.”
— Eric Jeffrey Tan
Real Eyes Optometry
Real Eyes Optometry is centrally located in Metrotown Mall. Our convenient location includes free, accessible parking and the ability for parents to complete errands without driving all over the city.
Consider being able to run to a grocery store, make a clothing return, and grab a quick bite, all while your child is having an eye exam. Of course, accompanying your kid during their eye exam is always a good idea. For details on how to find us, click here.
Dr. Sahota has a special interest in dry eye care and advanced in clinic treatments, including radio frequency technology, and is known for providing thorough, personalized dry eye consultations in multiple languages.
Dr. Pati enjoys caring for patients of all ages, with a particular passion for family eye care and pediatric eye health, helping kids build strong visual habits early in life.
Dr. Wang is highly experienced in contact lens fitting, with a special focus on specialty lenses, and has helped many patients who thought they could never wear contacts comfortably.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice
After Your Eye Exam FAQ
How often should I get an eye exam in Burnaby?
Most adults should have a comprehensive eye exam every year, but your optometrist may recommend something more specific depending on if you wear glasses or contact lenses, have certain health conditions (like diabetes or high blood pressure), or are over age 60. Children and teens should be examined more frequently to monitor developing vision.
How bad is my prescription? What do my eye prescription numbers mean?
Your prescription is simply a set of numbers that describe how your eyes focus light. Your optometrist can explain what each part of your prescription means and whether your vision has changed since your last exam.
Can an eye exam detect other health problems like diabetes or high blood pressure?
Yes. Your eyes can reveal signs of health issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even certain neurological conditions, often before you notice symptoms. That’s why regular eye exams are an important part of your overall health care, not just your vision.
Do I need a referral to book an eye exam in Burnaby?
No, you do not need a referral to see an optometrist for a routine eye exam in Burnaby. You can book directly with Real Eyes Optometry if you notice changes in your vision, spend long hours on screens, or it has simply been a while since your last checkup. If your family doctor or specialist has suggested an eye exam, you can mention that when you book so we can schedule the right type of appointment.
Will my eyes be dilated during my exam, and can I drive afterward?
Dilation is not always required, but it is an important tool for a thorough view of the back of your eyes. Your optometrist will discuss whether dilation is recommended based on your age, symptoms, and risk factors. If you are dilated, your vision can feel bright and slightly blurred up close for a few hours. Many people can still drive safely in familiar daylight conditions with sunglasses, but if you are unsure or nervous about it, we recommend bringing a driver or planning to take transit from Metrotown.
What is the difference between a regular eye exam and a contact lens exam?
A regular comprehensive eye exam checks your vision and eye health, and provides a glasses prescription if needed. A contact lens exam includes all of that plus extra testing to measure the shape and surface of your eyes, assess tear quality, and fit specific contact lenses safely. If you already wear contacts, bring your current lenses, boxes, or prescription to your appointment so we can review how they are working for you.
What if I feel anxious or have had a bad experience with eye exams before?
It is very common to feel nervous about eye exams, especially if you have had uncomfortable tests in the past. Let our front desk and your optometrist know how you are feeling when you arrive. We can explain each step before it happens, give you a moment to relax between tests, and adjust how we do certain procedures when possible. Our goal is to keep the experience as calm, predictable, and comfortable as we can so you feel more confident coming back.
Can I use my work or student benefits for an eye exam at Metrotown?
In many cases, yes. Real Eyes Optometry offers direct billing to a wide range of extended health plans and student benefit plans, when allowed by the insurer. If you share your benefit information with our team before your appointment, we can often confirm your eye exam coverage and estimate out-of-pocket costs in advance. You will still receive a detailed receipt for your records or for any additional claims you may need to submit.
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