Eye Clinic

The Eye Clinic at the IWK Health Centre is recognized internationally for excellence in patient care, research, and teaching in Pediatric Ophthalmology, Orthoptics, and Ophthalmic Medical Technology.

Located on the 6th floor of the IWK Children’s Site, the clinic operates multiple specialty clinics each day. Our team includes ophthalmologists, orthoptists, ophthalmic technicians, and administrative staff, all committed to providing expert and compassionate care to patients and their families.

Our Services

We care for a wide range of eye conditions and focus on evidence-based treatments for the best outcomes. Our services include:

• Treatment of strabismus (crossed or misaligned eyes) in children and adults
• Amblyopia (lazy eye) treatment
• Cataract surgery in children
• Treatment of glaucoma
• Pediatric neuro-ophthalmic assessment and care
• Diagnosis and management of oculo-genetic disorders
• Treatment of blocked tear ducts
• Treatment of retinal disorders
• Low vision rehabilitation
• Electrodiagnostic testing

Clinic Locations

We operate six clinics at two sites:

At the IWK Health Centre:

• Eye Clinic
• Orthoptic Clinic
• Electrodiagnostic Lab
• Low Vision Clinic

At the Bayers Lake Community Outreach Centre:

• Eye Clinic
• Orthoptic Clinic

What to Expect During Your Visit

Who Will You Meet?

Administrative Staff
Our front desk team will greet you, help with registration, and provide friendly support throughout your visit.

Ophthalmic Technicians
Ophthalmic Technicians assist with tests and imaging, including digital photos, OCT scans, eye pressure measurements, and visual field tests.

Orthoptist/Ophthalmic Medical Technologist

Orthoptists / Ophthalmic Medical Technologists perform diagnostic evaluations and non-surgical treatment of disorders of vision, binocular vision, eye movement, and eye alignment in children and adults. Orthoptists at the IWK Health Centre hold a Master of Science degree in Clinical Vision Science along with a Graduate Diploma in Orthoptics/Ophthalmic Medical Technology. Orthoptists work in the Eye Clinic performing the preliminary examination of patients and in the Orthoptic Clinic performing extensive investigations and recommending therapy.

The Electrodiagnostic Team

A team consisting of two Orthoptist / Ophthalmic Medical Technologists with specialized training in electrodiagnostic testing carry out the performance and interpretation of ERGs (electroretinograms), VEPs (visual evoked potentials), and other specialized tests. These tests give computerized recordings of electrical activity of either the back of the eye (the retina) or the back of the brain (the occipital cortex).

Ophthalmology Fellows and Residents
You may be seen by a Fellow (an ophthalmologist in sub-specialty training) or a Resident (a doctor training in ophthalmology), always under the supervision of a staff ophthalmologist.

Ophthalmologists
Ophthalmologists are medical doctors specializing in comprehensive eye care, including medical and surgical treatments, with extra training in pediatric ophthalmology.

Your Appointment:

When you arrive at the Eye Clinic for your appointment, proceed to the registration desk. At the desk, you will be greeted and registered by one of our administrative staff. You will then have a seat in our waiting room.

An Orthoptist or Ophthalmic Technician will bring you to their examining lane for your examination. When they are finished with your examination, they will either send you home or, if you are seeing the Ophthalmologist, they will ask you return to the waiting room.

An Ophthalmologist will then call you in for our examination.   

The Eye Exam:

An eye appointment at the IWK will take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the purpose of the appointment, the amount of testing required, the patient’s age, and their willingness to cooperate with the examination. An appointment at the Eye Clinic can involve:

• Vision testing (determining how well you see)
• Eye alignment and movement assessment (determining if your eyes are straight and how they move)
• Binocular function testing (determining how well your eyes work together)
• Color vision testing (determining how well you see colours)
• Visual field testing (measures your peripheral vision, or how well you can see above, below, and to the sides of something you are looking at)
• Eye pressure testing (done to see if you have glaucoma)
• Pupil dilation using eye drops (make the patient's pupils bigger)
• Examination of the inside of the eyes (examination of the retina and optic nerve), outside of the eyes (examination of the cornea, conjunctiva, and sclera), the eyelids, and lashes
• Refraction (determining if a patient needs glasses)

Exams are tailored based on age, needs, and medical history.

Eye Drops and Dilation

Why are eye drops used?

• To enlarge the pupil for a better view inside the eye
• To relax focusing muscles for accurate glasses prescription
• To treat certain eye conditions

Duration

• Effects usually last 4 to 24 hours (longer for light-coloured eyes)
• Dilating drops used for treatment of some conditions can last up to 2 weeks

Possible Side Effects

• Blurry near vision
• Light sensitivity (sunglasses can help)
• Rare allergic reactions (red or swollen eyelids)
• Atropine-specific side effects (rare): dry mouth, flushed skin, fever, fast heartbeat

Supporting Children and Families

We use child-friendly approaches to make visits as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. If your child is nervous or uncooperative, we have techniques to support you and your family.

What to Bring to Your Appointment

• All current glasses and contact lenses
• A list of all medications (prescription and over-the-counter)
• Toys, books, or activities to entertain your child
• Diapers and snacks for young children
• Sunglasses or a hat (especially if eye drops will be used)
• A support person to drive you home if you receive dilating drops

Important: Adults should not drive after having their eyes dilated.