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For urgent eye problems in Vancouver — pink eye, a foreign object, chemical splash, sudden flashes, new floaters, eye pain or vision changes — call or text (604) 777-7579 for a same-day visit. Emergency eye visits are typically covered by MSP, and an optometrist is usually faster and better equipped for eye problems than a hospital ER.
Any of the following should be seen within hours, not days: sudden vision loss, sudden onset of floaters or flashes of light, a painful red eye, chemical splash, a foreign body in the eye, eye trauma, pink eye symptoms, significant eyelid swelling, double vision and severe light sensitivity. If you’re experiencing any of these, call us first — we’ll triage you by phone, reserve a room and equipment, and tell you exactly what to do before you arrive.
Hospital emergency departments have long waits and, in most cases, no specialized eye equipment. A Doctor of Optometry has a slit lamp for magnified examination, retinal imaging, foreign-body removal instruments and prescribing authority for eye infections and inflammation — which is why BC’s health system encourages patients with eye problems to call an optometrist first. Most eye emergencies are diagnosed and treated in one clinic visit, and MSP typically covers medically necessary urgent visits, so there’s no cost barrier for BC residents
Pink eye can be viral, bacterial or allergic — and the treatment is different for each. Viral conjunctivitis doesn’t respond to antibiotics and usually resolves with supportive care; bacterial cases need prescription antibiotic drops; allergic cases respond to anti-allergy therapy. A Doctor of Optometry in British Columbia is trained and licensed to diagnose which type you have and prescribe the appropriate treatment. Viral and bacterial pink eye are contagious — wash hands frequently, avoid touching your eyes and don’t share towels until cleared.
New floaters, flashes of light, or a shadow spreading across your vision can signal a retinal tear or detachment, which is sight-threatening and needs a same-day dilated retinal exam. Our Optomap ultra-widefield imaging is built for exactly this — it captures the far edges of the retina where tears hide. Don’t wait to see if it improves: call immediately, and if a detachment is found we arrange direct, rapid referral to retinal specialists. Learn more about ongoing retinal and eye disease care.
Contact lens wearers face a higher risk of corneal infections, which can escalate fast. Remove your lenses and call us the same day if you have pain, unusual redness, light sensitivity, discharge or blurred vision that doesn’t clear — and never “push through” discomfort with a lens in. Bring your lenses and case to the appointment; they help us identify the cause. Once you’ve healed, a re-fit with different materials or wearing schedules usually prevents a repeat.
Go directly to an emergency department for major eye trauma with an open wound, or vision loss accompanied by stroke symptoms — face drooping, arm weakness, slurred speech. For everything else eye-related, call us first at (604) 777-7579 and we’ll tell you whether to come in, go to hospital, or book for the next day.
Medically necessary urgent eye visits — pink eye, foreign bodies, sudden flashes or floaters — are typically covered by MSP for BC residents of all ages. Bring your BC Services Card and we bill MSP directly.
Yes. Optometrists in BC diagnose conjunctivitis and prescribe antibiotic, antiviral or anti-allergy treatment as needed. An exam determines which type you have, since antibiotics don’t help viral cases.
We do our best to see emergencies the same day. Call or text (604) 777-7579 before coming in so we can reserve a room and give you immediate phone guidance — it also means less waiting for you.
They can be. New floaters with flashes or a shadow in your vision can signal a retinal tear or detachment and need a same-day dilated exam. Call immediately rather than waiting.
Possibly — viral and bacterial pink eye are contagious. Book a same-day visit; we’ll confirm the type, start the right treatment and tell you when it’s safe to return to school or daycare.
Monday–Friday 10:00 AM–6:00 PM and Saturday 9:00 AM–5:00 PM at 612 West 58th Avenue in Marpole — directions here. Outside these hours, severe symptoms should go to a hospital emergency department.
No. Old drops may be contaminated, expired or simply wrong for this infection — using a steroid drop on the wrong condition can make things dramatically worse. Get the current problem diagnosed first; MSP typically covers the visit.