Eye Exams

How Much Is an Eye Exam in Alberta?

Posted on February 25, 2025 by Dr. Heather Cowie

Optometrist explaining eye exam procedure to patient using diagnostic equipment in a modern clinic setting

In Alberta, the cost of an eye exam varies depending on the clinic, the services provided, and whether additional testing is required. […]

How Long Is an Eye Exam?

Posted on January 2, 2025 by Dr. Heather Cowie

Two laughing parents on either side of their smirking young child as all wear instruments for testing vision at an eye exam

Fortunately, routine eye exams usually only take 30-45 minutes. However, the time can vary if your optometrist needs to perform additional tests or if you are being fitted for contact lenses. […]

Myopia vs. Hyperopia vs. Astigmatism: What’s the Difference?

Posted on August 28, 2024 by Dr. Heather Cowie

Myopia causes distant objects to appear blurry due to an elongated eye. Hyperopia makes close objects blurry because the eye is too short. Astigmatism distorts vision at all distances due to an irregularly shaped cornea or lens. […]

Optomap Ultra-Widefield Retinal Imaging: Seeing The Bigger Picture

Posted on September 13, 2023 (September 13, 2023) by Dr. Heather Cowie

What is the Optomap? Have you ever wondered what the inside of your eye looks like? The Optomap is like the ultimate selfie stick for your eyeballs. It is a diagnostic tool that allows our Optometrists to capture an ultra-widefield view of your retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of your eye. The Optomap […]

The Impact of Digital Devices on Children’s Eye Health: Tips for Parents

Posted on September 12, 2023 by Dr. Heather Cowie

It’s no secret that computers, tablets, cell phones, and video games have become staples in our children’s everyday lives. So how does this affect our children? The truth is that most children are spending too much time on screens, which can lead to poor eye development and increases your child’s risk of developing certain eye […]

What is a Comprehensive Eye Exam?

Posted on October 4, 2022 by Dr. Heather Cowie

A boy at an optometrists office smiling and sitting behind a phoropter

Simply put, a comprehensive eye exam evaluates the health and function of your eyes. During an eye exam, your optometrist will check all parts of your eyes to check overall health and identify any eye conditions if present. Eye exams for adults, seniors, and children provide a proactive approach to eye health. Early detection of […]

Can Diabetes Be Detected in an Eye Exam?

Posted on July 6, 2022 by Dr. Heather Cowie

A female optometrist examining a male patient's eyes

You’ve probably heard people talking about our eyes being windows to our souls, which is a nice thought but lacks evidence! On the other hand, routine comprehensive eye exams regularly catch many different diseases and conditions. Diabetes is one of those diseases that isn’t directly related to your eyes. However, not only can it affect […]

Double Vision

Posted on August 15, 2017 (May 17, 2023) by Dr. Heather Cowie

Understanding Double Vision Double vision is a condition that’s familiar to most. It’s so common in fact, that cartoons and comedies often use double vision as a joke or a gag. While it can set up some funny situations, double vision can cause significant difficulty and frustration, and can even be a symptom of a […]

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We are located just off Main St, in the Towerlane Shopping Centre. There is plenty of parking out front, and our team looks forward to welcoming you!

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705 Main St S, Suite 150
Airdrie, AB T4B 3M2

Contact Information

Phone: 403.912.2020
Email: [email protected]

Hours of Operation

Monday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

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Check Out Our Blog

Explore expert advice, practical tips, and the latest research on maintaining eye health, preventing diseases, and more in our blog!

When Is It Too Late to Treat Lazy Eye?

While the optimal timing for amblyopia treatment is during childhood years, the fact is that it’s never “too late” to treat lazy eye. […]

April 7, 2025

Dr. Heather Cowie

Can Dry Eyes Cause Blurry Vision & Headaches?

Dry eyes are a common issue that can cause discomfort and irritation. However, they can also lead to blurry vision and headaches, making everyday tasks like reading, driving, or using screens more difficult. […]

March 11, 2025

Dr. Heather Cowie

How Much Is an Eye Exam in Alberta?

In Alberta, the cost of an eye exam varies depending on the clinic, the services provided, and whether additional testing is required. […]

February 25, 2025

Dr. Heather Cowie

How Long Is an Eye Exam?

Fortunately, routine eye exams usually only take 30-45 minutes. However, the time can vary if your optometrist needs to perform additional tests or if you are being fitted for contact lenses. […]

January 2, 2025

Dr. Heather Cowie

Are Carrots Actually Good for Eye Health?

Carrots are good for your eye health—but they’re only one part of a larger picture. They do contain plenty of eye-friendly nutrients, but they’re not a cure-all secret weapon for instantly improving sight. […]

December 27, 2024

Dr. Heather Cowie

Can Myopia Be Cured or Reversed?

The short answer is no, however, myopia can be corrected by glasses or contact lenses, and treatments are available to manage the progression of myopia in children. Treatment options include specialized multifocal lenses and atropine drops.

In adults, surgery options like LASIK can reduce or eliminate dependence on corrective lenses by reshaping the cornea, though this does not cure myopia. […]

November 18, 2024

Dr. Heather Cowie

Myopia Control Lenses: Understanding the Benefits & Your Options

Imagine your child struggling to see the board at school or squinting at their homework every night. Myopia, or nearsightedness, can make daily activities a challenge, but there’s good news—myopia control lenses offer a way to slow the progression of this condition and protect your child’s long-term vision. These specialized lenses don’t just improve how […]

October 3, 2024

Dr. Heather Cowie

5 Reasons Your Baby Is Rubbing Their Eyes

Some common causes of a baby rubbing their eyes include:

Tiredness

Dryness

Allergies

Infections

Myopia

Learning more about eye rubbing can help you make an informed decision about when to schedule an appointment for your child’s eye exam. […]

September 20, 2024

Dr. Heather Cowie

Myopia vs. Hyperopia vs. Astigmatism: What’s the Difference?

August 28, 2024

Dr. Heather Cowie

Glaucoma: Understanding This Sneaky Eye Disease

January is Glaucoma Awareness Month, and we’re here to shed some light on this stealthy yet potentially vision-threatening condition. Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that affect the optic nerve. Think of the optic nerve as the unsung hero behind the scenes, responsible for transmitting visual information to the brain. Now, here’s the catch […]

January 11, 2024

Dr. Heather Cowie

10 Lessons I’ve Learned Over 10 Years

Let me start by saying WOW. Did I read that correctly? Has it really been 10 years? I remember bringing my 6-month baby to the clinic so that we could repaint, install counters and a sink, and hoping it would be dried for our first patient the next day. I remember feeling like I had […]

December 20, 2023

Dr. Heather Cowie

Stress and Your Vision: How They Relate To Each Other

Your eyes are not just windows to your soul; they are intricate, delicate organs, acting as finely tuned cameras, designed to capture the world’s beauty in vibrant detail. These remarkable organs deserve their own superhero theme song, but instead, they often get hit with the blues when stress comes to town. Recognizing the significance of […]

November 10, 2023

Dr. Heather Cowie

Halloween Contact Lenses: Staying Spooky & Safe

Halloween is just around the corner, and you might be gearing up to put together the most epic costume ever. You’ve got the spooky decorations, the eerie soundtrack, and a killer costume idea. But wait, have you considered adding a unique touch to your look with colored contact lenses? Before you dive into the world […]

October 13, 2023

Dr. Heather Cowie

Optomap Ultra-Widefield Retinal Imaging: Seeing The Bigger Picture

September 13, 2023

Dr. Heather Cowie

The Impact of Digital Devices on Children’s Eye Health: Tips for Parents

September 12, 2023

Dr. Heather Cowie

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Is Rubbing Your Eyes Bad for You?

Too much rubbing could damage your eyes, worsen existing conditions like glaucoma, and increase your risk of getting an eye infection. […]

May 2, 2023

Dr. Heather Cowie

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How to Prevent an Eye Infection

Just like the common cold, eye infections can happen to anyone. From shopping carts, door handles, and other everyday items, you can pick up bacteria and germs that can make their way into your eyes. Preventing eye infections takes positive hygiene practices, like using clean towels and washing your face and eyelids daily, to help […]

March 30, 2023

Dr. Heather Cowie

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Why We Should Stop Saying Lazy Eye

Medical terms for many conditions develop new names that are easy to digest for the layperson. Eye diseases are no different. Amblyopia and strabismus are sometimes referred to as “lazy” eyes because one eye sees better than the other. Not only is the term lazy eye misleading, but it’s also inaccurate. These conditions aren’t a […]

March 9, 2023

Dr. Heather Cowie

Is Dark Mode Better For Your Eyes?

There’s no conclusive evidence to suggest that dark mode helps digital eye strain, but it may help reduce blue light, potentially affecting sleep quality.

It’s been suggested that dark mode isn’t enough, and what makes the difference is dimming the screen’s brightness setting.

[…]

November 8, 2024

Dr. Heather Cowie

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Vitamins for Dry Eyes: Omega 3 & More

Many factors can contribute to dry eye, including the foods you eat, your environment, and digital eye strain. The good news is, adding vitamins and minerals such as omega-3s and Vitamins A, D, and B12 can help protect against dry eye disease and maintain your overall health. […]

November 8, 2024

Dr. Heather Cowie

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What is Myopia Management?

For many children of school age, myopia, sometimes known as nearsightedness, is a fact of life. About 30% of Canadians have it, with projections suggesting as much as 50% of the world population will have it by 2050! Suffice it to say, if you have it, you’re in good company. But what if your child […]

December 21, 2022

Dr. Heather Cowie

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What is Evaporative Dry Eye?

Experiencing dry eyes is never pleasant, and finding relief is usually the first thing on your mind. The first step to finding relief is visiting your optometrist for a comprehensive eye exam to get to the bottom of your dry eye symptoms. But dry eye can come in different forms, like evaporative dry eye. Let’s […]

October 21, 2022

Dr. Heather Cowie

What is a Comprehensive Eye Exam?

October 4, 2022

Dr. Heather Cowie

When Should My Child Have Their First Eye Exam?

It’s important to start your young children off right in every manner, including their eye health. But when should you begin having your child’s eyes examined? Beginning early is best to ensure they are successful at home, at school, and during after-school fun. It’s crucial to schedule eye tests for children early because some early […]

August 26, 2022

Dr. Heather Cowie

How Does Vision Therapy Work?

Vision care is a consistent process. With the evolution of vision care research, your optometrist has more options than ever to help manage your vision. Vision therapy is a program built on evidence-based activities to help your visual system. Let’s look at how vision therapy works, including some exercises you can do and the vision […]

July 14, 2022

Ariana Hilliard

Can Diabetes Be Detected in an Eye Exam?

July 6, 2022

Dr. Heather Cowie

What Causes Dry Eyes with Contacts?

Contact lenses can be a great alternative to wearing eyeglasses. They can be more convenient and hassle-free and they don’t fog up! Have you tried wearing contact lenses and given up on them because they didn’t quite work for you? Wearing contact lenses can cause dry eyes, although this can be treated and avoided by […]

June 8, 2022

Dr. Heather Cowie

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Our Promise To You

Wow! What a whirlwind these last few months have been, we sincerely hope that you and your families are healthy and happy during this challenging time. On April 30th the Alberta government announced that essential health services, which includes Optometry clinics can return to offering routine care. This announcement means that we can now begin […]

May 20, 2020

Dr. Heather Cowie

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Making a Difference: How To Contribute to Healthy Vision in the Developing World

What I was in my 20s, I spent some time living in Guatemala. I worked at an eye care mission and saw first-hand how even the most basic care could make an unbelievable difference in someone’s life, particularly someone living in a developing country. My experiences in Guatemala played a huge role in my decision […]

March 5, 2020

Dr. Heather Cowie

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How Supporting Local Businesses Impacts Everyone

Over the last few years, we’ve seen a lot of local Airdrie businesses close their doors. As a local business owner and a proud member of the Airdrie community, it makes me sad to see so many awesome Airdrie stores, restaurants, and more go under. Lately, I’ve been trying to support more local businesses and I’ve […]

December 24, 2019

Dr. Heather Cowie

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Visual Problems in Kids Affect More Than Just Learning

80% of learning is visual, which is why optometrists try to stress the importance of eye exams for kids. But as a parent and optometrist, I think we’re focusing too much on a single facet of a multi-faceted issue. The reality is that vision affects your child in every area of their life, not just […]

November 6, 2019

Dr. Heather Cowie

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The Myopia Epidemic: Why Parents Should Manage Screen Time

Vision is a crucial part of the learning process. In fact, research indicates that approximately 80% of learning is visual. Regardless of your child’s age, they rely on their eyesight to help them reach developmental milestones, keep up with peers academically, and even pick up on social cues. However, the increase in myopia or nearsightedness […]

October 18, 2019

Dr. Heather Cowie

Learning Disabilities & How They Relate to Vision

It’s no secret that vision problems can severely disable a child’s vision problem. But what happens if your child has vision issues and another learning disability? Research shows that children with learning disabilities are actually more likely to suffer from vision problems. Unfortunately, the symptoms associated with many learning disabilities often overlap with the symptoms of […]

October 8, 2019

Dr. Heather Cowie

UV Light

UV & You: How Ultraviolet Light Affects Your Eyes You know you should wear sunglasses for your eyes and you know not to look directly at the sun. But do you know why? Every day, you’re warned against the dangers of UV light. But do you know what that means? Before you can protect yourself, […]

August 15, 2017

Dr. Heather Cowie

Colour Blindness

Living Without Colour: Understanding Colour Deficiency Did you know that colour blindness really isn’t blindness at all? It’s a deficiency. Did you know that about 8 percent of men are colour deficient, while less than 1 percent of women are? We’ve heard a lot about colour deficiency or “colour blindness” over the span of our […]

August 15, 2017

Dr. Heather Cowie

Macular Hole

A Close Look at Macular Holes Your body changes over time; sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse. While we can’t always change this fact, we can educate ourselves so we know what to look for, and when a change requires medical attention. In this article, we’ll be covering macular holes; what you need […]

August 15, 2017

Dr. Heather Cowie

Corneal Abrasion

Corneal Abrasions: Do They Damage Your Eyes? The human eye is not a particularly tough organ. It’s soft, exposed, and an essential part of our everyday lives. As such, it’s no surprise that eyes sustain injuries every day. The most common of these injuries is the corneal abrasion. A corneal abrasion is really just a […]

August 15, 2017

Dr. Heather Cowie

Double Vision

August 15, 2017

Dr. Heather Cowie

Feeling The Love

“What an amazing experience! The office is easy to locate in Towerlane Mall and there’s lots of parking right in front. Entering, it is very clean, bright and the friendly staff greet you right away! Looking for new glasses for myself, we were presented with a very large and diverse selection to choose from. I can’t begin to recommend this Family Clinic highly enough and would without hesitation, rate a 10⭐ if that option were available. If you’re looking, give them a call, you’ll be happy you did!!”

-Ted

My youngest and I will never go anywhere else. Your vision really is their number one priority. Treated with respect, kindness and compassion. Very grateful!

-Liane

Absolutely love this place, from the moment you walk in the door you’re greeted with smiling faces and positives attitudes. My kids love seeing Dr. Cowie, she can brighten up anyone’s day 💜

-Carmen

We are long time patients at Airdrie Family Eye Doctors for a very good reason. We have interacted with multiple doctors and front end staff and they are all amazing. You will never find a better eye doctor than this. They are honest, trustworthy, and compassionate. They are dedicated members of the Airdrie community working incredibly hard to make a difference far beyond their clinic practice. I can’t say enough good about them. Highly recommend.

-Jamie

Great team – always go above & beyond to help and get you to the place you need to be with your vision without overselling. They genuinely care about the service they provide. Thanks!

-Karen

“Airdrie Family Eye Doctors has been taking care of my whole family’s eye care needs since we moved to Airdrie 8 years ago. It always is a pleasant experience and every one is so caring and seem to really enjoy their jobs.”

-Sharon

“We see Dr. Kanji for our family and she is outstanding. She has a great sense of humor and is extremely thorough. Dr. Kanji is wonderful with children and teens alike. The staff that helps with glasses and contacts are incredibly friendly and helpful. They try every route with your insurance to save you on out of pocket expenses. I highly recommend Airdrie Family Eye Doctors.”

-Lesley

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Category: Eye Exams

Our Comprehensive Services

Adult Eye Exams

Contact Lenses

Vision Therapy

Community Support

Visit Our Location

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Hours of Operation

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Check Out Our Blog

When Is It Too Late to Treat Lazy Eye?

Can Dry Eyes Cause Blurry Vision & Headaches?

How Much Is an Eye Exam in Alberta?

How Long Is an Eye Exam?

Are Carrots Actually Good for Eye Health?

Can Myopia Be Cured or Reversed?

Myopia Control Lenses: Understanding the Benefits & Your Options

5 Reasons Your Baby Is Rubbing Their Eyes

Myopia vs. Hyperopia vs. Astigmatism: What’s the Difference?

Glaucoma: Understanding This Sneaky Eye Disease

10 Lessons I’ve Learned Over 10 Years

Stress and Your Vision: How They Relate To Each Other

Halloween Contact Lenses: Staying Spooky & Safe

Optomap Ultra-Widefield Retinal Imaging: Seeing The Bigger Picture

The Impact of Digital Devices on Children’s Eye Health: Tips for Parents

Is Rubbing Your Eyes Bad for You?

How to Prevent an Eye Infection

Why We Should Stop Saying Lazy Eye

Is Dark Mode Better For Your Eyes?

Vitamins for Dry Eyes: Omega 3 & More

What is Myopia Management?

What is Evaporative Dry Eye?

What is a Comprehensive Eye Exam?

When Should My Child Have Their First Eye Exam?

How Does Vision Therapy Work?

Can Diabetes Be Detected in an Eye Exam?

What Causes Dry Eyes with Contacts?

Our Promise To You

Making a Difference: How To Contribute to Healthy Vision in the Developing World

How Supporting Local Businesses Impacts Everyone

Visual Problems in Kids Affect More Than Just Learning

The Myopia Epidemic: Why Parents Should Manage Screen Time

Learning Disabilities & How They Relate to Vision

UV Light

Colour Blindness

Macular Hole

Corneal Abrasion

Double Vision

Feeling The Love

-Ted

-Liane

-Carmen

-Jamie

-Karen

-Sharon

-Lesley

Our Google Reviews

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