Cowichan Tele-Optometry Service

Cowichan Eyecare is now offering Tele-optometry to our patients while we are experiencing closures due to COVID-19. This is a safe way to receive eye care while practicing social distancing and avoiding walk-in clinics or hospital emergency rooms.

Tele-medicine is the practice of caring for patients remotely when the Doctor and the patient are not physically present with each other.

Tele-optometry does not replace your regular eye exam. It is used for multiple patient issues, such as:

1. Eye infection
2. Eye problem
3. Medication refill
4. Or other health related eye concerns

The government of BC has recently recognized the need for tele-optometry and has partially funded these services through MSP (Medical Services Plan of BC). Other conditions such as loss of vision, double vision and refractive errors still require in-person comprehensive ocular assessments.

There is a $25.00 fee for Tele-Optometry appointments.

How Does Care1 Work?

With modern technology, nearly all of the human eye can now be photographed. Care1 sends these images to Doctors of Ophthalmology, specialized eye surgeons and eye doctors who review them digitally.

STEP 1: Optometrist examines and takes photos of your eyes.

STEP 2: The results and photos are uploaded to Care 1 and reviewed by an ophthalmologist.

STEP 3: Optometrist and ophthalmologist collaborate on diagnosis and treatment.

STEP 4: You receive treatment from your optometrist or are referred if surgical treatment is required.