A Western Canadian leader in the prevention and treatment of eye disease.
The Eye Institute of Alberta is the proud home of the only hospital-based eye treatment centre in northern Alberta, treating conditions from simple infections to disorders that cause blindness.
The Institute is also internationally recognized for its work in ophthalmology research. As the home to the University of Alberta's Department of Ophthalmology, it is also a clinic that provides valuable experience for medical doctors training to become ophthalmologists.
Always aiming to improve care, outcomes and experiences
Thanks to donors, the Eye Institute of Alberta is the only institute in Alberta with a CLARUS 700 Ultra-Wide Imaging Camera, a vision- and life-saving state-of-the-art diagnostic tool that promises ease and comfort for many patients. Also thanks to donors, funds were raised to bring a new fundus camera to the Royal Alex’s campus, enabling an interdisciplinary team of emergency doctors to detect ocular strokes earlier and deliver more vision-saving treatment and diagnoses, via a new ocular stroke pathway.
These cameras, and of course the expertise of our ophthalmologists, help provide the high level of compassionate care for which the Eye Institute of Alberta is known.
In terms of treatment and education, the centre recently added an office for the Clinical Ophthalmic Educator. This relatively new position is responsible for training the ophthalmic personnel to ensure all members are up-to-date within their scope of practice—a pivotal role in strengthening the ophthalmic staff and technicians.
A new look for patients and physicians
The Eye Institute of Alberta officially opened its doors in 1996 when the Royal Alexandra Hospital moved all eye and vision services in the Edmonton area under one roof.
Originally designed to treat 12,000 patients annually, the clinic now sees up to 45,000 each year thanks to donor support, and a $4 million campaign was recently completed to ensure that eye care in Alberta has never been better.
Several of the changes focus on improving the patient experience, with a backlit wall, paint and signage to make the institute easy to spot from a distance, and the front desk now facing patients as they enter, providing a welcoming and warm environment. Upon check-in, patients are now handed a coloured paper with the colour indicating the next stop on their patient journey.
Throughout the centre, wayfinding colours on the floor and ceiling identify the patient’s path, a small change that makes a large difference to their experience.
More improvements include built-in charging stations and furniture in the waiting areas that caters to patients with mobility issues, and barrier-free washrooms that are also easily identified throughout the institute with colour-coordinated ceiling markers and flooring.
Give the gift of sight by making a donation to the Eye Institute of Alberta.
