Calgary Vision Centre

When it comes to health related items, I do not quibble on price. Too often I see people complain or give lower reviews saying «they have the latest equipment and technology», but it was too expensive”.
Vision is THE single most critical sensory component in the human body, I believe in hiring the best. A friend referred me to the Calgary Vision Centre knowing my high standards. I made an appointment with Dr. Burke whom I later learned graduated from one of the top Optometry schools in the US. This brought peace of mind given the programs down south are much more rigorous and competitive than those in Canada.
The exam was the single most thorough I have ever had. There are a battery of tests conducted over a 20 minute period with digital equipment that map all the components for your eye. The equipment is infrared, ultrasound, etc. Dr. Burke then spends nearly 30 minutes walking through all the tests and makes recommendations. The level of technology was nothing like I had ever seen. I concur with my friends recommendation; Calgary Vision Centre is the most advanced eye clinic in the Calgary market and Dr. Burke is one of the leading Doctors of Optometry in Alberta.
Calgary Vision Centre charges $ 129 for an exam. Given you only have to go once every other year; any person who considers themselves halfway intelligent should be willing to pay an extra $ 30 to see the best. I had a nice surprise after finishing the exam when I learned Blue Cross covered my entire cost of the exam. They also have the ability to direct bill your insurance for glasses and contacts, which is also a nice benefit. Despite these great benefits, I’d gladly pay to see Dr. Burke again even if it wasn’t covered.
If you value your eyesight, Calgary Vision Centre is without a doubt the best clinic in the Calgary market.

I’ve been seeing Dr. Justin Norris for about 10 years now. He was recommended by a friend who at the time mentioned she had gone to high school with him. I no longer see the friend, in the interests of full disclosure, but am happy to report I still see Dr. Norris on an annual basis. It is too easy to write a good review and sound insincere, particularly if you have literally nothing bad to say. The last couple of times I’ve shown up early for appointments and I’ve been accommodated by being seen early. The office staff is always pleasant, well-​mannered and organized. They have a dizzying array of eye-​testing equipment and the staff guides you comfortably through the tests. Dr. Norris is affable and friendly while at the same time giving a thorough explanation of all the tests he does each year. He explains everything about the health of each eye in detail, patiently answers questions, and involves the patient in decisions. It’s hard to capture in words how effortless he makes it all look. Very pleased with the care I receive here and will continue to come back as I have the last ten years.

This place is wonderful. Much unlike the Unilocaler below, I have had nothing but wonderful service here. The receptionists are welcoming and accommodating, and in fact go above and beyond in my opinion. The optometrist is respectful, professional, helpful, and friendly. They have a nice selection of frames, though they err more on the expensive side.
Really glad that this place was recommended to me, as I have never had a better optometrist expensive (and I’ve been wearing glasses since I was 4 yrs old!)!

I used to live down south, so my main optometrist was close to home. But now that I’m living and working inner city, it was just too much of an effort to get there during opening hours. So, I was working at Gulf Canada Square at the time and this optometrist, no surprise, was the most convenient. I can just hop in on my lunch hour and get my eye exam once a year.
Granted, the price is a little steep for an exam ($ 120, where I hear it’s $ ⁸⁰⁄₉₀ other places) but they also have the newest technology, including a machine that «xrays» your eye and you can see slices of it on a screen… it’s pretty cool. I have a terrible prescription and wear contacts ²⁴⁄₇ (ok, not when I sleep) so it’s really important to me to ensure I have the healthiest eyes possible. My family is also very susceptible to cataracts. So, yay?
I never have issues making an appointment, and they’ve taken me same-​day when I needed to get in urgently once, so I’d recommend this optometrist (just make sure your insurance covers the whole exam!)
Review #4 of Unilocal’s 30 Day Challenge 2012