Optometrist Services
Regular eye exams are one of the best ways to take care of your vision and overall eye health. At smarteyes!, we provide full-service eye exams for kids, adults, and seniors in Courtenay and across the Comox Valley. Whether you’re updating a prescription or checking on your eye health, our exams are tailored to you.
Why Eye Exams Matter
Eye exams do more than just check for a prescription. Some eye conditions show no symptoms at first and routine eye exams are the best way to catch them early, ensuring the best outcomes for your vision.
- Detect early signs of glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cataracts.
- Treat dry eyes and ocular allergies.
- Monitor changes in vision and update prescriptions to reduce eye strain.
- Support lifelong eye health at every age.
Taking care of your eyes now helps protect your sight for the future.
Eye Exams for All Ages
We welcome patients of all ages at smarteyes!. Our team is experienced in working with children, adults, and seniors, tailoring each eye exam to suit your stage of life. Whether you’re booking your child’s first exam or managing age-related vision changes, we’re here to provide the right care.
Between screens, work, and life, adult eyes go through a lot. We help you stay ahead of any changes and ensure your prescription keeps up with your needs.
We recommend a child’s first eye exam as early as 6 months, or earlier if you have concerns. Kids may not notice vision issues, but we can help catch them early. Good vision supports learning, reading, and overall development.
As we age, eye health becomes even more important. We screen for conditions like macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma, and help manage ongoing vision needs.
What to Expect During Your Eye Exam
An eye exam at our optical clinic usually takes about 30 minutes. Here’s what it includes:
- Review of your eye and medical history
- Vision testing and prescription updates
- Eye pressure testing and internal eye health check
- Time to ask questions and go over results
We explain everything so you know what’s going on with your eyes and why it matters.
Answers to Common Questions
Got questions about your eye exam? Here are some of the most common things patients ask us before their visit. If you’re unsure about anything else, feel free to give us a call — we’re happy to help.
Most people should come in every 1–2 years. We’ll recommend what’s best based on your age, health, and vision needs.
Bring your current glasses or contact lenses, your care card (for MSP), and any insurance info if you want to use direct billing.
Sometimes, yes – especially for certain tests or if we need to dilate your pupils. We’ll always explain why and ask before we use them.
If your eyes are dilated, you may want to bring a driver or wait until your vision clears. Most patients are fine to drive after a standard exam.
Meet Dr. Kevin Shelswell
Optometrist Courtenay
Dr. Kevin Shelswell is a Courtenay-based optometrist with deep roots on Vancouver Island. Known for his approachable style and attention to detail, he takes the time to get things right. Patients of all ages appreciate how clearly he explains things and how comfortable he makes the process.