Is your eye hurting, has your vision suddenly changed, or did something get into your eye? At Altitude Optometry in Gatineau, our optometrists can see you quickly to assess your condition, make a diagnosis, and treat you—often on the same day.

During our business hours, please call us at 819-485-1085.

Outside of business hours, please fill out the form on this page, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Frontline optometrists for your eye emergencies

An optometrist is your first point of contact for the diagnosis, treatment, and management of eye emergencies. At Altitude Optometry, a local optometry clinic in Gatineau, we offer emergency consultations 7 days a week. Our team of optometrists with extensive experience in emergencies works closely with local ophthalmologists to ensure the highest quality of care. We are able to treat the majority of eye emergencies.

Eye Emergency Symptoms: When Should You Seek Medical Attention?

Certain symptoms require prompt evaluation. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience:

• Sudden, severe eye pain

• Sudden, partial, or complete loss of vision

• A sensation of a foreign object or an eye injury

• Significant redness accompanied by pain or sensitivity to light

• A sudden, profuse appearance of floating particles, like a shower of black dots or filaments

• Repeated flashes of light, especially when accompanied by floaters

• A veil, a shadow, or a curtain that appears in your field of vision

Things That Generally Do Not Constitute an Emergency

There are several situations that are uncomfortable but can wait until a regular appointment:

• An occasional floating body that appears from time to time and remains stable (very common and generally harmless)

• Mild dryness or a temporary sensation of grit in the eyes

• A slight redness without pain or loss of vision

• Eye strain after a long day in front of a screen

If you're unsure, fill out the form and we'll help you figure it out.

Why choose Altitude Optometry for an eye emergency in Gatineau?

At a hospital, the wait for eye care can be several hours or more. At Altitude Optometry, you’ll often be seen the same day by an optometrist equipped to diagnose and treat most eye emergencies. If necessary, we work directly with local ophthalmologists to ensure you receive the appropriate care.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are you open 24 hours a day?
No. Our eye emergency service is available 7 days a week, but not 24 hours a day. During our business hours, call 819-485-1085 and we’ll schedule an appointment for you right away. Outside of business hours, fill out the form on this page and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

What are the hours of operation for Altitude Optometry in Gatineau?

Monday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tuesday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Wednesday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Thursday: 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: Closed

For an eye emergency outside of these hours, please fill out the form on this page.

Do you offer services outside of regular hours?

Yes. Our optometry clinic in Gatineau offers an emergency eye care service 7 days a week.

During our business hours, please call us at 819-485-1085.

Outside of business hours, please fill out the form on this page. Our team checks it daily, and an optometrist will review your request and get back to you as soon as possible.

Does RAMQ cover eye emergencies?

Only partially. Fees apply in most cases.

The RAMQ covers diagnostic evaluation in the emergency room upon presentation of a valid health insurance card. However, care, treatment, and follow-up are not covered and are the patient’s responsibility. Additional tests, such as pupil dilation in cases of flashes of light or floaters, also incur charges.

The exact amount depends on your situation and will be clearly explained to you before treatment begins.

Should I go to the hospital instead?

In most cases, no. An optometrist is the first point of contact for eye emergencies. At Altitude Optometry, you’ll be seen quickly, without having to wait for hours at the hospital. If necessary, we’ll refer you to an ophthalmologist.