How an Online Doctor Can Help With Pink Eye
Assessment, care options and when to seek help.
Assessment
Discuss discharge, itching, pain, vision and contact-lens use. A physician can consider infection, allergy or irritation and advise on further eye assessment.
Care Options
Treatment depends on the cause. Antibiotic drops may help some bacterial infections, but do not treat viral or allergic conjunctivitis.
When to Act
Eye pain, light sensitivity or changes in vision need urgent assessment. A red painful eye in a contact-lens wearer also needs prompt examination. Newborn eye redness or discharge needs immediate medical advice.
Discuss Pink Eye With a Physician
Walk In connects eligible patients in its service areas with BC-licensed physicians for phone or video appointments. The physicians provide the medical care.
MSP-covered visits are free for eligible patients.
Understanding Pink Eye
Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the thin lining over the white of the eye and inside the eyelids. Viruses, bacteria and allergens are common causes. A red eye can also have a more serious explanation.
Care and Treatment
Avoid contact lenses until assessed and recovered. Handwashing and not sharing towels help reduce spread when infection is present. The physician can advise on symptom relief and when to return for reassessment.
Your Appointment in Three Steps
Step 1 Book Your Visit
Choose a service and review the eligible location and care requirements before selecting an available appointment.
Step 2 Speak With a Doctor
Connect by phone or video. Your doctor may need video or an in-person assessment to understand your concern.
Step 3 Plan Your Next Steps
Your doctor will discuss a care plan. Prescriptions, notes, tests and referrals depend on the assessment and clinical need.
Before Your Appointment
What to Have Ready
- Which eye was affected first and symptom duration
- Any pain, light sensitivity or vision change
- Contact lenses, eye products and recent exposures
Learn about the physicians on Walk In and their backgrounds before your appointment.
Questions About Pink Eye
How Can I Tell Allergic Pink Eye From an Infection?
Prominent itching in both eyes with sneezing or seasonal symptoms can suggest allergies. Viral and bacterial infections may involve discharge, redness and exposure to someone with similar symptoms, but there is overlap. Eye appearance or discharge colour alone does not reliably establish the cause.
A physician can review the pattern and decide whether treatment for allergy, supportive care or another assessment is appropriate. Pain, light sensitivity, reduced vision or contact lens use changes the concern and may require prompt direct eye assessment.
Do I Need Antibiotic Drops for a Red Eye?
Antibiotic drops treat certain bacterial infections; they do not treat allergy or a viral infection. Some cases settle with supportive care, while other causes of a red eye need a different treatment entirely. The important first step is determining which explanation fits your symptoms.
A physician can review duration, discharge, pain, vision and contact lens use to guide the next step. Do not use leftover antibiotic or steroid eye drops without advice, because they can be unsuitable and may delay the right diagnosis.
Can I Wear Contact Lenses While My Eye Is Red or Irritated?
Remove the lenses and seek advice before wearing them again. Contact lens wear can be associated with corneal infections and other problems that should not be treated as routine pink eye, particularly when there is pain, light sensitivity or any change in vision.
A clinician can advise how urgently the eye needs to be examined and when lens wear can resume. Mention whether you slept or swam in the lenses and bring details of the lens type and cleaning routine. Avoid sharing towels or eye products while an infection is possible.
Who Can Book, and What Does It Cost?
Booking is available to eligible patients in Walk In’s service areas. MSP-covered physician visits are free for eligible patients. Check the booking portal for current eligibility and appointment availability. See pricing for private visits and other services.
Health Information Sources
This page provides general information. Your physician will assess your individual symptoms and medical history.
Speak With a Doctor About Pink Eye
Connect with a physician through Walk In. Check your eligibility and choose an available appointment.