What Changes Have Been Made Due to COVID-19

To provide the best service to you in a manner that is consistent with the latest guidance from public health advisories regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve made some changes:

To provide you with the best service while safeguarding your health and that of our staff:

  • Staff will be required to complete a health questionnaire every day to screen for symptoms.
  • Doctors and Staff will be provided with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
  • The Clinic will follow a strict new Standard Operating Procedure for the cleaning of equipment and the general facility.
  • All equipment and surfaces will be disinfected before each patient to ensure a safe exam experience.
  • Patients will be asked if they are ill or have COVID-19 symptoms when booking appointments, and again when they arrive at the office.
  • Patients will be asked to make appointments, rather than come for walk-in care, and will be asked to arrive at the appointment time (not early or late). This will help ensure the waiting room has the fewest number of people at any one time.
  • When you schedule an appointment, your optometrist will ask you to bring your mask. If you do not have a mask, they may be able to provide one or may have to reschedule your appointment until a mask is available.
  • A hand sanitizing station will be available at the office entrance. You will be required to sanitize your hands when you enter the office.
  • Optometrists and staff that you interact with will be wearing personal protective equipment (like masks or other shields) that covers their mouth, nose, and eyes

How Often Do I Need My Eyes Checked?

When and how often you need to get your eyes examined is based on your age, needs, eye heath, medical history, and family eye history. Your Optometrist will let you know when it is best for your next eye exam.

The Canadian Association of Optometrists recommends the following as a general guide:

  • Early Toddlers (6 months -24 months): symptomatic toddlers as soon as six months (or even earlier)
  • Preschool (2 to 5 years): at age 2, annually after that
  • School age (6 to 19 years): annually
  • Adult (20 to 64 years): every one to two years depending on ocular history
  • Older adult (age 65 and older): annually
  • Previous Lasik/Refractive surgery patients: annually

Individuals with medical health conditions such as glaucoma or diabetes, the frequency of visits as determined by your Optometrist.

Do I Have To Check My Eyes Even If Everything Seems Fine?

Vision changes slowly and people are often unaware that they no longer see as well as they could.

Also, eye diseases such as macular degeneration and glaucoma may not cause any noticeable changes in vision when they first occur. With our state-of-the-art diagnostic and imaging equipment, the Optometrists can detect signs of these diseases during a complete annual eye examination and start treatment before there is any permanent damage.

Prevention is the key to maintaining long-term eye heath. Every time you have a complete eye exam; our staff will take digital images of your eyes that will enable us to monitor and track your visual health over time.

What Does An Eye Exam Involve?

You are special, and so is your eye care needs. We tailor each eye exam to your concerns and eye care needs.

To run complete series of eye examination tests and consult with the Optometrist, it takes approximately 45 minutes.

Especially if it is bright out, a pair of sunglasses for when you leave is highly recommended. Dilating drops may be used that will make your eyes especially sensitive to light for a few hours.

A typical examination will include:

  • Review your eye care and general health history. We are interested in the medications you may be taking, family history, and any special needs you may have for your vision due to unique work environments or sports.
  • Assessment of your visual acuity is what most people think of when they think eye exams. We will ask you to tells us what letters or words (for children, you may be able to see from an eye chart. For children, words, (or pictures for children) on eye charts.
  • Binocular vision tests your ability to use both of your eyes together and sense depth perception.
  • Tests of refractive and accommodation (focusing)
  • Physical examination of your eyes. The Optometrists will use lights and high magnification scopes and lenses to look for early signs of eye disease and the cause of any eye complaints.
  • Measurement of the pressure of your eyes to assess the risk of glaucoma will be done.
  • All examinations include the OPTOMAP digital retinal imaging of the eyes to establish a benchmark health of the eyes. While the taking of retinal imaging is not an OHIP insured service, it is highly recommended and is usually covered by private insurance. For your exam, please bring your most recent pair of eyeglasses with you. If you wear contact lenses, please bring your latest box or prescription. A list of medications, eye drops, vitamins, and supplements that you are currently taking is very helpful.

How Much Does A Complete Eye Exam Cost?

We believe that the best approach to maintaining good eyesight is through annual eye exams and good eye care. Our examination fees are set based on the Fee Guide recommended by the Ontario Association of Optometrists. An up-to-date fee schedule is available by calling or emailing the clinic.

Is My Eye Exam Covered by OHIP?

As of September 1, 2023, the Ontario Ministry of Health changed the coverage for annual eye care services in Ontario.

OHIP will provide coverage for the following groups below:

  • Children Age 0-19: ONE full eye examination annually
  • Seniors aged 65 and above: ONE full eye examination annually with certain medical conditions, otherwise every 18 months
  • Adults aged 20 to 64 years: ONE full eye examination annually only for people with certain medical conditions such as glaucoma or diabetes.

For detailed changes, please click here.

Note: While OHIP covers basic eye examinations for the specified age groups listed, advanced services such as imaging or dry eye treatments performed by our office are beyond the basic coverage and fees will apply.

Can I use my health benefits or private insurance plans?

Some patients may have health benefits, private insurance and health spending accounts that provide coverage for eye exams, glasses and/or contact lenses.

Patients are required to pay the amount due at the end of the appointment, after which we will issue an official receipt for you to submit to your insurance provider. We are able to provide direct submission or direct billing to most insurers to save you time and paperwork! We are able to submit on your behalf to Blue Cross, Green Shield, Sunlife and the following Telus e-Health providers: