Frequently asked questions
How should I prepare for my appointment?
Please bring your Ontario health card, any prescription glasses and contact lens packaging that you may have, and a list of medications. If you have any medical history of ocular injuries or surgeries, please bring along any associated documentation as well.
Your optometrist may want to dilate your eyes to better check for ocular diseases. If you agree to the dilation drops, your vision may feel blurry and sensitive to light. In that case, you may want to bring along sunglasses and somebody to help you get home.
What age should children start having their eyes checked?
Our optometrists are happy to see children of all ages. The Ontario Association of Optometrists recommends that children have their first exam at 6 months old, 1 year, 3 years and then annually. Eye exams for infants and children are conducted very differently from adult eye exams so there is no need to worry about children who are too young to read letters and give reliable feedback to the doctor.
Why do I need an eye exam if I can see fine?
Visual changes often progress gradually so reduced vision may not be as noticeable to the patient. Furthermore, many eye diseases do not cause vision loss until they have significantly progressed and the vision loss is often irreversible by that time. Early detection by your optometrist can allow for an improved prognosis and prevent further damage.
Should I see my optometrist if I am interested in LASIK surgery?
Yes! Our optometrist can conduct a comprehensive examination to determine if you would be a good candidate for laser vision correction. They could then refer you to a surgical centre based on your needs. Our optometrists are connected to a number of laser vision correction centres in the area so they can also provide all of your pre-operative and post-operative appointments.
What is the difference between an optician, optometrist and an ophthalmologist?
An optometrist is a primary eyecare provider. They check your vision, ocular function, determine glasses and contact lens prescriptions, and check for ocular disease. An optometrist can often prescribe medications and treat eye diseases in office.
Glasses prescriptions are taken to the optician who makes and dispenses the spectacles.
An ophthalmologist is a medical physician that specializes in the eyes. They can conduct eye examinations but can also perform surgeries and advanced treatment options. Most ophthalmologists require a referral from your optometrist or family physician.