Services

• Comprehensive eye exam
• Retinal Camera
• Diabetic Vision maintenance

The Importance of a regular eye exam for adults:

During your eye exam the doctor is not only evaluating your eyes for visual correction (if you need eye glasses or contact lenses), they are also checking the overall health and function of your eye.

Most eye diseases have very little or slow symptoms and cannot be detected unless you have a comprehensive eye exam. It is important to catch eye diseases early as some diseases, like Glaucoma, are not reversible, but they can be managed and prevented.

Examples of what the doctor looking for:

• Refractive error:  This refers to your prescription and is corrected with eye glasses, contact lenses or surgery
• Strabismus: This has to do with the muscular function in the eye
• Eye Diseases: These can be detected by looking at the eye’s blood vessels, retina and so forth. Diseases include Glaucoma, Cancer, Cataracts, Retinitis Pigmentosa and many others.
• Eye Problems like dry eyes or computer syndrome

The importance of an eye exam for children and Infants

Since many eye problems arise from conditions that can be identified by an eye doctor in an infant’s first year of life, a parent can give an infant a great gift by seeking an eye assessment in addition to the wellness evaluation of the eyes that is done by a pediatrician or family practice doctor.

How often should I get an eye exam?

Children: An assessment between six and 12 months of age is recommended to determine if an infant is at risk for eye or vision disorders. Children should at least have had one eye examination by the age of three, and then every two years after that (more often if recommended Dr Cormier).

Adults:  We recommended every two years, especially after the age of 40 as age increases the risk of many eye diseases.

Seniors:  Over the age of 70 an annual eye exam is recommended.

Retinal Camera

A retinal camera is a specialized low power microscope with an attached camera designed to photograph the interior surface of the eye, including the retina, optic disc, macula, and posterior pole (i.e. the fundus).

Diabetic Retinopathy:

Diabetes is a disease that occurs when the pancreas does not secrete enough insulin or the body is unable to process it properly.  Insulin is the hormone that regulates the level of sugar (glucose) in the blood.  Diabetes can affect children and adults.  

How does diabetes affect the retina?

Patients with diabetes are more likely to develop eye problems such as cataracts and glaucoma, but the disease’s affect on the retina is the main threat to vision.  Most patients develop diabetic changes in the retina after approximately 20 years.  The effect of diabetes on the eye is called diabetic retinopathy. 

Choosing contact lenses?     

Contact lenses are medical devices which, like drugs, provide benefits while posing certain risks. Many people wear contact lenses to correct their vision. The reasons for choosing contacts over glasses or refractive eye surgery (which corrects the shape of the cornea) include lifestyle, sports and appearance.

With all of the convenient and healthy options available today almost anybody can wear contact lenses, including bifocal and progressive (no Line)eye glass wearers as well as those with astigmatism.

In order to use contact lenses safely you will require a contact lens examination, please ask our staff to set up this appointment for you.

Laser Surgery co-management

Most people with vision correction issues want to know more about LASIK and whether it is right for them.

Here is a brief description of the procedure:

A flap is surgically cut in the cornea and gently folded back. An Excimer Laser is used to reshape the cornea into a flatter shape (this is much like a contact lens corrects vision by forming a new shape on the cornea). The flap is then put back in place, acting like a natural bandage. The healing process is quick and the discomfort level is quite low.

People will often say that they did not feel anything, and could see well the very first day. Most people have improved vision in 24-28 hours, but it must be noted that each person will heal at a different rate. Vision, although greatly improved immediately after surgery, often continues to improve for some weeks, even months.

LASIK is not for everyone.  Eye conditions vary and only after a comprehensive examination will we be able to decide if LASIK surgery is the best course of treatment for you. If you are interested in laser vision correction, we will be happy to guide you in picking the right surgeon, procedure and laser appropriate care for you. 

Spectacle Frames and selection:

We have a wide range of frames for your selection, brands that we carry include:

D&G, Roots, Alfred Sung, Bellagio Ice Cream, Fysh, Guess, Kliik, Flexon, Easi-clip and Humphrey.

For frame selection tips visit www.transitions.com

Sunwear and UV Protection:

Ultraviolet radiation reaches the eyes not only from the sky above but also by reflection from the ground, especially water, snow, sand and other bright surfaces. Protection from sunlight may be obtained by using both a brimmed hat or cap and UV absorbing eyewear.

Ultraviolet radiation may play a contributory role in the development of various ocular disorders including cataract, pterygium, ocular cancers, photokeratitis (flash burns) and corneal degenerative changes.  It may contribute to age-related macular degeneration.

UV Protection — A Must for Children

• The average child receives three times the annual UV exposure of an adult
• 7.5 times greater UVR transmission through the lens inside a child’s eye
• 75% transmission at age 10, 10% at age 30
• Damage from UVR is cumulative

As your eye care professional we consider UV protected sunglasses to be an integral part of your eye care needs.

The brands we carry include: Bolle and Serengeti or you can make your own pair from our range of spectacle frames.

OHIP Information

Changes to OHIP Coverage for Eye Care Services

Effective November 1, 2004

Routine eye examinations provided by either an optometrist or physician, for patients aged 20 to 64 are no longer covered by OHIP. These individuals pay for this service or have the cost of examinations covered by private insurance.

Eye Care Services Covered

• Changes do not affect seniors or those under age 20. People 65 years and older and under 20 will continue to have OHIP coverage for an eye examination once every 12 months.
• Changes do not affect ophthalmology services for patients of any age with medical conditions or diseases affecting the eyes.
• Persons receiving assistance under the Ontario Disability Support Program, Ontario Works or the Family Benefits Program continue to receive coverage for routine eye examinations once every two years.

Increased Coverage for People with Medical Conditions

OHIP is increasing coverage for patients aged 20 to 64 years with medical conditions affecting the eye. Patients can receive a regular eye examination once every 12 months. Prior to November 1, 2004, eye examinations were covered once every two years.

Patients with any of the following conditions can go directly to their optometrist or physician to receive an OHIP insured eye examination: diabetes mellitus, glaucoma, cataract, retinal disease, amblyopia, visual field defects, corneal disease, strabismus.

Patients aged 20 to 64 who have conditions not listed above may also be covered for a regular eye examination. They should discuss this with their primary health care provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

Routine eye examinations for people 20 to 64 years old provided by optometrists and physicians are no longer covered as of November 1, 2004. There is new OHIP coverage to ensure patients aged 20 to 64 years with medical conditions affecting the eye can continue to receive regular eye examinations.

Are persons between 20 and 64 exempt from paying for eye examinations if they have certain specific medical conditions?

Patients aged 20 to 64 years who have any of the following medical conditions can go directly to their optometrist or physicians and receive an eye examination once every 12 months : diabetes mellitus, glaucoma, cataract, retinal disease, amblyopia, visual field defects, corneal disease, strabismus. Prior to November 1, 2004, eye examinations were covered once every two years.

I am 71 and have glaucoma. Does OHIP still cover my eye examinations?

Yes. OHIP coverage for seniors has not been changed.

Do persons aged 20 to 64 with medical conditions affecting the eye need to get a physician referral in order to see their optometrist now?

Patients aged 20 to 64 who have conditions not listed above may also be covered for a regular eye examination.

Patients should discuss this with their primary health care provider. A requisition will be provided where appropriate for an OHIP covered eye examination. A requisition is valid for up to five years.

I am 52 and have diabetes. How often will OHIP pay for me to see my eye care physician or optometrist?

OHIP pays for you to have one eye examination every 12 months. OHIP also covers any follow-up care you require before you have your next major eye examination. Prior to November 1, 2004, OHIP covered eye examinations once every two years.

Do these changes to optometry services include services provided by an ophthalmologist?

The only change to ophthalmology services is that routine eye examinations for healthy adults aged 20 to 64 years are no longer covered. OHIP continues to cover all medically necessary services provided by ophthalmologists.

Are eye care services covered for people receiving social assistance?

The Ministry of Community and Social Services has established a program to ensure people receiving social assistance are covered for regular eye examinations as they have been in the past.

Persons in receipt of assistance under the Ontario Disability Support Program, Ontario Works or the Family Benefits Program will receive coverage for regular eye examinations. Coverage is once every two years.

If you have any questions, please call Client Services at the Ministry of Community and Social Services at 1 888 789-4199  1 888 789-4199 (toll free) or 416 325-5666  416 325-5666 (Toronto) or 1 800 387-5559 1 800 387-5559  (TTY).

How much will routine optometry eye examinations cost for people who are not covered by OHIP? Will the cost be regulated?

The optometrist determines patient fees. The ministry does not play a role in regulating these fees.

If you have any questions regarding eye care services that you have been charged for please contact :
Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care at (613) 536-3103 (613) 536-310
Collect calls are accepted.