FAQ

Regular eye examinations play an important role in ensuring that eye health is maintained. Children and seniors are OHIP covered for major eye examinations once per calendar year. Adults between the ages of 20-64 are paid examinations and should be seen once every 2 years and once per year if they are contact lens wearers. If you feel that their is concern with your vision or the health of your eyes, we recommend that you be seen sooner.

Eye drops that dilate the pupils, called mydriatics, are used in some examinations to enable the doctor to get a better view of the inside of the eye. How often this type of examination is necessary depends on the patient’s symptoms, age, health and family history. The drops generally leave your eyes a little blurry and sensitive to light, so you may not be able to drive immediately after this procedure. The effect of the drops wears off in 2 to 6 hours.

Eye drops that relax the focus of the eyes, called cycloplegics are used to accurately measure the degree of far-sightedness of the eyes. These are generally used for children and young adults. These drops also leave the eyes blurry and sensitive to light.

Eye drops to anesthetize (numb) the eye are used for procedures that require an instrument touching the eye. The anesthetic does not affect vision and lasts about 15 minutes. Some eye drops contain a dye that helps the doctor diagnose abnormalities of the surface of the eye.

That “air-puff thing,” although mildly unpleasant, is an important test called non-contact tonometry (NCT). It provides a measurement of the internal fluid pressure of the eye. The doctor uses that information, along with other examination procedures to determine if you have glaucoma or have a risk of developing glaucoma. There are other methods of measuring the intra-ocular pressure which may be used if you cannot tolerate the “air-puff” or if your doctor prefers a different method.

Optometrists are regulated health professionals and must demonstrate the required knowledge, skill and judgment to become registered in Ontario. Further, they must demonstrate a commitment to continuing competence in order to maintain their registration. You should expect that the optometric care you receive meets the standards of practice. A complete examination will usually include the following components, although variations may occur because of a patient’s age, abilities, and general health and eye conditions:

• a health history with emphasis on eyes and vision, including vision needs
• measurement of visual acuity (for example 20/20)
• measurement of refractive error (for example far-sightedness, near- sightedness, astigmatism)
• determination of the alignment of the eyes
• determination of the way the eyes adjust focus from distance to near
• examination of the eyes for any disease or abnormalities
• a diagnosis from the results of the examination
• recommendations for any treatment required, which may include referral to another health care provider
• provision of a prescription or treatment plan for vision correction if required; and
  any counseling or advice that is necessary, including need for future vision care.

You should also expect that optometric care is provided in a manner that maintains the confidentiality of your health information and provides you with the information and freedom you need to make informed decisions about your health care. If you receive treatment services such as eyeglasses or contact lenses, you should expect to be informed of the cost prior to the provision of the service and you should expect the cost of materials to be indicated on your receipt. In the end, you should be satisfied that the care you receive has been appropriate for you.

• All lenses can scratch regardless of materials and coatings. When you clean lenses rinse them under water or spray them with spectacle lens cleaner and then wipe gently with a soft cloth. A mild soap and water will also work very well.
• When not wearing your glasses store them in the case or set them down with the lens surfaces up. If your glasses are unprotected in your purse or pocket, loose keys, coins and other items will scratch lenses.
• Do not leave spectacles on the dashboard of your vehicle, even if they are in the case. The extreme heat in the summer can damage plastic frames and coatings on lenses. Initial bursts of heat from the oven or barbeque can also damage your frame and lenses.
• With wear, all glasses will loosen over time and need to be tightened up periodically. This is particularly noticeable with plastic frames.
• Check the temple hinges and eyewire screws from time to time. Due to regular wear and tear, screws may loosen to the extent that the temple could fall off, or a lens may fall out of the frame. Have your glasses checked and re-adjusted periodically.
• Anti-reflective coating may be damaged by the chemicals in hot tubs, ammonia based cleaners, aerosol sprays and other strong cleaning agents.
• Remove your glasses with both hands to decrease the risk of the frames becoming misaligned.
• To be on the safe side, always carry a spare pair of glasses when travelling, along with a copy of your prescription.