How often should I have my eyes checked?
After your initial examination, your optometrist at Northern Vision Care will advise you when you should return for your next check-up based on your particular eye care needs.
The Canadian Association of Optometrists recommends the following general guidelines:
- Preschool (2 to 5 years) – at age 3 and prior to entering elementary school . Earlier if any problems or concerns.
- School age (6 to 19 years) – annually
- Adult (20 to 64 years) – every one to two years
- Older Adult (65 years and older) – annually
What should I bring to my eye exam?
Please bring the following:
- OHIP card
- 3rd party insurance information
- most recent glasses
- latest contact lens box
- medical and eye history
- any specific visual requirements for work or leisure activities
- a list of your medications, eye drops and nutritional supplements
What happens if I miss my appointment?
Appointment times are specifically reserved for you. There is a $25 charge for appointments missed without prior notification.
Does OHIP cover eye exams?
Currently, OHIP will only cover the following groups:
- Children aged 0 to 19 years for one full eye exam annually and partial exams as required
- Seniors aged 65 and older for one full eye exam annually and partial exams as required
- Adults aged 20 to 64 years ONLY with certain medical conditions . One full eye exam annually and partial exams as required.
Are there any additional costs?
You will be advised if any services to be performed are not covered by OHIP as these services will be charged directly to you. Also, a deposit will be required when ordering any customized eye care products such as prescription glasses and special design contact lenses.
Does Northern Vision Care accept private insurance for eye care services?
Private insurance billing through your employer may cover some or all eye care costs. We are able to direct bill for some insurance companies. Please bring your insurance ID numbers and your forms to your appointment to allow us to assist you with the form completion. You may wish to confirm the status of your insurance coverage before visiting the office or placing orders.
What forms of payment do you accept?
Cash, VISA, MasterCard and debit
What type of eye drops will my doctor use during my eye exam?
Eye drops that dilate the pupils (mydriatics) are used in some examinations to allow the doctor to get a better view of the inside of the eye. The doctor will determine how often this procedure is required for each individual depending upon their symptoms, age, health and family history. The drops generally cause some visual blur and light sensitivity, so you may not be able to drive immediately following this test. The effect of the dilating drops will wear off in 2 to 6 hours.
Eye drops that relax the focusing muscles of the eye (cycloplegics) are used to accurately determine the amount of farsightedness of the eyes. They are used when necessary for children and young adults. These drops leave your vision blurry and sensitive to light.
Eye drops to numb (anesthetize) the eye are used for procedures that require an instrument to gently touch the surface of the eye. These drops do not cause blurriness or light sensitivity and last about 15 minutes.
Eye drops containing a yellow dye allow the doctor to evaluate the surface structures of the eye more accurately. They have no effect on your vision.
What about confidentiality?
The privacy of our patients is a high priority at Northern Vision Care. We are committed to protecting the personal information you provide to us. The entire Northern Vision Care team respects your confidentiality and only uses personal information to effectively schedule appointments and manage patient care.
Your optometric records will not be disclosed without your consent with the following exceptions:
- We are required by law to report a failure to meet driving visual standards and suspected child abuse.
- Your consent is implied when making referrals to other doctors (ophthalmologists, family doctors).
- Your prescription will be provided to licensed opticians if requested without contacting you first.
**If you wish to obtain a copy of our privacy policy, please contact our information officer, Dr. Mark Robertson.