FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is my eye exam covered by OHIP?
The following services we offer are not covered by OHIP:
- Retinal and OCT imaging
- Contact lens fits, assessments and progress checks
- Eye exams or tests required by potential employers or third parties
For more information, contact the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care at 613.536.3103 or visit their website at www.health.gov.on.ca
What should I bring to my eye exam?
How long will my eye exam take?
A typical full eye exam will take approximately 30 minutes.
Will I be getting drops put in my eyes during my exam?
How often should I get my eyes checked?
If you have a medical condition that affects the eye (for example diabetes or glaucoma) your optometrist may recommend being seen more frequently after your initial visit.
Even if you feel you have perfect vision, it is still important to have your eyes examined. Your optometrist will not only determine your prescription for glasses or contact lenses, but they will check your eyes for common eye conditions and diseases and evaluate your eyes as an indicator of your overall health.
When should I start bringing my children for eye exams?
Doctors of Optometry of Canada recommend infants have their first eye exam at six months of age, and then annually after that. Optometrists can complete an eye exam even if your child doesn’t know their ABCs. They can use shapes, pictures and other child-friendly ways to evaluate vision and eye health.
- If you are 65 years and older or 19 years and younger you are covered by OHIP for a routine eye exam once every 12 months plus any follow-up assessments that may be required.
- If you are 20 to 64 years old, your eye exam is NOT covered by OHIP unless you have a specific medical condition that affects the eye. (Your optometrist will determine if you fall into this category).
- Persons receiving assistance through the Ontario Disability Support Program, Ontario Works or the Family Benefits Program receive coverage for a routine eye exam once every two years.
The following services we offer are not covered by OHIP:
- Retinal and OCT imaging
- Contact lens fits, assessments and progress checks
- Eye exams or tests required by potential employers or third parties
For more information, contact the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care at 613.536.3103 or visit their website at www.health.gov.on.ca
What should I bring to my eye exam?
- Your valid health card
- A list of all current medications (as some medications can effect your vision)
- Your current glasses and/or contact lenses (if you have your contact lens box or an unopened pair, bring them with you)
How long will my eye exam take?
A typical full eye exam will take approximately 30 minutes.
Will I be getting drops put in my eyes during my exam?
- Eye drops that dilate your pupil are recommended during your full eye exam to allow the doctor to get a better view of the inside of the eye and a more accurate health check. These drops can cause blurry vision and light sensitivity for up to 4 hours. It is recommended that you bring someone with you to drive and a good pair of sunglasses.
- Eye drops that relax the focusing muscles of the eye are sometimes required to accurately determine the eye glass prescription of farsighted children and young adults. These drops usually cause blurry vision for most of the day.
- Eye drops that anesthetize (numb) the eye may be used to measure the pressure inside the eye. These drops numb the eye for approximately 15 minutes and do not affect your vision.
How often should I get my eyes checked?
- Children 19 years and younger should be seen once a year for a routine eye exam.
- Adults between 20-64 years old should be seen once every two years for a routine eye exam.
- Adults over 65 years should be seen once a year.
If you have a medical condition that affects the eye (for example diabetes or glaucoma) your optometrist may recommend being seen more frequently after your initial visit.
Even if you feel you have perfect vision, it is still important to have your eyes examined. Your optometrist will not only determine your prescription for glasses or contact lenses, but they will check your eyes for common eye conditions and diseases and evaluate your eyes as an indicator of your overall health.
When should I start bringing my children for eye exams?
Doctors of Optometry of Canada recommend infants have their first eye exam at six months of age, and then annually after that. Optometrists can complete an eye exam even if your child doesn’t know their ABCs. They can use shapes, pictures and other child-friendly ways to evaluate vision and eye health.