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FAQ

Q: “What is OHIP?”

A: OHIP Coverage for Eye Examinations:

In Ontario, eye examinations are covered for certain individuals who are OHIP insured.
  • 19 and under: OHIP insured persons are covered for a routine eye examination provided by an optometrist once every 12 months as well as any partial assessments that may be required
  • 65 and over: OHIP insured persons are covered for a routine eye examination provided by an optometrist once every 12 months as well as any partial assessments that may be required
  • 20-64: OHIP insured persons with specific conditions are covered for a routine eye examination provided by an optometrist once every 12 months as well as any partial assessments that may be required. Conditions include: diabetes mellitus, glaucoma, visually significant cataracts, retinal disease, amblyopia, visual field defects, corneal disease, strabismus, recurrent uveitis or optic pathway disease“] [efitems title=”Will my insurance company cover my eye exam?” text=”
    Insurance Coverage for Eye Examinations:
    Many private insurance companies offer allowances for eye examinations and eyewear. We are able to directly bill many insurance companies. If you have any questions about your coverage for an eye examination or eyewear, it is best to directly contact your insurance provider. If you have any questions or concerns, our staff would be happy to help answer your questions. Feel free to call us at (905) 878-7625 or email us at info@martinstreetoptometry.ca

Q: “At what age should I start bringing my child for eye exams?”

A: Children’s Eye Examinations:
Children should have their first eye exam between 6 months and 1 year of age, and every year thereafter to ensure that normal vision develops and that their eyes remain healthy. These eye exams are tailored to the child’s stage of development. We know that 80% of children’s classroom learning is visual, and 60% of children with literacy challenges have undiagnosed vision problems. Annual eye exams for children are essential to ensure optimal learning at school. Our friendly optometrists welcome patients of all ages, especially children. Children 19 and under are covered under OHIP for a full eye examination once per year, as well as any partial assessments that may be required in between.

Q: “DO I NEED TO WEAR SUNGLASSES EVEN IF I AM NOT BOTHERED BY BRIGHT SUNLIGHT?”

A: Importance of Wearing Sunglasses

Yes. Protecting your eyes from the sun is critical in order to maintain healthy eyes. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is an invisible component of sunlight that is most commonly known to cause sunburns and skin cancers, but it can also cause long-term eye health problems including cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, skin cancer of the eyelids, age spots around the eyes, and growths on the surface of the eyes. These harmful effects are typically irreversible. Wearing good quality sunglasses is important for people of all ages, from infants to elderly persons.

Q: “WHY ARE MY EYES ALWAYS WATERING?”

A: Causes of Watery Eyes:

The causes of watery eyes are numerous and can include allergies, insufficient tear film, aging changes and narrowing of the tear ducts. Certain tests can be done during your eye exam to determine the cause of your watery eyes. Talk to your optometrist about this during your eye exam, and they will help you find the best treatment option.

Q: “WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN OPTOMETRIST, OPTICIAN AND OPHTHALMOLOGIST?”

A: Optometrists, Opticians and Ophthalmologists:

Optometrist (Doctor of Optometry):

Your optometrist is your primary healthcare provider when it comes to vision and eye health. A doctor of optometry has completed a Bachelor of Science degree or higher, followed by a 4-year doctor of optometry degree from an accredited university. A doctor of optometry is educated, clinically trained and licensed to deliver the best standard of comprehensive primary eye care. Your doctor of optometry will:

  • Provide an optometric eye exam to examine, assess, measure and diagnose disorders and diseases within the human eye and visual system
  • Recognize and co-manage related systemic conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and brain tumours;
  • Fit and dispense eyewear, including glasses, sunglasses, contact lenses, safety eyewear and low-vision aids
  • In Ontario, optometrists can prescribe medications
  • Remove foreign bodies from the eye
  • Provide referrals to secondary specialists, such as ophthalmologists, for treatment of systemic disease or eye surgery when necessary;
  • Co-manage pre and post-operative care for laser vision correction;
  • Co-manage ocular diseases with ophthalmologists; and
  • Conduct research and promote education and advancement in the visual sciences.

Ophthalmologists:

Ophthalmologists are surgeons and specialists in eye disease. They have completed a Bachelor Degree and four years of medical school at an accredited university, as well as a residency in medical and surgical care of the eyes in an accredited university hospital. They are secondary-level healthcare providers and patients usually require a referral from their doctor of optometry to obtain an appointment for medical or surgical treatment.

Opticians:

Opticians are the third member of the eye care team. They are trained through a college program to fabricate and fit vision aids, such as glasses, based on the prescription of a doctor of optometry or physician. Opticians are licensed to provide spectacles, and they may also dispense contact lenses and other optical aids, but they cannot assess, diagnose, or treat eye conditions, nor can they check or write prescriptions for eyeglasses or contact lenses.