Services
Eye exams
A comprehensive eye exam checks how clearly you see and the health of your eyes. We see children and adults at our clinic in Sherwood Forest Mall.
About 30 to 60 minutes
At a glance
- Who it is for
- Children, teens and adults
- How long
- About 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the exam. We confirm when you book.
- OHIP coverage
- Insured for eligible patients, such as people 19 and under or 65 and over. See Who pays for eye exams.
- What to bring
- Health card, current glasses, contact lens boxes and a list of medications
What an eye exam checks
Your optometrist chooses the tests you need based on your age, your eye health and any symptoms. An eye exam usually looks at:
- How clearly you see far away and up close
- Whether you need glasses or a change in your prescription
- How well your eyes focus and work together
- The pressure inside your eyes
- The health of the front and the back of your eyes, including the retina and the optic nerve
Regular eye exams can help find some eye problems early, sometimes before you notice a change in your vision. To learn who OHIP covers, see Who pays for eye exams.
What to expect
Step 1: Your history
We ask about your eyes, your general health, the medications you take and any changes you have noticed.
Step 2: Vision and prescription
We check how clearly you see and whether glasses or a new prescription would help.
Step 3: Eye health
We look at the inside and the outside of your eyes. We may use eye drops to widen (dilate) your pupils so we can see the back of your eyes.
Step 4: Your results
Your optometrist explains what they found, answers your questions and tells you when to come back.
Questions about eye exams
How long does an eye exam take?
About 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the exam. We confirm the time when we book your appointment.
Will I get eye drops, and can I drive afterwards?
Your optometrist may use eye drops to widen (dilate) your pupils. This can blur your vision and make your eyes sensitive to light for a few hours.
Bring sunglasses, and consider arranging a ride home, especially if you are not sure how the drops will affect you.
How often should I have an eye exam?
It depends on your age, your eye health and your general health. Your optometrist will recommend when you should come back.
OHIP covers one major eye exam every 12 months for children and youth 19 and under and for adults with an eligible eye condition, and every 18 months for adults 65 and over.
Are eye exams covered by OHIP?
OHIP covers eye exams for some people:
- Children and youth 19 and under: one major eye exam every 12 months
- Adults 20 and older with an eligible medical condition affecting the eyes, such as diabetes or treated glaucoma: one major eye exam every 12 months
- Adults 65 and over: one major eye exam every 18 months
Most adults aged 20 to 64 pay for their own eye exam, or use private insurance. See who pays for eye exams.
Does OHIP pay for glasses or contact lenses?
No. OHIP does not cover glasses or contact lenses. Private and workplace insurance plans often cover part of the cost, so check your plan.
Book an eye exam
Choose a time online and we will confirm it with you.