Frequently Asked Questions
Does OHIP cover my eye exam?
OHIP no longer covers visual examinations for those aged 20 to 64. Unfortunately, these patients are now required to pay for their visit to the optometrist. The government has allowed for some medical exceptions including diabetes and those with specific vision threatening conditions. Your optometrist will determine if you fall into one of these categories which allow you then to have one full eye examination annually.
OHIP provides annual coverage to children 19 years of age and younger and adults who are 65 and older.
How do I get a New Health Card?
A valid health card is required to obtain OHIP coverage for your eye examination if you are 19 or under, 65 or older or have a vision threatening condition as determined by your optometrist. The new Ontario Health Card is issued with an expiry date. If your card has expired, is lost or stolen, contact SERVICE ONTARIO for information on how to renew your health card.
Are my glasses covered by my Insurance Company?
Private insurance coverage is an agreement between the subscriber and the insurance carrier. This may be insurance provided as an employment benefit or which has been purchased personally. All insurance coverage is not the same and does change from time to time. Optometrist’s offices do not receive information on your coverage either from the insurance companies or the local employers, and therefore do not know your specific benefits or policies. Due to Federal (PIPEDA) and Provincial privacy legislation, insurance companies will only release eligibility dates and available coverage to you, the policy holder.
Before your appointment, contact your insurance company to determine your insurance coverage and eligibility dates. Here are some handy links to Insurance Companies:
SUNLIFE
MANULIFE
GREEN SHIELD
BLUE CROSS
GREAT WEST LIFE
CLAIMSECURE
What eye health benefits does First Nations provide?
Health Canada provides benefits for First Nations through the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program. This benefit covers one full eye examination every two years. Any additional appointments are not covered and the fee is the responsibility of the patient. These include visual field testing, contact lens assessments, retinal photography and emergencies.
Please let our office know if you are covered by this program when booking your appointment. We will need your status number to receive prior approval from First Nations for your appointment.
There is also limited coverage for prescription eyewear through the NIHB program. First Nations requires that you use any available private insurance or OHIP coverage before requesting payment through the NIHB program.
What eye health benefits do ODSP and Ontario Works provide?
The Ontario Disability Support Plan and Ontario Works cover one full eye examination every two years. Any additional appointments are not covered and the fee is the responsibility of the patient. These include visual field testing, contact lens assessments, retinal photography and emergencies.
Please let our office know if you are covered by one of these programs when booking your appointment. You are responsible for bringing a valid health card and the drug card for the month of the appointment to the office.
These programs also have some coverage for glasses. Typically our office will provide you with your prescription and an estimate of your eyewear cost which you will take to your case worker. Your case worker will give you a form indicating the amount these programs will provide towards your eyewear. The entire cost of the glasses is not usually covered. Please bring the form back to our office so we can complete your eyewear order.
What are the Ministry of Transportation vision requirements?
Optometrists are required by law to report to the Ministry of Transportation any patient who does not meet the regulated requirements for vision. There are NO exceptions.
License Classes G (passenger vehicle), M (motorcycle):
● Visual acuity of not poorer than 20/50 with both eyes open and examined together.
● Horizontal visual field of 120 continuous degrees along the horizontal meridian and 15 continuous degrees above and below fixation with both eyes open and examined together.
License Classes A/AZ (tractor/trailer), B (school bus), C (transit bus/ motor coach), D (dump truck),
E (small school bus), and F (ambulance):
● Visual acuity of not poorer than 20/30 with both eyes open and examined together, with the worse eye no poorer than 20/100.
● Horizontal visual field of 150 continuous degrees along the horizontal meridian and 20 continuous degrees above and below fixation with both eyes open and examined together.
A waiver program is in place for Class G, G1 and G2 applicants and holders who do not meet the horizontal visual field standard.
For more information visit the MINISTRY OF TRANSPORTATION website.
Why do I need dilation drops?
Your optometrist will recommend that drops be used to dilate your pupils during your examination. These drops enable your doctor to get a much better view of the inside of your eyes. Dilation drops allow for a comprehensive retinal evaluation to monitor for diabetic or high blood pressure damage, glaucoma, macular degeneration and retinal detachments. Temporary effects of the drops include blurred near vision and occasional distance blur for at least 30 minutes and on average, light sensitivity will last 3-4 hours. For your comfort and safety, we recommend that you bring sunglasses and a driver if the drops have made you visually uncomfortable in the past.
I see 20/20. Do I need an eye examination?
20/20 vision is not the only reason to see your eye doctor. Your thorough examination will evaluate your vision (prescription) as well as any unseen eye health conditions that may develop into serious complications if left untreated.
Many eye diseases can occur with or without symptoms, such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts, diabetes, vascular changes, retinal breaks/ tears/ holes and detachments. It is important to have a routine eye examination to screen for potential problems.
I am pregnant/ breastfeeding. Should I still get my eyes checked?
Yes, sometimes vision can change during or after pregnancy. This is especially true for patients with certain systemic diseases such as diabetes. You should let your optometrist know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or of any pregnancy complications, such as gestational diabetes. Typically dilating drops are not used during your evaluation unless it is medically indicated. Your optometrist will discuss with you the pros and cons of the eye drops.
How do I properly take care of my new eyewear?
● All lenses can scratch regardless of materials and coatings. When you clean your lenses, rinse them under water or spray them with the spectacle lens cleaner provided and then wipe gently with a soft cloth. Mild hand soap or dish detergent works well to remove greasy smudges. Lens coatings can be damaged by chemicals in hot tubs, ammonia based cleaners, aerosol sprays and other strong cleaning agents.
● When not wearing your glasses, please store them in their case or set them down with the lens surface facing upward.
● Do not leave your eyewear on the dashboard of your vehicle, even if they are in their case. The extreme heat in the summer can damage your frames and lens coatings. Even bursts of heat from a barbeque or oven can cause problems.
● With wear, all glasses will loosen over time. We are pleased to provide complimentary adjustments on glasses purchased from Lakefield VisionCare’s eyewear boutique.
● Remove your glasses with both hands to decrease the risk of your frames becoming misaligned. Eyewear also gets “out of shape” when frequently worn on your head or hung from your collar.
● Silicone (soft) nose pads tend to be more comfortable and assist in keeping your eyewear from sliding down your nose. Unfortunately they discolour over a six month period and we recommend attending our office for a complimentary nose pad replacement on glasses purchased from our eyewear boutique.
What are the different types of lenses to choose from?
● Single Vision lenses correct for one distance only such as near (reading) or distance (driving).
● Line Bifocal lenses are used for near and distance vision correction with a visible line separating the two areas.
● Line Trifocal Lenses are used for near, intermediate (computer) and distance vision correction with two visible lines. The top portion of the lens is used for distance vision, the centre portion for intermediate vision and the bottom portion for near vision.
● Progressive Addition Lens (PAL,multifocal, invisible or no-line) is also used to correct for near, intermediate and distance vision. It is aesthetically designed without a visible line in the lens. The prescription in the lens gradually changes from the top (distance) portion of the lens to the middle (intermediate/ computer) and to the bottom (reading) area.
● Polarizing Lenses block reflected sunlight, which causes disabling glare when outdoors. These are the best driving lenses and they are especially good for water sports like fishing and winter sports like sledding.
● Transitions can sense the amount of ultraviolet light and automatically darken or lighten to make your eyes feel comfortable in all environments.
● Occupational Trifocals are special multifocal lenses that are designed for specific jobs or hobbies, but typically are not for everyday wear. They are special because of the unusual placement of the near, intermediate and far vision zones in the lenses, to make certain tasks easier.
● Safety eyewearare usually made with shatter-resistant plastic lenses to protect the eye from flying debris. The frames and lenses must meet Canadian safety standards.
Am I experiencing an eye emergency?
Eye problems such as pain, sudden vision loss, flashes of light, new floaters, infection, trauma and significant redness are given special consideration in our office. Please contact us immediately so that we can make every attempt to see you on a timely basis. There may be situations where we advise that you to go directly to the Emergency Room at the hospital or consult with your GP/ specialist if we can not see you immediately, or it is the best course of action for your specific concerns. If you have an ocular emergency after hours, please do not leave a voice or e-mail message at our office; go directly to the nearest Emergency Room.
Do I need an appointment for my eyewear selection, pick up or adjustment?
Eyewear selection, pick up and adjustments do not require an appointment and can be done at your convenience during office hours. Our experienced staff will take the time to ensure that your glasses are comfortable and fitted properly.
When should I bring my child in for their first eye examination?
Your child should have a full eye examination by 3 years of age or sooner if you have concerns about your child's vision or there is a family history of an ocular condition. Children 19 years of age and younger are covered by OHIP for annual vision assessments. 80% of a child’s learning is based on vision and 1 in 6 school-aged children experience learning difficulties which are a result of unknown or uncorrected vision conditions. Typically a children’s eye examination is enjoyable and we adapt the exam based on your child’s age and capabilities. Your child does NOT need to know their letters to have a thorough assessment!
How can I have Dry Eyes if my eyes are watering?
Your eyes are covered by a lubricating tear film which is composed of three layers: Mucus, Water and Oil. These three layers must be in perfect volume and consistency to work properly. In a dry eye syndrome, it is common for the tear layers to be deficient and our body tries to compensate by producing more tears resulting in excess watering of the eyes. The result is often stringy mucus and symptoms of burning, gritty, sandy eyes with excess tearing. There is no known cure for dry eyes, but often the use of artificial tears, environmental and dietary changes can help control the condition.
Is it OK to buy my contacts or glasses online?
While it may seem more convenient and sometimes more cost effective to purchase your contacts or glasses online, there are reasons why it is advisable to purchase them at your optometrist’s office.
Contacts are a regulated medical device which, if not properly fit and monitored, can result in serious complications to your eye health and vision. The professional fitting and on-going care provided by your optometrist minimizes the long term risks to your eyes. Many of these complications have no symptoms until they reach extreme stages, thus yearly appointments are recommended.
Online retailers of glasses will provide a number of frame and lens options to choose from. It is not always possible to determine if the frames are from discontinued stock or the lens options provided include the latest advancements. When purchasing glasses, the frame fit, prescription, and function of the glasses need to be taken into consideration. These services are not available online. Purchasing your glasses from Lakefield VisionCare provides face-to-face professional guidance on the lens design options and suitable frame selection based on your prescription and visual needs. Our one & two year frame and lens warranty and complimentary adjustments and nose pad replacements are all included when you purchase your eyewear from Lakefield VisionCare.
OHIP no longer covers visual examinations for those aged 20 to 64. Unfortunately, these patients are now required to pay for their visit to the optometrist. The government has allowed for some medical exceptions including diabetes and those with specific vision threatening conditions. Your optometrist will determine if you fall into one of these categories which allow you then to have one full eye examination annually.
OHIP provides annual coverage to children 19 years of age and younger and adults who are 65 and older.
How do I get a New Health Card?
A valid health card is required to obtain OHIP coverage for your eye examination if you are 19 or under, 65 or older or have a vision threatening condition as determined by your optometrist. The new Ontario Health Card is issued with an expiry date. If your card has expired, is lost or stolen, contact SERVICE ONTARIO for information on how to renew your health card.
Are my glasses covered by my Insurance Company?
Private insurance coverage is an agreement between the subscriber and the insurance carrier. This may be insurance provided as an employment benefit or which has been purchased personally. All insurance coverage is not the same and does change from time to time. Optometrist’s offices do not receive information on your coverage either from the insurance companies or the local employers, and therefore do not know your specific benefits or policies. Due to Federal (PIPEDA) and Provincial privacy legislation, insurance companies will only release eligibility dates and available coverage to you, the policy holder.
Before your appointment, contact your insurance company to determine your insurance coverage and eligibility dates. Here are some handy links to Insurance Companies:
SUNLIFE
MANULIFE
GREEN SHIELD
BLUE CROSS
GREAT WEST LIFE
CLAIMSECURE
What eye health benefits does First Nations provide?
Health Canada provides benefits for First Nations through the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program. This benefit covers one full eye examination every two years. Any additional appointments are not covered and the fee is the responsibility of the patient. These include visual field testing, contact lens assessments, retinal photography and emergencies.
Please let our office know if you are covered by this program when booking your appointment. We will need your status number to receive prior approval from First Nations for your appointment.
There is also limited coverage for prescription eyewear through the NIHB program. First Nations requires that you use any available private insurance or OHIP coverage before requesting payment through the NIHB program.
What eye health benefits do ODSP and Ontario Works provide?
The Ontario Disability Support Plan and Ontario Works cover one full eye examination every two years. Any additional appointments are not covered and the fee is the responsibility of the patient. These include visual field testing, contact lens assessments, retinal photography and emergencies.
Please let our office know if you are covered by one of these programs when booking your appointment. You are responsible for bringing a valid health card and the drug card for the month of the appointment to the office.
These programs also have some coverage for glasses. Typically our office will provide you with your prescription and an estimate of your eyewear cost which you will take to your case worker. Your case worker will give you a form indicating the amount these programs will provide towards your eyewear. The entire cost of the glasses is not usually covered. Please bring the form back to our office so we can complete your eyewear order.
What are the Ministry of Transportation vision requirements?
Optometrists are required by law to report to the Ministry of Transportation any patient who does not meet the regulated requirements for vision. There are NO exceptions.
License Classes G (passenger vehicle), M (motorcycle):
● Visual acuity of not poorer than 20/50 with both eyes open and examined together.
● Horizontal visual field of 120 continuous degrees along the horizontal meridian and 15 continuous degrees above and below fixation with both eyes open and examined together.
License Classes A/AZ (tractor/trailer), B (school bus), C (transit bus/ motor coach), D (dump truck),
E (small school bus), and F (ambulance):
● Visual acuity of not poorer than 20/30 with both eyes open and examined together, with the worse eye no poorer than 20/100.
● Horizontal visual field of 150 continuous degrees along the horizontal meridian and 20 continuous degrees above and below fixation with both eyes open and examined together.
A waiver program is in place for Class G, G1 and G2 applicants and holders who do not meet the horizontal visual field standard.
For more information visit the MINISTRY OF TRANSPORTATION website.
Why do I need dilation drops?
Your optometrist will recommend that drops be used to dilate your pupils during your examination. These drops enable your doctor to get a much better view of the inside of your eyes. Dilation drops allow for a comprehensive retinal evaluation to monitor for diabetic or high blood pressure damage, glaucoma, macular degeneration and retinal detachments. Temporary effects of the drops include blurred near vision and occasional distance blur for at least 30 minutes and on average, light sensitivity will last 3-4 hours. For your comfort and safety, we recommend that you bring sunglasses and a driver if the drops have made you visually uncomfortable in the past.
I see 20/20. Do I need an eye examination?
20/20 vision is not the only reason to see your eye doctor. Your thorough examination will evaluate your vision (prescription) as well as any unseen eye health conditions that may develop into serious complications if left untreated.
Many eye diseases can occur with or without symptoms, such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts, diabetes, vascular changes, retinal breaks/ tears/ holes and detachments. It is important to have a routine eye examination to screen for potential problems.
I am pregnant/ breastfeeding. Should I still get my eyes checked?
Yes, sometimes vision can change during or after pregnancy. This is especially true for patients with certain systemic diseases such as diabetes. You should let your optometrist know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or of any pregnancy complications, such as gestational diabetes. Typically dilating drops are not used during your evaluation unless it is medically indicated. Your optometrist will discuss with you the pros and cons of the eye drops.
How do I properly take care of my new eyewear?
● All lenses can scratch regardless of materials and coatings. When you clean your lenses, rinse them under water or spray them with the spectacle lens cleaner provided and then wipe gently with a soft cloth. Mild hand soap or dish detergent works well to remove greasy smudges. Lens coatings can be damaged by chemicals in hot tubs, ammonia based cleaners, aerosol sprays and other strong cleaning agents.
● When not wearing your glasses, please store them in their case or set them down with the lens surface facing upward.
● Do not leave your eyewear on the dashboard of your vehicle, even if they are in their case. The extreme heat in the summer can damage your frames and lens coatings. Even bursts of heat from a barbeque or oven can cause problems.
● With wear, all glasses will loosen over time. We are pleased to provide complimentary adjustments on glasses purchased from Lakefield VisionCare’s eyewear boutique.
● Remove your glasses with both hands to decrease the risk of your frames becoming misaligned. Eyewear also gets “out of shape” when frequently worn on your head or hung from your collar.
● Silicone (soft) nose pads tend to be more comfortable and assist in keeping your eyewear from sliding down your nose. Unfortunately they discolour over a six month period and we recommend attending our office for a complimentary nose pad replacement on glasses purchased from our eyewear boutique.
What are the different types of lenses to choose from?
● Single Vision lenses correct for one distance only such as near (reading) or distance (driving).
● Line Bifocal lenses are used for near and distance vision correction with a visible line separating the two areas.
● Line Trifocal Lenses are used for near, intermediate (computer) and distance vision correction with two visible lines. The top portion of the lens is used for distance vision, the centre portion for intermediate vision and the bottom portion for near vision.
● Progressive Addition Lens (PAL,multifocal, invisible or no-line) is also used to correct for near, intermediate and distance vision. It is aesthetically designed without a visible line in the lens. The prescription in the lens gradually changes from the top (distance) portion of the lens to the middle (intermediate/ computer) and to the bottom (reading) area.
● Polarizing Lenses block reflected sunlight, which causes disabling glare when outdoors. These are the best driving lenses and they are especially good for water sports like fishing and winter sports like sledding.
● Transitions can sense the amount of ultraviolet light and automatically darken or lighten to make your eyes feel comfortable in all environments.
● Occupational Trifocals are special multifocal lenses that are designed for specific jobs or hobbies, but typically are not for everyday wear. They are special because of the unusual placement of the near, intermediate and far vision zones in the lenses, to make certain tasks easier.
● Safety eyewearare usually made with shatter-resistant plastic lenses to protect the eye from flying debris. The frames and lenses must meet Canadian safety standards.
Am I experiencing an eye emergency?
Eye problems such as pain, sudden vision loss, flashes of light, new floaters, infection, trauma and significant redness are given special consideration in our office. Please contact us immediately so that we can make every attempt to see you on a timely basis. There may be situations where we advise that you to go directly to the Emergency Room at the hospital or consult with your GP/ specialist if we can not see you immediately, or it is the best course of action for your specific concerns. If you have an ocular emergency after hours, please do not leave a voice or e-mail message at our office; go directly to the nearest Emergency Room.
Do I need an appointment for my eyewear selection, pick up or adjustment?
Eyewear selection, pick up and adjustments do not require an appointment and can be done at your convenience during office hours. Our experienced staff will take the time to ensure that your glasses are comfortable and fitted properly.
When should I bring my child in for their first eye examination?
Your child should have a full eye examination by 3 years of age or sooner if you have concerns about your child's vision or there is a family history of an ocular condition. Children 19 years of age and younger are covered by OHIP for annual vision assessments. 80% of a child’s learning is based on vision and 1 in 6 school-aged children experience learning difficulties which are a result of unknown or uncorrected vision conditions. Typically a children’s eye examination is enjoyable and we adapt the exam based on your child’s age and capabilities. Your child does NOT need to know their letters to have a thorough assessment!
How can I have Dry Eyes if my eyes are watering?
Your eyes are covered by a lubricating tear film which is composed of three layers: Mucus, Water and Oil. These three layers must be in perfect volume and consistency to work properly. In a dry eye syndrome, it is common for the tear layers to be deficient and our body tries to compensate by producing more tears resulting in excess watering of the eyes. The result is often stringy mucus and symptoms of burning, gritty, sandy eyes with excess tearing. There is no known cure for dry eyes, but often the use of artificial tears, environmental and dietary changes can help control the condition.
Is it OK to buy my contacts or glasses online?
While it may seem more convenient and sometimes more cost effective to purchase your contacts or glasses online, there are reasons why it is advisable to purchase them at your optometrist’s office.
Contacts are a regulated medical device which, if not properly fit and monitored, can result in serious complications to your eye health and vision. The professional fitting and on-going care provided by your optometrist minimizes the long term risks to your eyes. Many of these complications have no symptoms until they reach extreme stages, thus yearly appointments are recommended.
Online retailers of glasses will provide a number of frame and lens options to choose from. It is not always possible to determine if the frames are from discontinued stock or the lens options provided include the latest advancements. When purchasing glasses, the frame fit, prescription, and function of the glasses need to be taken into consideration. These services are not available online. Purchasing your glasses from Lakefield VisionCare provides face-to-face professional guidance on the lens design options and suitable frame selection based on your prescription and visual needs. Our one & two year frame and lens warranty and complimentary adjustments and nose pad replacements are all included when you purchase your eyewear from Lakefield VisionCare.
