Finding an Optometrist in Toronto
Being new to any city can be an overwhelming time as you become accustomed to your surroundings. If you’re new to Toronto and are looking for a Toronto area optometrist, what should you look for? Maybe you’re a student, going to the University of Toronto. Our office is close by (St. George campus) and we are one option if you’re looking for a University of Toronto area eye doctor. If you are seeking an eye doctor in the Annex our location is also convenient. If you aren’t new to the city or area and are just looking to change eye doctors or you’ve never been to one before you may wonder where to begin when looking for a Toronto optometrist and what to expect. Read on to learn more.
How do I find an optometrist?
You can do a search in your area through one of the professional websites such as the Canadian Optometrist Association or the Ontario Association of Optometrists. If you live in the Annex and are looking for an Annex eye doctor or Toronto optometrist located nearby, we are here to help. Make sure the optometrist you choose is in good standing with the Canadian Optometrist Association. Dr. Jiwani is an active member of the Canadian Association of Optometrists.
What qualifications should a Toronto optometrist have?
According to the Canadian Association of Optometrists, to obtain the professional designation of an optometrist one must complete a doctor of optometry degree- with a minimum of three years of undergraduate education, and four to five years at an accredited optometry university program. The Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE) is the only accrediting body for professional optometric degree (O.D.) programs, optometric residency programs and optometric technician programs in Canada.
What is an optometrist?
According to the Ontario Association of Optometrists, optometrists are primary health care providers for vision and eye health in Ontario. An optometrist provides comprehensive eye examinations to determine the overall health of your eyes and the quality of your vision. As primary eye care providers they detect, diagnose, treat, prevent and co-manage any eye-related issues and provide eyewear products. Regular eye exams with a Toronto optometrist are important to maintain eye health and good vision.
What is the difference between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist?
Optometrists may refer patients to appropriate specialists for advanced medical, surgical or laser treatments known as ophthalmologists. An ophthalmologist is the secondary-level health-care provider. In addition to the training that an optometrist receives they have completed a residency in medical and surgical eye care at an accredited university hospital.
Why should you see a Toronto eye doctor?
Just like we need physicals to keep track of our overall health, we need eye doctors to help us maintain our eye health and vision. With regular eye exams, your Toronto optometrist can keep track of your vision and how it is maintained over time. If you think you may require glasses you should make an appointment to see your Toronto optometrist, but even if your vision is fine you should still come in for routine check-ups. If vision problems occur or an eye condition develops it will be easier to determine the cause if your eye doctor sees your regularly as it gives them a baseline of your vision to compare to. Yearly check-ups help ensure your eyes are functioning well and help predict any issues that may arise in the future. It is important to handle complications that may cause vision loss before anything serious happens as loss of vision often occurs because symptoms have gone unnoticed or unaddressed. Regular eye check-ups can eliminate the chances of missing key clues into the current state of your eye health. Glaucoma for example, often goes undetected until vision loss has already occurred. Another benefit to seeing your optometrist regularly is that eye doctors can often detect conditions such as diabetes and MS through changes in vision before they are diagnosed.
Another reason to visit your Toronto area eye doctor is if you have an eye emergency such as an eye injury, blurred vision, or have eye pain.
What can you expect from an eye appointment?
If you are coming in for a comprehensive eye exam at our Toronto optometrist office your appointment may take up to an hour, depending on the number of tests you may need. We will test your vision and eye pressure which is an indicator of glaucoma.
If you have a specific problem that is bothering you such as dry eye, suspected cataracts, or blurred vision please let us know when you make your appointment as these conditions need to be accessed.
Are Toronto optometrists covered by OHIP?
Optometrists are covered by OHIP in Ontario for patients under the age of nineteen and over the age of 65. Coverage includes a yearly eye exam. For those between the ages of 20 and 64 most extended healthcare plans provide coverage. OHIP will cover a yearly exam if you have a pre-existing condition such as glaucoma and any follow-up appointments related to the conditions. For more on coverage and eye conditions which allow for coverage please visit the OHIP website.
OHIP does not cover:
- Eye glasses or contact lenses
- Prescription eye drops
- Laser eye surgery
Check with your insurance provider if you have any questions or concerns about coverage.
How much does an eye exam cost in Toronto?
If you have insurance coverage you shouldn’t have to pay out of pocket unless you are requesting something not covered in a routine eye exam. For visits that take place more than once a year there will be a nominal fee. This changes all the time so it’s best to call our office to find out the charge before you arrive.
Should you need a Toronto area eye doctor, or an eye doctor near the University of Toronto or an optometrist in the Annex we are here for you. Make an appointment today or call if you have any questions or concerns.
