When you come to our office you will receive a friendly greeting and check in at our reception counter. You may be given some forms to complete, unless you have completed the necessary paperwork online. The intent of the paperwork is not to burden or overwhelm our patients, but is necessary in order to deliver a holistic approach to your eye care. In order to complete the paper work as efficiently as possible, please bring along:
If you are experiencing problems with your eyes or vision, your doctor will need to know what concerns you have. Your doctor will also need to know about your general health, including any medications you are taking, and your family’s eye/medical history.
You will be asked about your previous glasses or contact lenses. It is for this reason that we highly encourage all patients to bring the glasses that they typically wear, a prescription for glasses and/or contacts, and all care products for contact lenses to the exam. In addition, your doctor may ask about the kind of work you do and whether you play sports or have any hobbies. This helps us better educate you on options to correct your vision. Prescription swim goggles, anyone?
There are two parts to our eye exam: the vision assessment and the health assessment.
Your vision will be assessed both with and without glasses or contact lenses to check for any problems with your eyesight. Your doctor will then carry out a series of tests to measure your prescription for glasses. You will be asked to choose between different lenses to see which ones help the quality and clarity of your sight. This process is called ‘refraction’. We use an automated system to make this part of the exam much easier and your glasses prescription more precise.
Your eyes will be examined both inside and out. This will allow your doctor to assess the overall health of your eyes and identify any medical problems. The interior of your eyes will be examined using special lights and microscopes that shine lights through the pupil allowing a detailed study of the internal structures. We encourage annual eye dilation as it provides a better view, and this is especially true for anyone with existing eye disease or folks with diabetes. Thanks to our high-resolution wide view camera, dilation at annual eye exams may not be necessary for all patients!
Our clinic is equipped with high tech equipment, such as internal and external photography of the eye, scanners that have the ability to measure structural damage, and functional tests which allow us to interpret how a condition may be affecting your vision.
Your doctor will discuss and educate you on all exam findings. You will also be educated on the best form of vision correction to suit your individual lifestyle and visual needs. Your doctor will give you a prescription for glasses and/or contact lenses, and you’ll be advised of when you should return to the clinic. An annual comprehensive exam is a good rule of thumb.
Our opticians go above and beyond by knowing your insurance hardware benefits in advance. They explain the nitty gritty details so you are not left to interpret the confusing lingo.
You will be provided expert help in choosing frames and lens materials. We prefer if the process of choosing glasses is a fun and pleasurable experience, and will give you as much guidance as you would like.
If you choose to wear contact lenses you will be given advice on the various types of lenses available, how to fit them, and how to look after and clean them. We will spend time with you teaching you how to insert and remove your contact lenses.
Our office will send you a reminder when you are due to return and we encourage booking ahead. If you have a problem with your vision or your eyes before your next eye examination is due, do not wait – contact our office and we’ll take care of you.
If you are not satisfied with your glasses or contact lenses, please make sure you contact us! As part of continuing care and service your doctor and optician will be happy to adjust or make minor repairs to your glasses where possible. The College of Optometrists advises you to be careful about buying glasses or contact lenses from somewhere different than where your eyes were tested.
