Frequently Asked Questions

How much does an eye exam cost? 

If you are not covered by OHIP (those over 65 and under 20 are), the cost of comprehensive vision and ocular health exams varies from clinic to clinic. The services offered, experience, and office hour availability will also vary from clinic to clinic. We do offer special testing which may include: retinal imaging, OCT, contact lens fitting, visual field testing, corneal topography, foreign body removal, dry eye therapy, and myopia control, which are separate services from a comprehensive eye exam. You will be notified if follow-up visits are required and the fees that may pertain to their provision.

Will my insurance cover my eye exam and glasses?

It is best to contact your private insurance provider directly for this information, but we do offer direct billing to the following providers: O.D.S.P., Refugee Program, Ontario Works, Green Shield, Blue Cross, Manulife, Maximum Benefit, Standard Life, Sun Life, Group Source, Group Health, Chambers of Commerce Group, ClaimSecure, Cowan, Desjardins, Great West Life, Industrial Alliance, Maximum Benefit, Johnston Group,  Canadian Construction Workers Union, GMS Carrier 49 and 50, Liuna Local 183 and 506, Telus, Adjudicare and Johnson Inc.

Can you bill my insurance directly?

We can direct bill the following providers: O.D.S.P., Refugee Program, Ontario Works, Green Shield, Blue Cross, Manulife, Maximum Benefit, Standard Life, Sun Life, Group Source, Group Health, Chambers of Commerce Group, ClaimSecure, Cowan, Desjardins, Great West Life, Industrial Alliance, Maximum Benefit, Johnston Group,  Canadian Construction Workers Union, GMS Carrier 49 and 50, Liuna Local 183 and 506, Telus, Adjudicare and Johnson Inc.

What and who does OHIP cover?

If you are 19 or less, possess a valid OHIP card, one full eye health and vision exam is permitted every 365 days.  For seniors, OHIP will cover a full eye health and vision exam every 12 to 18 months. Also, patients who have proof of diabetes at any age are also covered for yearly exams. For those between the ages of 20 and 64, OHIP covers conditions such as retinal disease and glaucoma for annual eye exams.

How often should I get my eyes checked?

Ideally, healthy children ages 3 and up should be seen annually.  For those between 20 and 40, exams every 18 to 24 months are recommended. In the presence of eye disease or risk factors, more frequent assessment is needed. Those 60 and older should have routine eye exams yearly. This may include additional testing based on patient history and presenting complaint.

What should I bring to my eye exam?

A list of medications, your most current glasses, any other optical devices you use, your contact lenses and their information, your insurance, and your OHIP card.  If you have any previous prescriptions or exam data such as OCT images or topographies, that would be helpful. Also, have a list of questions or symptoms ready that you want to share with your doctor.

Can I have a copy of my prescription?

Absolutely and one will be provided at no cost at the end of your exam.

What is my pupillary distance?

This is a measurement needed for the fabrication and selection of eyeglasses and is ascertained during the fitting of frames.

Can you change the lenses in my current frame?

In most cases yes, though the status of the eyeglasses must be assessed and approved.  Keep in mind, patient-provided frames are not covered in the event of frame breakage during the lens fitting process.

Do you need to know my medications/vitamins?

Yes, please bring a list of all your medications, supplements, and allergies.

Will I need to have eye drops for my exam? If yes, will I still be able to drive? 

A dilated fundus or retinal exam is often needed to complete a comprehensive eye exam. You can choose to be dilated on a separate visit; however, additional fees may be incurred. If you are dilated, bringing a pair of prescription sunglasses may be needed to drive, especially if it is sunny. Some patients prefer to have a drive home arranged.

What is the difference between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist?

An optometrist is a doctor in the primary care of the eye and vision, also known as the entry point to health care of the eye and visual system. An optometrist can treat many eye conditions, manage eye disease and prescribe optical aids. An ophthalmologist is a physician with a specialty in eye care, allowing them to prescribe oral medications and perform eye surgery procedures.

Is there an extra fee for a contact lens examination? 

Fitting fees are charged for the services related to the provision of contact lenses and vary based on case complexity and modality of lenses fitted.

What are progressive lenses?

Progressive lenses are no-line multi-focal eyeglass lenses that look exactly the same as single-vision lenses. In other words, progressive lenses will help you see clearly at all distances without those annoying (and age-defining) “bifocal lines” that are visible in regular bifocals and trifocals. Progressive lenses, also called multi-focal lenses, progressive addition lenses, variable focal lenses, progressive power lenses, or graduated prescription lenses are corrective lenses used in eyeglasses to correct presbyopia (loss of near focus with age) and other accommodation disorders.

Should I wear my contact lenses to the eye exam? 

It is best to wear your eyeglasses to your exam and bring contact lenses in their case.

How long does it take to get my lenses once they are ordered?

This varies depending on your prescription and lens type. Most lenses are completed within 4 to 10 days. Some cases can be turned around in 1 day, but generally, never take more than 14 business days even in more complex cases.

Do you offer LASIK surgery? 

Dr. Sciberras performs refractive surgery consults to determine the best procedures, risks, and benefits analysis, as well as manage the recovery post-surgery, regardless of the procedure completed.

Can you treat glaucoma, macular degeneration, and other serious eye conditions?

Dr. Sciberras can detect, diagnose and treat many eye conditions and diseases. He is certified in the use of therapeutic pharmaceutical agents (TPAs) for the treatment of eye conditions, including but not limited to glaucoma, conjunctivitis, iritis, chalazion, meibomitis, etc.

Can I have an eye exam while pregnant? Should I wait because of vision fluctuations?

Having an eye exam when you detect a change in your vision or your health status has changed, outside of the pregnancy, is never contraindicated.

Do you offer children’s exams? If so, when should my child’s first eye exam be?

All children need to have routine eye exams, starting at age 6 months, then again at age 3, and yearly thereafter.  We use child-friendly vision targets, provide post-exam rewards for the child, and provide advice for maintaining healthy eyes and sight.