Close up of a child and an adult are looking a computer screen that has a photo of a retina.

FAQs

Eye Exams

When should my child have an eye exam?

The Canadian Association of Optometrists recommends all infants have their first eye exam between 6 to 9 months old, again between 2-5 years old, and every 1 to 2 years thereafter. This timing can vary for each child, so after their first exam, your child’s optometrist will recommend when to return for their next visit. 

Read more about children’s eye exams here.

How often should I have an eye exam?

For most people, it’s recommended to have their eyes examined at least every two years. In some cases, it may be less. Your optometrist will advise the best time for your next exam. 

Read more about eye exams here.

What is the difference between a vision screening provided at school and an eye exam at my eye doctor?

A vision screening is not as in-depth as a comprehensive eye exam with an optometrist. Research shows that screenings can miss up to 75% of vision problems in children. While screenings are a very useful tool in eyecare, seeing an optometrist is the best thing you can do to make sure your child’s eyes are healthy. 

Read more about children’s eye exams here.

How long will I be there for my eye exam?

You should prepare to be here for approximately one hour, but times can vary depending on your needs, such as: 

  • If you require pupil dilation
  • If you will be spending time looking at glasses
  • If you require contact lens evaluation

Pupil dilation: Why do I need to have my eyes dilated? Can I drive afterwards?

Pupil dilation will allow us to see more of the structures inside the eye, for a thorough evaluation of your eye health. Your optometrist will decide if pupil dilation is required at your exam. Dilating eye drops relax the muscles around the pupil, causing it to open fully within 20 to 30 minutes. The pupils remain large for 2 to 6 hours, varying due to individual sensitivity to the drops. You will have increased light sensitivity during this time. You may also have blurred vision, especially your up-close vision, though it typically recovers more quickly, in one to two hours. 

There is no required time that a person must wait to drive after having their pupils dilated, as the decision is a personal choice. However, it is important to remember that you will be sensitive to light, and your vision may be somewhat blurry, so, depending on the driving conditions, you may not be comfortable. You should wear sunglasses after your exam (if you do not have any, a temporary pair will be provided). Some people are able to drive after pupil dilation, but if it’s your first time, we recommend that you make alternate transportation arrangements.

What are the steps for my eye exam?

  • First, our friendly staff will check you in at the front desk and gather some basic information. 
  • A clinical assistant will then guide you through the preliminary intake for your eye exam including: medical and ocular history, automated refraction, iCare eye pressure, and optomap retinal imaging
  • Your doctor will then complete the full eye exam and review your results. 
  • After the exam, you can meet with one of our highly skilled, certified opticians to consider glasses or contact lenses if needed. 
  • Please see our services section for more information on the different exams we offer.

Lenses and Frames

How long will I wait for my eyeglasses?

Single vision lenses are generally back from our quality labs in 7-10 business days. Progressive lenses are generally completed to our high standards in 2 to 3 weeks. We provide special consideration for rush orders/urgencies.

How long does it take to get used to my new prescription?

Typically, a couple of days with single vision lenses and up to a couple of weeks for a progressive lens. But remember, everyone is different so please discuss any concerns with your optician.

Can I put new lenses in my current frames?

In most cases yes, but we need to examine your existing frames to ensure a successful outcome. It’s important to consider that parts may be hard to get for an older frame.

What is a bifocal?

These eyeglass lenses are divided into an upper half that corrects for distance vision, and a lower half that corrects for near vision. There is a visible line that divides the sections.

What is a progressive lens?

Progressive lenses have a gradual progression in power from top to bottom that allows long, medium, and short distance viewing. There are no visible lines on the lens. These lenses are an excellent choice for people who multitask and are the most common type of lenses we fit.

Do I have to be a patient to get glasses at your office?

We welcome patients from any optometry clinic. Please bring a copy of your most up-to-date prescription and your current glasses to your visit.

Call (902) 422-4444 to book an appointment with one of our highly skilled opticians. 

How do I clean my anti-reflection coated lenses?

For small smudges on your lenses, use eyeglass spray cleaner formulated for anti-glare lenses.

  • Apply the cleaner to both sides of the lens
  • Gently rub it around with your fingers
  • Dry the lenses with a soft cloth such as a tea towel (paper products should be avoided)
  • Once the lens is dry, use your antistatic lens cloth to bring the lens to a shine without creating static (which attracts dust).

We recommend you do a deeper clean once a week:

  • First, wet your frame and lenses with lukewarm water
  • Then take a gentle, non-abrasive, plain dish soap and rub it on your lenses and frames
  • Rinse with lukewarm water
  • Dry your frame with a soft cloth such as a tea towel
  • Then follow the previous steps to finish off the lenses

How often should I have my glasses adjusted?

It’s natural that your glasses will get slightly misaligned with normal wear. Your glasses should be adjusted every four to six months or whenever you are feeling that they have become crooked or are not staying in place. Doing so will ensure that your frames and lenses are properly aligned for optimum vision. In addition to the adjustment procedure, we will also clean your glasses.

What if I break or lose my glasses?

2-Year Warranty: Our exceptional warranty covers breakage or damage of your frames and lenses for two full years from the date of purchase. We will do our best to repair frames or replace them if they cannot be fixed. Unfortunately, it does not cover lost glasses.

Contact Lenses

I’d like to start wearing contact lenses, how do I get some?

The first step for new contact lens wearers is an up-to-date eye exam to determine which contact lens is right for you. Next, you will have an instructional session to learn how to care for your lenses and practice inserting and removing them safely. Our certified contact lens Optician will evaluate the fit of the lenses and measure vision to ensure maximum success and safety for you before you take them home.

*Please remember that contact lenses are a medical device and require proper fitting and evaluation by a trained professional, for your safety, prior to wear. It is not advisable to fit yourself with contact lenses. Improper fit and use of contact lenses can lead to complications and permanent vision loss.

Can I get contact lenses during my exam?

If you’re interested in wearing contact lenses, please let us know when booking your eye exam. Your doctor will evaluate your eyes to determine if contacts are right for you and will consider what steps are needed to get you into the right contact lens. This may include being fit with contacts at your exam or it may require a follow-up appointment to allow the time required to fit you with contact lenses. If you have recently had an eye exam with us and would like to be fit with contact lenses, please call to book an appointment with our certified contact lens optician.

Read more about specialty contact lenses here.

How do I refill my current contact lenses?  

You can conveniently order or refill through our website, by phone, or in person. We offer free shipping directly to your home within the HRM or curbside/in-person pick-up. 

Don’t know the specifics of your contact lenses? That’s okay, we will have all your contact lens details on file and will order you the proper brand, sizing, and prescription for you.

I have astigmatism, can I wear contacts?

Yes, contacts for astigmatism have come a long way and there are a variety of contact lenses that provide clear and comfortable vision solutions for astigmatism. We offer soft daily-disposable, soft reusable, and specialty contact lenses for astigmatism. Many patients who once thought they could not use contacts due to their astigmatism or tried uncomfortable lenses in the past, now have many new options available to them.

I have presbyopia (or use reading glasses), can contacts help?

Yes. We fit multifocal contact lenses for those of you having trouble seeing things up close, such as your computer, phone, or reading materials. Presbyopia, the natural loss of our ability to focus on things up close, begins for most of us in our mid 40’s. We may start to hold things farther away to see them or put reading glasses on to help. If you do this, or already wear contacts but are using reading glasses over them, please ask us about multifocal contact lenses to reduce or eliminate your need for reading glasses.

Can I get coloured contacts?

Yes. We fit coloured contact lenses with and without a prescription in them. Whether you require vision correction or not, coloured contacts are still a medical device that requires a fitting with a certified contact lens optician or optometrist. Please contact us for more information.