Eyecare Questions

The optometrist is the eye exam and eye disease specialist who may also take part in the selling of frames and lenses.

The ophthalmologist performs surgery, treats diseases of the eye and performs eye exams.

The optician can write the optometrist or ophthalmologist’s prescriptions as well as sell frames and lenses.

The Ordre des optométristes du Québec generally recommends visiting your optometrist yearly, unless otherwise stated by your optometrist.

Consult your optometrist as soon as you experience any unusual symptoms that may concern you (blurred vision, headaches, burning eyes, etc.). Some eye diseases are symptomless which is why it is so important to visit your optometrist regularly.

We suggest the first visit by the age of 1, the second at around 2 ½ and annually thereafter. Eyes can be tested as soon as a child is born.

It is important for a child to have an eye exam before starting school in order to ensure there are no vision problems which could affect their learning. A child may also be seen earlier if a parent feels their child squints or has trouble seeing everyday objects.

Yes. Optometrists can adapt their exam to children. Images replace letters in order to assess acuity.

Yes, it is recommended to have your eyes checked every year or two, the same as a “healthy” person. Unless the cancer has directly affected your eyes or vision in which case, specialized exams may be required.

A complete eye exam runs at least 20 minutes and may last as long as 40 minutes if additional tests are required (central/peripheral visual field test, tonometry, cycloplegia, ocular motility test…).

Yes, if you are under 18 or over 64 years of age or if you are on social assistance.

No, if you are between the ages of 18 and 64.

Eye exams are covered by the système public d’assurance-maladie du Québec for those 17 and under and for persons over 65. For other patients, fees are often refunded by private insurance plans.

Yes, of course! Testing is performed to determine your eyes’ health. These results will then help us determine whether or not you have diseases such as glaucoma and cataracts. The optometrist’s role is to thoroughly examine the eye and all related structures.

We will assess your eye health and offer treatment or refer you to a specialist if required.

Yes, it is. However, not everyone in the family will necessarily have these diseases. However, screening and monitoring become highly important in families at risk.

Approximately 30% of glaucoma cases are hereditary. Due to this high number, family members must visit their optometrist regularly to check eye pressure, optic nerves and look for any other anomalies that may indicate glaucoma.

Currently a vision of about 20/60 is considered unfit for improvement. However, there are private ophthalmological clinics that can operate much sooner if the patient so wishes.

Outpatient surgery is performed using local anesthetic and lasts about 30 minutes. There is no hospitalization required.

Yes, HD (High Definition) technology describes the type of surfacing performed to the lens to create a single vision or progressive lens. HD lenses may also be called high-resolution or digital, depending on the clinic you visit.

The information gathered by the specialist is entered into a computer which then generates each individual lens. This is also called Freeform technology. High resolution lenses are surfaced on the backside of the lens.

Several brands such as Nikon, Essilor and ZEISS offer this new technology. Consult your optometrist for their recommendation.

Advantages

• • Personalized lenses
• • Larger visual fields
• • Impressive acuity and clarity
• • Fully unobstructed distance vision
• • Easy adaptation

Please note!

Although these progressive lenses easily adjust to most frames, it could occur that these lenses not suit certain small frames. Please consult your eye care specialist.

Glasses are made up of two parts; frames and lenses. Each must be carefully selected in order to offer you the most satisfaction. Following a complete eye exam, your optometrist and specialized staff can assist you in choosing the frames and lenses best suited to your needs.

The type of corrective lenses you choose are crucial. Before even selecting frames, you must consider the type of lens they must support. The thickness and weight of the lenses are important criteria to consider when choosing frames. Recent technological innovations have led to the development of thinner and lighter lenses, allowing you to select from a wider variety of frames.

Specialized coatings can enhance the performance of your lenses. Scratch resistance improves durability and anti-reflective coating improves visual comfort by reducing eye fatigue caused by light being reflected off the lenses. Anti-reflective coating also enhances your appearance by eliminating glare.

Lastly, in order to choose the right glasses, you must take into consideration what you will be using them for.

Do you work in front of a computer all day? Are you into sports? Are you crafty? Do you read or sew a lot? Are you an outdoors-in-the-sun type or an indoors type of person? Do you live a very active social life and worry about what others think of your appearance? Do you follow trends, enjoy changing your look, your hairstyle, your fashion style? There are so many questions you can ask yourself in order to help guide you in choosing the right glasses.

Selecting several frames to suit your various looks and activities may be a great solution. You don’t only have one pair of shoes do you?

As with everything else, there is a direct relation between the price and the quality of a product. Even if you do not have the knowledge required to assess the price-quality ratio of frames and lenses, use your judgment when choosing whom to do business with.

Do you feel pressure from the salesperson or do you feel confident in their advice? What type of warranty and after-sales service will you receive?

One last piece of advice, always have your eyes examined before choosing your new glasses and share with your optometrist any activities you take part in that require sharp vision.