Frequently Asked Questions

OHIP covers eye exams for children under 20, adults 65 and older, and adults aged 20 to 64 with certain medical conditions such as diabetes or glaucoma. Routine exams for most working-age adults are not covered by OHIP.

The best eye exam is one that is thorough, explains results clearly, and matches your health and vision needs. Not all eye exams are the same.

Yes. Many serious eye conditions — including glaucoma and early diabetic retinopathy — cause no noticeable symptoms until significant damage has already occurred. Regular eye exams check more than vision clarity; they assess eye health.

If you work near King and Spadina, Spadina Optometry is less than a 4-minute walk away. We offer comprehensive eye exams, direct insurance billing, and appointments that fit around your workday.

Patients with diabetes or high blood pressure are at higher risk for sight-threatening conditions that develop without symptoms. At Spadina Optometry, we include retinal imaging and OCT in every exam for these patients, set recall schedules based on clinical findings, and coordinate directly with your family doctor or specialist.

At Spadina Optometry, we discuss nutrition as part of your eye exam because what you eat directly affects your risk for age-related macular degeneration, dry eye, and diabetic eye disease. We recommend the Eyefoods guide by Dr. Laurie Capogna, a colleague and Ontario optometrist who has spent over 20 years researching the connection between diet and eye health.

There is no single best optometrist for everyone. The right choice depends on your needs, communication style, and the type of care you are looking for.

An optometrist is a primary eye care provider who performs exams, diagnoses and manages many eye conditions, and prescribes glasses and contact lenses. An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor specializing in eye surgery and subspecialty care. In Ontario, most routine and primary eye care — including management of many eye diseases — is handled by optometrists.

Some eye symptoms need same-day assessment. Here are practical “call now” signs and what to do next.

Children should have their first eye exam between 6 and 9 months, again before starting school, and every year after that.

Yes — many people with astigmatism wear contact lenses successfully. The key is choosing the right lens type and getting a proper fit from an optometrist.

Yes — scleral lenses create a fluid reservoir that protects and hydrates the eye, making them ideal for people with chronic dry eye syndrome.

Contact lenses aren’t one-size-fits-all. Here’s how fittings work, what to do if lenses feel dry, and when specialty lenses may help.

Ortho-K uses custom-fitted lenses that gently reshape the cornea overnight — giving you clear vision during the day without glasses or contacts.

At Spadina Optometry, we carry progressive, single vision, and occupational lenses from Hoya, ZEISS, and Shamir at multiple tiers. We recommend based on your prescription, daily tasks, and budget. Every pair includes premium anti-reflective coating, scratch-resistant coating, and UV protection. We also carry Essilor and Nikon for patients who prefer those brands.

Screen time doesn't directly cause myopia, but it increases risk by reducing outdoor time and increasing prolonged near work.

Myopia is common in children and can worsen as they grow. Evidence-based options to slow progression include specialty lenses, orthokeratology, and low-dose atropine drops. At Spadina Optometry in Toronto, our optometrists help families choose the right approach.

We're located in downtown Toronto near King & Spadina, easily accessible by TTC, foot, or car. Here's how to find us.