Spadina Optometry • Toronto
Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers about eye exams, insurance, contact lenses, myopia control, dry eye, and how our clinic works. If you can't find what you need, call us — we're happy to point you in the right direction.
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Start here
If you're not sure which question you need, these pages cover the common decision points.
Fees & pricing
Exam costs, OHIP coverage, specialty service fees, and direct billing.
Imaging & eye health
Retinal imaging, OCT, what it shows, and when it's useful.
Urgent eye problems
When to call us, when to go to the ER, what happens next.
Contact lenses
Comfort, fittings, astigmatism, complex prescriptions.
Browse by topic
This is the full list, grouped to make it easier to scan.
Insurance & pricing
Coverage, OHIP, benefits cycles, and planning your visit.
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OHIP eligibility and eye exam coverage in Ontario
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.
Eye exams
Choosing a provider, what's included, and what to expect.
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What Is the Best Eye Exam in Toronto?
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.
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Do I Need an Eye Exam if My Vision Seems Fine?
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.
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Eye Care Near King and Spadina - Optometrist Walking Distance from Work
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.
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How Do I Find the Best Optometrist in Toronto?
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.
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What Is the Difference Between an Optometrist and an Ophthalmologist?
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.
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Urgent Eye Problems: Call Optometrist v Go ER
Some eye symptoms need same-day assessment. Here are practical “call now” signs and what to do next.
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When Should Kids Have Their First Eye Exam?
Children should have their first eye exam between 6 and 9 months, again before starting school, and every year after that.
Contact lenses
Comfort, fittings, specialty options, and common issues.
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Can I Wear Contact Lenses If I Have Astigmatism?
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.
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Can Scleral Contact Lenses Help With Dry Eyes?
Yes — scleral lenses create a fluid reservoir that protects and hydrates the eye, making them ideal for people with chronic dry eye syndrome.
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Contact Lenses: Fittings, Comfort, and Complex Prescriptions
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.
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How Does Orthokeratology Work?
Ortho-K uses custom-fitted lenses that gently reshape the cornea overnight — giving you clear vision during the day without glasses or contacts.
- Scleral Lenses and Custom Lens Fittings for Keratoconus in Toronto
- What to Expect With Scleral Contact Lenses - Comfort, Adaptation, and Daily Wear
Myopia control
What it is, why it matters, and common parent questions.
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Does Screen Time Cause Myopia?
Screen time doesn't directly cause myopia, but it increases risk by reducing outdoor time and increasing prolonged near work.
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What Is Myopia and How Is It Managed in Children?
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.
Dry eye
Symptoms, drops, and when to book.
Clinic basics
Finding us, getting here, and practical details.
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What's the Best Way to Get to Spadina Optometry?
We're located in downtown Toronto near King & Spadina, easily accessible by TTC, foot, or car. Here's how to find us.
More questions
Everything else that doesn't fit neatly into a topic bucket.
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Can TikTok or ChatGPT Tell Me If I Have Binocular Vision Dysfunction?
TikTok videos and AI chatbots like ChatGPT are telling people they have Binocular Vision Dysfunction (BVD) or Oculomotor Dysfunction (OMD). These tools can raise awareness, but they cannot replace a comprehensive eye exam.
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Why Do Eye Doctors Wear Glasses? Is LASIK Actually Safe?
If LASIK works, why do so many eye doctors still wear glasses? It is a fair question. Here is an honest answer -- plus what to look for if you are considering refractive surgery.
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Amsler Grid: Monitoring Your Central Vision at Home
The Amsler grid is a between-visits monitoring tool for patients with or at risk for macular disease. Here is how to use it correctly and when changes warrant a call to your optometrist.
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Retinal Imaging, OCT, and Eye Health Testing
Imaging helps assess the health of the retina and optic nerve and can support long-term tracking. Here’s what it is, what it shows, and when it’s useful.
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Is Red Light Therapy Safe for Your Eyes?
Red light therapy masks are generally safe when used properly, but should not be used directly on or around the eyes unless under clinical guidance.
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Considering LASIK, PRK, or SMILE? What to Expect Before and After Refractive Surgery
Considering refractive surgery? Your optometrist plays an important role before and after the procedure -- assessing candidacy, referring to a trusted surgeon, and managing follow-up care. Here is what to expect.
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What Is Presbyopia and How Is It Managed?
Presbyopia is a normal age-related change that makes it harder to focus on close objects. It usually begins in the mid-40s and affects everyone eventually. There are several ways to manage it.
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Understanding Your Eye Prescription - What Do the Numbers Mean?
Your eye prescription contains numbers and abbreviations that describe how your eyes focus light. This guide explains what each value means in plain language.