Comprehensive Eye Exams for Adults and Seniors
At Total Optometry, our comprehensive eye exams include a battery of tests to assess your vision and overall eye health. First, your optometrist will ask you about your medical history. This is important because many systemic problems lead to eye problems. We will also ask about your family ocular history to screen for any genetic eye diseases. Next, your optometrist will measure how well your eyes move and work together as a team. Then, we will check for your eyeglass prescription and your intraocular pressure. Lastly, we will use a microscope to take a look at the exterior and interior of your eyes to ensure your eyes are healthy. At Total Optometry, we have state of the art equipment to screen for various eye disease. Healthy eyes is more than just being able to read the eye chart.
Children’s Eye Exams
At Total Optometry, we recommend children getting their first eye exam at around 6 months of age, then again at 3 years old and at least once a year after that. Children’s eye exam is slightly different than ones we do for adults and seniors. For children, we emphasize how well they can focus objects, how well is their depth perception, and whether or not the two eyes are developing at the same rate (ie: no lazy eyes, no eye turns)
Research shows that 1 in 5 children have vision problems that are not detected by parents or at vision screenings at school. 80% of what a child learn is through vision, therefore it is important to make sure they have routine eye exam by an optometrist. Some conditions, if diagnosed too late, can affect their learning and future career choices.
At Total Optometry, children 19 years of age and under are covered by OHIP once a year for an eye exam.
Diabetic Eye Exams
Diabetic patients are at an increased risk of developing eye diseases. The most common diabetic eye disease is diabetic retinopathy where the blood vessels in the back of the eye will bleed out and causes swelling in the eye which can lead to blindness if not treated in a timely manner.
At Total Optometry, we recommend eye exam at least once a year for people with diabetes. Diabetic eye exams are covered by OHIP once a year.
Contact Lens Assessment
In Canada, contact lens is a Class II medical device, they sit on the front surface of your eyes and therefore should be fitted and prescribed by a health professional.
If you have never worn contact lens before, or it has been awhile since you last wore contacts, we would recommend a contact lens fitting. The fitting will give us a chance to show you how to properly take care of your contact lenses, it also allows the optometrist to evaluate the lens on your eyes. Lastly, it gives you an opportunity to try the contact lens to make sure this is something that will fit your lifestyle.
Retinal Imaging
At Total Optometry, we offer retinal imaging where a camera takes an image of the back tissue of your eyes to detect any eye disease. This retinal image is stored in our computer and helps the optometrist to monitor any subtle changes that occurs from year to year. Some eye diseases that can be detected with retinal imaging includes glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and swelling inside the eye. We strongly recommend everyone to do retinal imaging routinely.
Visual Field Assessment
A visual field machine measures your central and peripheral (side) vision. It is especially useful in detecting and monitoring glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetes, optic nerve diseases, strokes and headaches.
Laser Refractive Surgery Co-Management
Laser vision correction may be a good option to some patients who do not want to depend on glasses or contact lenses. However, laser vision correction is not for everyone. If you are interested in refractive surgery, your optometrist will discuss your candidacy and options with you. At Total Optometry, we co-manage with local refractive surgeons to provide pre and post-operative care.