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Why an Eye Exam?
We often take for granted our ability to see. Your eyes deserve to be examined regularly by an optometrist to help your eyes stay as healthy as they can.
There is a common misconception that if a person sees well, their eyes must be healthy. In fact many serious, sight-threatening eye diseases have no early warning symptoms. Fortunately, optometrists have the skills to detect many of these eye conditions in their early stages.
Early intervention gives a person the best possible chance of maintaining good vision. A thorough eye examination not only reveals the health of your eyes, but can also be an indicator of your overall health. Many general health conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure can be detected through regular, preventative eye examinations.
Make a regular visit to your optometrist part of your annual health assessment.
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What's involved in an Eye Exam?
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History: |
Your optometrist will ask you
about any vision problems that you are
experiencing, your personal and family eye and
health history, your medications, and any special
visual demands of your occupation or
hobbies.
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Ocular
Health: |
This is a painless
examination that checks the external and internal
structure of your eye. It also checks for signs of
ocular conditions as well as chronic conditions
that may affect your eyes.
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Visual
Acuity: |
Checks your level of vision
with an eye chart.
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Binocular
Vision: |
Determines how well your eyes
work together in coordinated
movement.
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Refraction:
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Determines the prescription
that will give you the best possible
vision.
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Diagnosis and Treatment: |
After the examination, your optometrist will inform you of the status of your vision and ocular health. Your optometrist will determine a treatment plan and discuss the various options available. Referral to other health care providers will be made when necessary.
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Is the exam covered by OHIP?
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New OHIP Coverage for Eye Examinations
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As of November 1, 2004 your Ontario Health Card
coverage for full eye examinations has been changed.
- Children aged 0 to 19 years: One full eye examination annually (unchanged).
- Adults aged 20 to 64 years:
are no longer covered by OHIP. However, if you have vision coverage through your workplace for eyeglasses, then the eye exam may also be covered. Check with your insurance provider for more information.
- Seniors aged 65 and above: One full eye examination
annually (unchanged).
Coverage for medical necessity has been
set in place. People with
diabetes, cataracts,
glaucoma,
amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus
(turned eye), visual field defects,
retinal disease and
corneal disease are covered annually.
If you have an eye related problem, you can speak to your family physician to obtain a referral, in which case the eye exam will be covered.
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