Eye exams are not only crucial for maintaining the health of your eyes, but they can also reveal important information about your overall health.

Many health conditions have visible symptoms in the eyes. During a regular exam, your optometrist can detect these signs and recommend further treatment by a healthcare professional.

Health problems that may be detected during an eye exam include:

• Diabetes
• Cardiovascular diseases
• Thyroid diseases
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• High blood pressure

It is always best to consult your doctor if you suspect you have any health problems.

At Optik Farhat, your standard eye exam will include several tests performed by a licensed optometrist and optician. These tests allow us to get a complete picture of your eye health and treat any potential issues.

The first round of testing, often called a “pre-test,” is performed by a licensed optician and may include:

• Tonometry test : Measurement of intraocular pressure using small puffs of air blown onto the surface of the eye.
• Digital Retinal Scan : If selected, this scan takes a picture of the back of your eye to check for possible diseases. Note: Retinal imaging may not be covered by your province. Check your coverage before your appointment.

Our optometrists will then carry out their own examinations, including:

• Slit lamp exam : Checking the front and back parts of the eye, such as the cornea, iris, lens, and retina, to assess the health of your eye.
• Refraction or vision test : The optometrist will ask you to look at an image through different lenses to assess the clarity and sharpness of your vision, also called visual acuity.

How long does it take to get an eye exam?

At Optik Farhat, our eye exams last approximately 30 minutes. However, this time may vary for people with more complex eye problems that require a more in-depth examination.

An eye exam, step by step

During our eye exams at Optik Farhat, we follow a series of quick and easy steps to complete your exam:

1. Making an appointment : Make sure you have made an appointment for an eye exam. You can do this online or visit your nearest store. Don't forget to bring your old glasses and your health insurance card for possible direct billing.
2. Registration and History : Upon arrival, you will be registered and asked about your medical history, family medical history, reason for your visit, concerns, symptoms, and any existing prescriptions.
3. Pre-test : You will first take a pre-test with one of our approved opticians.
4. Optometric examination : You will then see an optometrist who will perform his own examinations.
5. Discussion of Results : Once the exams are complete, your optometrist will discuss your results with you, make prescription recommendations, or advise additional treatment if necessary.
6. Choosing glasses : Our dispensing staff will then take over to discuss lens options and help you choose a pair of glasses. Issuance of new glasses often takes 2-3 weeks.

How often should I have an eye exam?

It is recommended that you have a routine eye exam every two years. If you have vision problems, your optometrist may recommend more frequent exams. If you are at high risk due to a health condition, such as diabetes, more frequent exams may be necessary. Your optometrist will advise you on the best course of action.

Symptoms requiring an eye exam

If you notice any changes in your vision, such as:

• Blurred vision
• Eye fatigue
• Squinting
• Headaches or migraines
• Sore eyes

It may be time for an eye exam. Use our store locator page to find your nearest optometrist. Come see us for dedicated, comprehensive eye care.

Can you do eye exams for driver's licenses?

Our optometrists are able to perform examinations to assess whether your vision is good enough to hold a motor vehicle driving license. They can also complete the appropriate paperwork.

This exam is not covered by the province and involves a fee.

Having a child's eyes examined is essential because good vision is crucial to their development and learning. Since learning in the classroom is primarily visual, any eye problems can affect their success in areas such as reading and writing. Regular eye exams can help detect vision problems early, allowing for appropriate treatment.

When should you have your child's eyes examined?

It is recommended that children have an eye exam at 9 to 12 months of age and again between 2 and 5 years of age. After that, an eye exam is recommended every year or as recommended by your optometrist.

Noticed

Not all optometrists offer eye exams for children. Be sure to consult an optometrist before booking an appointment for your child.