Frequently Asked Questions

1. Health & vision history
   • We will assess your current glasses/contacts, any visual complaints, medical history (including systemic health issues like diabetes, high blood pressure), medications, and family eye-health history.
   • We also do screenings for dry eye syndrome and eye misalignment

2. Lifestyle & visual needs discussion
   • We will ask about how/where you use your vision (e.g., computer work, driving, reading, sports) to tailor recommendations.
   • This helps us decide what tests to emphasise and which lenses or treatments might best suit you.

3. Vision tests (refractive/acuity)
   • Checking how well you can see (e.g., reading an eye chart) and determining if you need glasses or a change in prescription.
   • Tests for how your eyes work together (binocular vision), evaluation of depth, colour vision.

4. Neurolens testing (eye misalignment)

• We will assess your eye misalignment with a VR headset
• Eye misalignment is linked with headaches, eye strain, dry eye sensation, dizziness, light sensitivity and motion sickness

5. Eye health assessment
   • Examination of the front of the eye (cornea, lens, eyelids) and the back of the eye (retina, optic nerve).
   • Screening for common eye diseases (glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration) and systemic signs (for example, changes that may hint at diabetes or high blood pressure, brain tumors or stroke)

6. Additional Testing
   • Grand River Eye Care emphasises advanced equipment and full-scope care, we recommend imaging of retinal layers and the optic nerve head in the back of the eye (optical coherence tomography—OCT), dry-eye assessment and other speciality tests depending on your age/risks.

7. Discussion & Recommendations
   • After testing, the doctors will explain your results: your vision prescription (if changes are needed), what the health of your eyes looks like now, what to watch for, and any recommended follow-up or treatment (like dry-eye care, myopia control, referrals to specialists).

Things to prepare / know before your visit

• Bring yourcurrent glasses or contacts (if you wear them).
• Know yourmedical history, medications, and any family history of eye disease.
• If you have a vision/eye-health concern (blurriness, floaters, dry eyes, headaches) bring that up.
• Expect some time for dilation if done (your vision may be blurry and your eyes sensitive to light after).
• Ask ahead: “What’s included in the exam?” and if additional fees apply for extra tests
• Look into your insurance/coverage before the exam and bring any insurance information along with you

For most adults, it’s recommended to have a full eye exam every year if you have no risk factors and normal vision. For children, seniors, or persons with risk factors (such as diabetes, family history of eye disease, high prescription), more frequent exams may be necessary.

In Ontario, the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) covers eye exams for children under 20 every 12 months. So much can change as children are growing, so it’s essential to come routinely. Seniors are covered every 18 months unless there is a specific medical or ocular condition, in which case it’s every 12 months. For adults aged 20-64, exams are not routinely covered unless a specific medical condition qualifies (e.g., diabetes, glaucoma, retinal disease).

Dry eye is a condition where your eyes don’t produce enough tears, or the tears evaporate too quickly, causing discomfort, irritation, burning, or fluctuating vision. Common causes include meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), increased tear-evaporation (especially with computer use, wind or dry air), and blocked oil glands in your lids.

Treatment options for dry eye may include:

• At-home therapies: artificial tears, warm-compresses, lid hygiene, increasing humidity or prescription eye drops or oral medications.
• In-office treatments: technologies like intense pulsed light (IPL) and radiofrequency (RF) therapy to stimulate meibomian gland function.
• Additional options: punctal plugs (to reduce tear drainage
• PRP Serum drops: drops created from your own blood plasma. Our blood plasma contains many healing factors that help improve the front surface of the eyes and treat dry eye syndrome.
• Scleral contact lenses : specialty contacts that are custom fit to your eyes and retain fluid on the front surface.

Yes — many patients with dry eyes can still wear contacts, but it depends on the severity of the dry eye and the type of lenses used. A proper contact-lens fitting is critical, and your optometrist at Grand River Eye Care may recommend lenses designed for dry-eye conditions or special materials/brands that work better for you.

There are many types of contact lenses including daily disposables, monthly lenses, multifocal, toric (for astigmatism), gas-permeable (GP/RGP) lenses, and specialty lenses for “hard-to-fit” eyes (scleral lenses). To determine what’s right for you, a fit-specific exam is needed to evaluate your eye shape, health, prescription, lifestyle and whether you have conditions such as astigmatism or dry eyes.

Myopia control refers to treatments aimed at slowing the progression of nearsightedness (myopia) in children (and sometimes young adults). Grand River Eye Care offers myopia-control options (e.g., specialized contact lenses, orthokeratology, atropine drops, myopia control spectacle lenses) as part the standard of care for children’s vision care.

Yes — prescription sunglasses are worth it if you wear glasses already and spend time outdoors. They combine vision correction with UV/bright-light protection and can reduce glare, especially in Waterloo’s seasonal sun or snow-glare. When choosing, pick lenses with 100 % UV protection, good anti-reflective coating or polarization if you’re often driving or outdoors, and ensure the frame fits well and comfortably.

Fashionable frames change each year, but the main criteria are comfort, fit, and vision clarity. Grand River Eye Care carries many designer brands. Even if your prescription remains stable, consider updating if your frames are damaged, uncomfortable, or you’d like improved lens technologies (e.g., thinner lenses, blue-light filter, photochromic).

Bring all your current glasses/contact lens prescription (if you have one), a list of any medications, and information about your medical history (especially diabetes, high blood pressure, family history of eye disease). Expect a visual-acuity test, internal and external eye health checks, dilation if required, discussion about your vision needs and lifestyle, and recommendations for glasses/contacts/treatment as needed.

When choosing an optometrist in Waterloo, consider:

• Their full range of services (comprehensive exams, dry eye treatment, contact-lens fitting).
• Use of up-to-date technology (for eye-health screening and lens/fit accuracy).
• Good reviews and local reputation.
• Clear explanation of costs, what’s covered by OHIP/insurance, and any additional fees for contact lenses or specialty services.
• Professional, friendly staff who take time to answer your questions.

Children should have their first comprehensive eye exam at 6 months, and then yearly. Regular exams every year are recommended as so much can change in a child’s eyes as they are growing and they might not be able to tell you if an eye is out of focus or not functioning as well.

Signs include squinting, rubbing eyes, tilting the head, difficulty reading, or avoiding close work. Early detection is critical for learning and development.

Yes — sports eyewear provides impact resistance and eye protection. Your optometrist can recommend lenses and frames for specific sports.

Absolutely. Properly fitted polycarbonate lenses or wraparound goggles reduce the risk of eye injuries during sports.

Yes — we provide pre- and post-operative care for procedures like cataract surgery, LASIK, and other corrective procedures to ensure optimal results and ongoing eye health.