Eye Doctor Archives – Bay College Lockwood Clinic

How to Choose the Right Optometrist for Your Child in Toronto

July 14, 2025July 10, 2025 by Adminny

Happy young boy wearing glasses with blurred eye chart in background.

Healthy sight fuels reading, sport, and social confidence. Vision drives language growth, hand‑eye co‑ordination, and classroom behaviour, so small gaps in acuity can ripple across a child’s day.

Toronto paediatricians recommend the first optometry visit by six months, another at age three, and yearly checks once school begins. Early screening spots amblyopia, strabismus, and refractive errors while the visual system is still plastic, allowing timely action before blurred print or poor depth perception holds learning back.

Prompt correction lifts marks, eases headaches, and keeps kids eager to join gym class and art projects. With a clear baseline in place, the next step is to understand how regular eye exams keep that sharp vision on track.

How Regular Eye Exams Shape Bright Futures

Briefly, routine eye checks:

Detect silent issues: Near-sightedness, colour vision limits, and focusing delays seldom cause pain, so children rarely complain.
Support classroom success: Clear sight aids print decoding and board work, lifting grades.
Protect eye health: Screening for allergies, UV damage, and diabetic changes guards long-term vision.

Yearly testing aligns with Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) coverage for residents aged 19 and under, making prevention both wise and affordable.

Credentials That Build Confidence

Parents trust letters on a wall only when they understand them. Look for:

OD licence plus paediatric focus – All Ontario optometrists finish a Doctor of Optometry, yet extra internships or certifications in children’s eye care indicate deeper skill.
College of Optometrists of Ontario standing – A quick public register search confirms active status and absence of disciplinary findings.
Therapeutic endorsement – This qualification allows the practitioner to prescribe medicated drops, convenient when pink-eye sweeps through daycare.
Continuing education – Ask how many hours they completed last year on paediatric topics; engaged clinicians keep pace with research on myopia control lenses and blue-light filtering.

Clinic Environment: Turning Fear into Curiosity

A bright space and friendly staff lighten appointment anxiety. During your tour, note:

Waiting-area touches – Clean toys, storybooks, and low seating signal that kids are welcome.
Exam-room layout – Adjustable chairs and hand-held devices help optometrists work with toddlers who cannot reach a standard phoropter.
Communication style – Does the doctor explain tests in plain language, perhaps letting your child “drive the spaceship” when looking into the autorefractor? Playful cues reduce squirming.
Scheduling flow – Short wait times and online forms save frazzled caregivers from extra stress.

Technology: Modern Tools Mean Precise Results

Cutting-edge equipment is not show-boating; it sharpens diagnosis. Parents should expect:

Retinal imaging without dilation – Wide-field photography captures the back of the eye in seconds, handy for children sensitive to drops.
Computerized visual-field screening – Early glaucoma is rare in kids but not unheard of; quick mapping provides baseline data for later years.
Digital lens-edging lab – On-site lens finishing can deliver new glasses the same day, sparing extra school absence.

Ask how often devices are calibrated. A well-maintained autorefractor reduces prescription errors and remake costs.

Financial Clarity: OHIP, Insurance, and Value

Ontario families enjoy OHIP-funded comprehensive exams once every 12 months for anyone 19 or younger. Beyond that, private insurance may cover additional visits, specialty contact-lens fittings, or sports goggles.

Before booking, request:

A written fee guide for any services outside the OHIP basket, such as retinal photography.
Frame package options that bundle lenses, anti-scratch coatings, and warranty for a predictable price.
Direct billing for major insurers: less paperwork means quicker reimbursement.

Transparent pricing prevents surprise bills and builds trust.

Convenience Counts: Location, Hours, and One-Stop Care

Toronto traffic and TTC delays test any parent. Choose a clinic that minimizes journeys:

Central access – Sites near subway stations or with validated parking spare time.
Extended hours – Evening or Saturday slots reduce missed classes or work.
Integrated services – Facilities like Lockwood Clinic house family medicine, diagnostic imaging, and an on-site pharmacy under one roof, streamlining follow-up if your child needs allergy drops or a specialist referral.

Smart Questions for the First Visit

Prepare a short list to gauge fit:

How do you handle children with special needs or high anxiety?
What is your approach to rising childhood myopia?
Can you show sample sports frames and safety certifications?
How do you manage emergency concerns after hours?
What home habits promote healthy vision between visits?

Clear, confident answers signal a practice that values partnership.

Red Flags: When to Seek a New Provider

Even respected clinics may not meet your family’s needs forever. Watch for:

Persistent rushed exams where questions go unanswered.
Frequent prescription remakes with no clear explanation.
Outdated equipment older than a decade without evidence of calibration.
Inflexible payment terms that ignore government coverage rules.

Your child should feel safe and heard; anything less justifies change.

A Confident Path Forward

Choosing the right optometrist blends professional skill, child-centred care, and practical logistics. Begin by confirming credentials, tour the clinic for comfort cues, and weigh the merits of up-to-date technology.

Factor in OHIP benefits, insurance gaps, and the value of integrated healthcare services. Finally, trust your observations; if the doctor listens, answers with clarity, and turns tests into games, your child is on the way to years of clear, confident sight.

Ready for a friendly eye exam in downtown Toronto? Book your child’s appointment at a trusted and reliable optometric walk-in clinic today. Reach out to us for your child’s eye care needs to secure a convenient time.

How Often Should You Get an Eye Exam?

May 23, 2025May 19, 2025 by Adminny

woman doing eye test with optometrist in medical clinic

Eye exams are often overlooked until something goes wrong. But regular checkups aren’t just for people with blurry vision. They’re a critical part of preventive healthcare, helping catch problems early before they become serious.
At Lockwood Clinic in downtown Toronto, we see patients in our optometric centre every day who are surprised to learn how much a simple eye exam can reveal. From dry eyes to diabetes-related changes, your eyes can say a lot about your health.

Why Eye Exams Are Important

An eye exam goes far beyond just checking whether you need glasses. It’s a full assessment of your overall eye health. And in many cases, a window into your broader medical condition.
During a comprehensive exam, your optometrist checks for refractive errors, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. These are common vision issues that can usually be corrected with glasses or contact lenses, but without regular testing, they can lead to eye strain, headaches, and difficulty with daily activities like reading or driving.
Your eyes are also examined for early signs of serious diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration. These conditions often progress slowly and without pain, so you may not realize there’s a problem until your vision is already affected.
Importantly, eye exams can reveal systemic health issues too. Conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and even certain types of cancer can be detected through changes in the retina or blood vessels at the back of the eye. For some patients, an eye exam is the first indication that something bigger is happening in their body.
Your optometrist will also evaluate how your eyes move and work together, identifying problems with eye alignment or muscle function that can lead to double vision, discomfort, or reading difficulties.
And if you already wear glasses or contacts, regular exams ensure your prescription stays up to date, so you’re always seeing clearly and comfortably.
Skipping regular eye exams can mean missing the early warning signs of conditions that are much easier to manage when caught early.
Related Article: The Benefits of Early Vision Screening for Children: Ensuring a Bright Future with Clear Vision

Eye Exam Frequency by Age Group

Children (Up to Age 19)

When: Once every year
Why: Children’s vision changes rapidly. Eye exams help detect issues that could affect learning and development. Some problems, like lazy eye or crossed eyes, are easier to treat when caught early.

Adults (Ages 20–39)

When: Every 2 to 3 years, unless you have symptoms or wear glasses or contacts
Why: Vision tends to be stable in this age group, but it’s still important to monitor eye health and update prescriptions if needed.

Adults (Ages 40–64)

When: Every 2 years, or as recommended by your eye care provider
Why: This is when early signs of age-related eye diseases can appear, like presbyopia (trouble seeing close up), dry eyes, and early-stage glaucoma. Regular exams help manage these changes.

Seniors (Age 65 and Over)

When: Once every year
Why: Age-related conditions such as cataracts, macular degeneration, and glaucoma become more common. Annual checkups help maintain your vision and independence.

High-Risk Groups May Need More Frequent Exams

While standard eye exam guidelines work for many people, certain individuals face increased risks and may need to be checked more often. If you fall into a higher-risk category, your optometrist might recommend annual or even semi-annual visits to stay ahead of potential issues.

You’re considered higher-risk if you wear contact lenses, especially on a daily basis. Contacts can increase your risk for dry eyes, infections, or corneal damage; problems that might go unnoticed without regular checkups.
People with diabetes should also have yearly eye exams without exception. Diabetes can lead to diabetic retinopathy, a serious condition where blood vessels in the retina become damaged. This can lead to vision loss if not caught early.
If you have a family history of glaucoma, macular degeneration, or other hereditary eye diseases, your chances of developing these conditions are higher. Early screenings can help track any changes over time and allow for timely treatment if needed.
Certain medications can also affect eye health. Drugs used for autoimmune diseases, psychiatric conditions, or high cholesterol, among others, can sometimes cause dry eye, light sensitivity, or optic nerve issues. If you’re taking medication with known visual side effects, regular exams are key.
Previous eye surgeries or injuries can change the way your eye functions long-term. Even if your vision seems stable, follow-up care is crucial to monitor for post-surgical complications or progressive damage from an older injury.
People with high blood pressure or other vascular conditions are at risk for retinal changes due to poor blood flow. These changes often show up in the eye before other symptoms arise.

If you belong to one or more of these groups, don’t wait for a problem to schedule an appointment. Regular checkups help your optometrist track changes early and take action before your vision is impacted.
Related Article: The Role of Optometry in Maintaining Healthy Vision: Eye Exams and Vision Care

What to Expect During an Eye Exam

A comprehensive eye exam typically includes:

Visual acuity testing (reading charts)
Refraction (to determine your prescription)
Eye muscle and movement tests
Pressure measurement (for glaucoma screening)
Dilated eye exam (to check the retina and optic nerve)
Slit-lamp examination (to look at the structures at the front of your eye)

The process usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on your needs.
At Lockwood Clinic, our optometrists use up-to-date technology and techniques to ensure a comfortable, thorough exam. If needed, we can also refer you to specialists or coordinate with your family doctor right in the same facility.

Signs You Should Book an Eye Exam Sooner

Even if you’re not due for a routine checkup, certain symptoms mean it’s time to see an optometrist:

Blurry vision or trouble focusing
Frequent headaches
Eye strain or fatigue
Light sensitivity
Floaters or flashes of light
Trouble seeing at night
Sudden vision changes

Don’t wait for these issues to go away on their own. Early attention often leads to easier treatment and better outcomes.

OHIP Coverage for Eye Exams

In Ontario, OHIP covers annual eye exams for:

Children under 20
Adults 65 and older
Adults with specific medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, glaucoma, retinal disease)

If you’re between 20 and 64 and not part of a high-risk group, your eye exams may not be covered by OHIP, but many private insurance plans will reimburse the cost.
Our team at Lockwood Clinic can help you understand your coverage and provide receipts for any claims if needed.
Related Article: Finding a Walk-In Clinic in Toronto: A Guide to Convenient and Affordable Healthcare

Book Your Eye Exam Today

Your eyes do a lot for you. Take care of them with regular checkups, even if you don’t wear glasses or feel anything wrong. Prevention is powerful, and one simple eye exam could catch something early that changes everything.

At Lockwood Clinic, we make it easy to get quality care. Drop in or call ahead to book your next eye exam with one of our experienced optometrists. Your vision and your health are worth it.

Should I See An Ophthalmologist Or Optometrist?

April 24, 2025September 27, 2021 by Adminny

Both ophthalmologists and optometrists are trained medical professionals who are an important part of your eyecare health. However, what is the difference between the two and when should you see an ophthalmologist vs an optometrist? In short, an optometrist can provide many of the same services and diagnostic capabilities as an ophthalmologist with the notable exception of surgical solutions.

Here we will look at the differences between an ophthalmologist and optometrist and which is best for your eyecare needs.

What is the Difference Between an Ophthalmologist and Optometrist?

While both ophthalmologists and optometrists are doctors, an optometrist is a doctor of optometry and an ophthalmologist is a medical doctor. An ophthalmologist will earn their surgical experience through four years of medical school followed by four years of residency at a medical facility.

An optometrist, instead of attending medical school, will attend optometry school for four years followed by one year of residency. During residency optometrists will participate in extensive clinical training. With this experience, they can treat and diagnose a wide range of eye conditions, prescribe prescription lenses, and give eye exams.

However, they will not be able to perform eye surgery. In some provinces, an optometrist may be restricted from treating certain eye conditions, but they are generally able to diagnose and give you a referral to the correct medical professional even if they cannot provide the treatment itself.

What Can an Optometrist and Opthamologist Do?

Optometrists: Optometrists are often your first line of defense not only for your eye health but your total health. This is because a thorough eye exam can reveal signs of many other medical conditions including diabetes, high blood pressure, and even certain cancers. An optometrist’s exam will frequently reveal signs of these conditions before you start experiencing symptoms, making this exam critical to early detection and successful treatment.

Other optometrist services include:

Assist With Pre and Post Operative Care: While an ophthalmologist will be the one to perform an eye surgery, an optometrist is often a more convenient choice to provide pre and post op care. Optometrists are fully equipped to provide this care and getting an optometrist appointment is typically easier because they will not have days blocked out for surgery.

Write Eyewear Prescriptions: If you are a long time glasses wearer you likely go to an optician to get your glasses fitted. However only an optometrist or ophthalmologist is able to write the initial prescription.

Eye Exam: More than a simple vision test, an exam allows your optometrist to observe the structure of your eye. This will allow them to see any abnormalities or inflammation that could indicate certain conditions.

Treat Eye Trauma: Eye trauma that does not require surgery can be treated by an optometrist. This includes treating scratches and removing foreign objects from the eye.

Provide Proper Referrals: Though an optometrist is able to treat a wide range of conditions, there are certain medical needs they can not see to. For example, your optometrist may suspect you have a tumor and can refer you to an ophthalmologist, oncologist, or another specialist.

Eye Exam: As mentioned above, this exam focuses on the structure of the eye in order to give clues about your total health. Your doctor will visually look at your eyes and also administer tests to identify any issues. This is often a critical first step to diagnosing various conditions and also getting a baseline for your eye health.

Ophthalmologists: Ophthalmologists can perform all of the services and treatments that an optometrist can along with providing surgical solutions. This includes laser eye surgery, a popular option for those who do not want to or cannot wear glasses or contacts.

When to See an Opthamologist vs an Optometrist?

If you are experiencing any kind of vision issues such as blurriness, a “veil” over your vision, loss of peripheral vision or any other sudden changes, it is key to see an eye doctor. In these cases, an optometrist or an ophthalmologist are both good choices and the most important factor is getting an appointment quickly.

In some cases, an emergency room visit may be the best option. Specifically, if you are experiencing a major headache, numbness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking or any other signs of stroke you should get emergency medical attention immediately.

However, if your vision issues are not an emergency, here are some guidelines for how to choose between seeing an ophthalmologist vs an optometrist:

Optometrist: Generally, an optometrist visit is a good starting point for establishing the baseline health of your eyes. If you need a routine eye exam, new glasses prescription, or have been experiencing more mild eye issues such as eye fatigue from looking at a screen too long, an optometrist is typically your best option. Not only is an optometrist well qualified to perform an eye exam, they are often easier to get an appointment with compared to a specialist.

Ophthalmologist: An ophthalmologist is also able to perform eye exams, provide prescriptions, and perform all the services that an optometrist can. If you need a general check up or eye exam, an ophthalmologist is perfectly fine to make an appointment with. However, it is often the case that an ophthalmologist is the next step after visiting an optometrist who will be able to tell you if you need surgery or other advanced treatment that they cannot provide.

Conclusion

Generally, if you need an eye exam or other routine check up, both an ophthalmologist and optometrist can provide this service. Choosing between the two will often come down to who you can get an appointment with most quickly and other convenience factors. However, if you have more advanced eye health concerns and surgical needs, an ophthalmologist will be the right doctor for you.

Need help managing your eye health now? BCML offers fast, convenient, and compassionate care for your total health including eye exams. To find the best eye care options for you, contact us today at (416) 929-1900.

When Should You See an Opthamologist?

April 24, 2025August 7, 2021 by Adminny

Have you seen an eye care professional in the last year? Recent data shows that only about half of all Canadians between the ages of 40 and 64 have had their eyes checked professionally in the past year. Regular eye exams can help to find vision concerns before they become major problems and help you get the proper eyewear you need to see your best.

However, unlike an optometrist who provides primary eye care services like a routine exam, an ophthalmologist is trained in advanced eye care and surgical options. Here we will look at when you should see an ophthalmologist and why regular eye care is good for your total health.

Signs that You Should See an Opthamologist

Canadians’ eye care requirements change throughout life. Typically, if you do not have a vision problem, those under the age of 40 should aim for just one exam every 10 years. Those who are 41 to 55 should receive an exam every 5 years. From 56 to 65, once every three is recommended. Finally, those over 65 should get their eyes checked every two years.

These are general guidelines and they may change depending on your doctor’s recommendation. You may need more or less frequent examinations. If you experience any of the following, you should make an ophthalmologist appointment as soon as possible:

Vision Loss: Complete or partial vision loss in one or both eyes is cause for immediate concern and an appointment.
Blurriness, Streaks or Spots: It is not uncommon to experience small black spots or wavy streaks in your vision on occasion and for brief moments. These can occur for several reasons and are rarely a concern unless they do not go away. However, if your vision gets blurry, you have double vision or streaks of light without explanation, this is cause for concern. Be aware of a sudden increase of the presence in any of these elements as they can indicate a detached retina.
Compromised Central or Peripheral Vision: If you notice shadows or a curtain-like effect of darkness over you vision, this can indicate a serious medical concern including issues with your brain
Visible Changes to the Eye: Any kind of discharge, swelling or redness can be problematic as these can indicate an infection.
Sudden Crossed Vision or inability to focus your eyes is another concern that requires immediate medical examination.
Changes in Colour Perception: If the way you see colours suddenly changes, this can indicate important changes in your eye health for example. This can mean a loss of all or most colour perception or possibly an inverse of colours.

When Not to See an Opthamologist

While opthamologists provide the broadest range of services, some situations are best handled by an optometrist or optician. An optometrist will typically be the best choice for a routine eye exam. They will be able to diagnose your condition and provide treatment options with the exception of surgical solutions.

However, if you simply need new glasses, an optician may be best. Opticians are trained to help you find eyewear that is comfortable and suits your taste. Optician offices are also usually combined with a retail area where you can choose your glasses.

Who is at Elevated Risk of Eye Problems?

Age, certain diseases, ethnicity, and other health conditions can all increase your risk of vision concerns. If any of the following apply to you, you may require more frequent exams.

Health Conditions: autoimmune diseases, diabetes, and thyroid disease all increase instances of eye problems.
Genetic Predisposition. Those who have family members with certain eye conditions such as glaucoma may be at an elevated risk as well.
Ethnicity: Those of African and Hispanic dissent experience higher instances of certain eye conditions.
Medications: Some medications may increase your risk of certain eye problems. Whenever starting a new medication, consult with your doctor regarding the risks and what you can do to prevent eye damage.

How Can Eye Exams Help Your Total Health?

Early Disease Detection: Early intervention for eye health concerns can help save your vision and potentially even find other diseases. Your eyes can reveal signs of diseases ranging from diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure to some cancers and even multiple sclerosis. Most of these diseases will require additional testing, but the eyes can often reveal these problems even when you are not experiencing other symptoms.

Preventative Care Guidance: Your ophthalmologist can provide guidance on how to care for your eyes better. Changes in exercise, diet and lifestyle can prevent and slow the effects of certain eye diseases.

Detection of Rare and Immediate Health Risks: While “floaters” and spots in your vision may occur on occasion with little concern, an increase in their number combined with flashes of light and other vision impairment can indicate much more serious problems. Retinal detachment is a common cause of this type of vision change. The separation of the retina from the eye is an emergency situation that requires immediate action to prevent vision loss. Additionally, double vision and certain other vision issues can indicate problems within the brain.

Are Eye Exams Free in Canada?

The Ontario Health Insurance Plan provides a free, yearly eye exam for citizens under 19 and over 65. These routine exams are typically performed by an optometrist. Exams that are deemed medically necessary are covered for citizens of all ages.

These exams are conducted by an ophthalmologist who is trained to treat more serious eye concerns and provide surgical solutions. If you should receive a diagnosis requiring additional medical care, many services are covered by OHIP and may include help with paying for prescription glasses.

Scheduling an Appointment with an Opthamologist

If you are experiencing any of the above vision changes or conditions, a visit to an ophthalmologist can provide answers and peace of mind. While any changes to vision can feel extremely concerning, many issues have simple fixes and ways to prevent further damage.

Are you ready to maintain or improve your vision? BCML is here to help. Our eye care team provides a wide range of services to diagnose and treat both common and advanced eye conditions. To make an appointment, please contact us at (416) 929-1900.

How Many Types Of Eye Doctors Are There?

April 24, 2025July 20, 2021 by Adminny

There are two main categories of eye doctors: opthamologists and optometrists. Opticians are also an important part of eye care but they are not medical doctors and are unable to give eye exams. Each of these professionals have different specialties and levels of training in certain areas. Often you will need more than one of these medical professionals to care for your ocular health. Here we will look at the difference between each type of eye doctor and when you should visit each.

Ophthalmologist: Advanced Eye Care and Surgery

An ophthalmologist is an eye care professional that treats and diagnoses eye diseases along with providing surgical options for certain conditions. Along with surgical solutions for eye trauma, vision correction, and cataracts, some also provide eye lifts for those with sagging eyelids or wrinkles around the eyes.

Type of Training: An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who will have gone through upwards of 8 years of training including medical school, internship and a residency.

Specialities: An ophthalmologist can treat and diagnose eye diseases including glaucoma, cataracts, various eye trauma and eye conditions caused by other medical problems such as vision loss due to diabetes. An ophthalmologist will also likely have a research role in finding information and treatments for eye concerns. This can sometimes give them more current knowledge and be better able to treat less common eye issues.

When to Visit: An ophthalmologist can be consulted for a wide range of eye issues, but they are the best option for when you need surgical intervention including laser eye treatment. Similarly, if you have a severe eye condition, such as diabetic retinopathy, an ophthalmologist is a better option than an optometrist who may not be able to deliver full treatment or who may not be able to prescribe certain drugs or perform surgery.

Optometrist: Primary Eye Care

An optometrist has many of the same treatment and diagnostic capabilities as an ophthalmologist. They are also medical doctors and can give basic eye exams, provide prescriptions, and advise on treatment. They, however, do not perform surgery.

Type of Training: Similar to ophthalmologists, optometrists attend four years of medical school. Where they differ, is that an optometrist will only have one year of residency versus four for an ophthalmologist. This training gives an optometrist many of the same abilities as an ophthalmologist with the primary exception of surgery.

Specialities: Optometrists can perform eye exams, make diagnoses and prescribe most medications. However, in some areas. an optometrist may not be able to prescribe certain drugs, especially opioids.

When to Visit: An optometrist is a good choice if you need an eye exam or have any kind of new vision trouble. One area where optometrists are especially adept is in specialty lens fittings. They typically have more expertise in this. If surgical intervention is required, your optometrist will likely refer you to an ophthalmologist.

Optician: Lens and Contacts

An optician, unlike an ophthalmologist or optometrist, is not a medical doctor. Instead, they typically receive a two year degree or sometimes a certificate. This education gives them the expertise to interpret recommendations and diagnoses from other eye care professionals and use this to recommend the right contacts or glasses for you.

Specialities: An optician is unable to give a diagnosis or an eye exam. However, they are experts in recommending contact lenses and glasses. They also expertly measure you to give you the ideal fit for your new glasses.

When to Visit: You will generally see an optician only once you have a glasses or contact prescription from another eye doctor. Anytime you need new glasses or if you find your current glasses or lense are causing you problems, an optician will be able to find you a solution.

Eye Specialists

Within the broad categories of ophthalmologists and optometrists, there are some eye doctors who specialize in particular problems including: pediatric ophthalmology, eye plastic surgery, neurology, retina specialist, glaucoma specialist, cornea specialists.

When to See an Eye Doctor

In many cases, both an optometrist and ophthalmologist can help with an eye problem. Their capabilities are very similar. With the exception of surgery and treatment of certain severe or complex eye problems, an optometrist is likely to be as beneficial as an ophthalmologist.

However, what if you are not sure if it is time to seek out professional eye care? Make an appointment with an optometrist or ophthalmologist if you are experiencing any of the following:

If you have not seen an eye doctor in more than two years (up to three years for adults up to 39)
Sudden blurry vision
Severe and frequent pain (mild pain on occasion is likely not cause for concern)
If your eye has experienced trauma from a foreign object such as dirt, grit or any kind of chemicals.
Seeing spots or “floaters” especially if they are accompanied with flashes of light or there appears to be a kind of partial curtain or film over your eye.
Sensitivity to light
Double vision
Poor night vision
Frequent headaches and eye strain
Signs of an infection including swollen, itchy eyelids and discoloration of the whites of your eyes.
If you have been diagnosed with diabetes – diabetes can damage the blood vessels of the eye so regular exams are key to preventing and slowing this progression.
Any sudden and unexplainable changes to your vision.

Choosing the Right Eye Doctor for You

In many cases, unless you already have a very specific diagnosis, you can choose from both opthamologists and optometrists. Two factors that tend to be important to patient satisfaction are: doctor ratings and doctor availability. Research your doctor and look for high ratings and recommendations from those you trust. However, if you are experiencing eye problems now, it does you little good to find the highest rated doctor if they do not have appointments available for several months.

At BCML, we aim to offer eye care that meets your scheduling needs. To learn more and book an appointment, contact us at (416) 929-1900.