FAQs

Just as your family physician is your primary health provider for your body, an optometrist is your primary health provider for your eyes. Optometrists specialize in diagnosing, treating, managing and preventing diseases and disorders of the visual system and related eye structures. Seeing an optometrist regularly is an important part of your overall health.

Eye care goes beyond eyesight. Comprehensive eye examinations by an optometrist can detect serious diseases like diabetes, glaucoma and other conditions that may be silent. If you have not seen an optometrist in the past 12 to 24 months, contact Bell Booth Sirkka today to schedule an appointment.

People of all ages benefit from comprehensive eye exams to ensure quality of vision and eye health. In fact, we recommend infants have their first eye exam at six months of age.

Optometrists diagnose, treat, manage and prevent diseases and disorders of the visual system and related eye structures. They also assist in identifying general health conditions that may be first detected through an eye examination.

Only your optometrist can determine exactly how often you should have your eyes examined. The frequency of visits is usually based on age; however, specific eye conditions may dictate more frequent examinations: partial or full. Urgent eye issues like sudden vision changes, infections, inflammation and eye injuries (including foreign bodies in the eye) may warrant an immediate appointment with your optometrist. If you experience any of these symptoms contact Bell Booth Sirkka, and if required, we will see you same-day.

Children should undergo their first eye examination at six months of age and annually thereafter. Visual abilities play a key role in early development, and early detection and treatment of eye conditions can significantly decrease lifelong vision impairment. Eye examinations for children and young adults 19 years of age and under are covered by OHIP.

Adults 20 to 64 years of age are recommended to undergo a comprehensive eye examination on a one-to-two-year basis.

Seniors 65+ years of age are recommended to see an optometrist annually.

During a comprehensive eye examination, you may expect:

• Questions about your general health, vision and ocular concerns and lifestyle
• Advanced digital testing of eye length, curve, thickness and pressure
• External and internal eye health assessment to determine if disease is present such as glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration and diabetes
• Refractive error determination and prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses, if required
• Explanation of all tests performed and results so you have a complete understanding of your current eye health and vision needs
• Therapeutic treatment for eye conditions when required
• Laser vision consultation
• Timely referral to specialty care when required

Upon arrival you will be asked to verify your contact information, your medical history and any vision and ocular concerns you may be experiencing.

Please bring your:

• Current list of medications
• Health card
• Eyeglasses (over-the-counter and prescription)
• Sunglasses (non-prescription and prescription)
• Contact lenses – wear them to your appointment
• Contact lens box – to confirm the type of contact lens and prescription

Please bring your:

• Current list of medications
• Health card
• Eyeglasses (over-the-counter and prescription)
• Sunglasses (non-prescription and prescription)
• Contact lenses – wear them to your appointment
• Contact lens box – to confirm the type of contact lens and prescription

The length of an eye examination varies depending on each patient and their needs. However, individuals under 20 years of age should expect up to 30 minutes and adults up to 90 minutes. This includes preliminary testing using advanced diagnostic equipment, a comprehensive eye examination with one of our optometrists and a consultation regarding eyewear solutions, if required.

Most comprehensive benefit programs include eye care coverage that greatly reduces or eliminates costs.

Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) also covers comprehensive eye examinations as follows: 

Children and young adults 0 to 19 years: OHIP covers one comprehensive eye examination annually and any number of partial examinations required.

Adults 20 to 64 years: Only individuals with certain medical conditions are insured by OHIP and are eligible to receive one comprehensive eye examination annually. Please contact Modern Eyes Optometry for more information.

Seniors 65+ years: OHIP covers one full eye examination annually and any number of partial examinations required. However, our standard of care is greater than what OHIP covers and our comprehensive exam includes other advanced testing that may be needed. Upon completion of your examination, we are certain you will find great value.

Bell booth Sirkka provides care for urgent eye issues like sudden vision changes, infections, inflammation and eye injuries, including removing foreign bodies from the eye. If you experience any of these symptoms contact us immediately, and if required, we will see you same-day.

If you experience emergency eye symptoms while our office is closed, please proceed to your nearest emergency department.

Yes, optometrists are able to perform multiple treatments and prescribe therapeutic pharmaceutical agents to treat numerous eye conditions.

A dry eye consultation includes:

• Dry eye questionnaire
• Lifestyle and occupational analysis
• Advanced diagnostic testing using the Keratograph 5M
  • Tear volume measurement
  • Tear film evaporation rate
  • Infrared imaging of upper and lower meibomian glands
• In-depth evaluation of the ocular surface and eyelids
• Diagnostic expression of meibomian glands
• Personalized treatment plan which may include
  • Artificial tear recommendations
  • Eyelid care recommendations
  • Therapeutic expression of meibomian glands
  • Nutrition treatment plan, including food and supplements
  • Prescription oral and topical medications
  • Tips to minimize environmental impacts

The length of a dry eye consultation varies depending on each patient and their needs. However, individuals should expect up to 60 minutes.

Opticians must complete a college diploma which educates them on the optics, fit and dispensing of eyewear. Bell Booth Sirkka is proud to have licensed Opticians as part of our team.

Optometrists must complete a minimum of three years of undergraduate studies followed by four years of Optometry School. They are primary care doctors for the eye and visual system. Modern Eyes Optometry’s team includes four experienced and progressive optometrists.

Ophthalmologists perform eye surgeries. Bell Booth Sirkka has excellent relationships with surrounding ophthalmologists and access to same-day referrals, if required.

Definitely! Bell Booth Sirkka offers non-prescription and prescription sunglasses for all ages. Our team takes great pride in helping you select appropriate sunglass frames and lenses so you can enjoy the great outdoors safely – and in style.

If your existing eyewear no-longer supports your vision needs, lifestyle, or taste, you may wish to purchase new eyewear. Our team takes great pride in helping you select appropriate frames and lenses so you can see and look your best.

Bell Booth Sirkka is equipped to make repairs on-site with no appointment necessary. If your concern is a scratched or damaged frame or lens, the replacement may be covered under warranty. Contact your closest location for more information about how we can help.

If you are looking for a non-surgical alternative to eyeglasses, you may be a candidate for contact lenses. Technology advances in contact lens design and material have made it possible for almost anyone to wear contacts. Most responsible children as young as eight years of age can adapt to, handle and care for contacts. This decision is best made jointly between you, your child and your optometrist.

Bell Booth Sirkka offers contact lens exams and fittings. We offer a wide range of contact lenses to suit your needs, including toric lenses for astigmatism, multi-focal lenses as an alternative to bifocal eyeglasses, and specialty lenses for myopia control. To find out if contacts are right for you and how to properly wear and care for your contact lenses, call or book an appointment online today.

Children should undergo their first eye examination at six months of age and annually thereafter. Visual abilities play a key role in early development, and early detection and treatment of eye conditions can significantly decrease lifelong vision impairment. Eye examinations for children and young adults 19 years of age and under are covered by OHIP.

Children’s vision problems can easily go undetected. In fact, over 60% of parents mistakenly believe they would recognize their child’s vision problem. Only a Doctor of Optometry can tell how well your child can see. Rather than look for subtle signs of vision issues yourself, call Bell Booth Sirkka today to book and OHIP-covered eye examination for your child.