Comprehensive Eye Examination

A full assessment of vision and ocular health: refraction, visual acuity, binocular vision, intraocular pressure, slit-lamp examination of the front of the eye, dilated examination of the optic nerve and retina, digital retinal photography, OCT imaging when indicated, colour vision, visual field screening, and dry-eye screening. We explain every finding in plain language and document everything in your chart for year-over-year comparison.

OHIP covers a comprehensive eye exam every 12 months for everyone 19 and under and every 12 months for everyone 65 and older. Between ages 20 and 64, OHIP covers the exam only if you have a qualifying medical condition — diabetes, glaucoma, cataracts, retinal disease, amblyopia, strabismus, corneal disease, uveitis, or certain prescribed medications. If you fall outside those categories, most extended-health benefit plans cover routine exams — we can direct-bill most carriers.

A comprehensive eye exam at U Optical is typically $120–$150 for adults without insurance. Add-on imaging (OCT, extended visual field testing) may be billed separately when clinically indicated. We’ll discuss any additional fees upfront before the test is performed.

Per the Canadian Association of Optometrists: children 6 to 19 annually, adults 20 to 39 every 2 to 3 years (annually if high risk), adults 40 to 64 every 2 years, and 65+ annually. People with diabetes, glaucoma risk, or a family history of eye disease typically need more frequent exams. Your optometrist will set the right schedule for you.

A vision screening (the kind done at a school, a pharmacy, or a driving centre) checks a single thing — usually visual acuity at distance. A comprehensive eye exam is a medical evaluation of the entire eye: refraction, binocular vision, glaucoma pressure check, dilated retinal examination, OCT imaging when indicated, and screening for systemic conditions. Passing a vision screening does not mean your eyes are healthy.

Dilation drops widen your pupils so we can examine the optic nerve, macula, and peripheral retina in detail. It’s the most important part of the exam and the primary way we screen for retinal disease, diabetic changes, and optic-nerve problems. After dilation, expect 4 to 6 hours of light sensitivity and blurred near vision. Most people can still drive, but plan to wear sunglasses and avoid reading small print. Bring a driver if you’re concerned, and don’t schedule fine-detail work right after your visit.

The Canadian Association of Optometrists recommends a first eye exam at 6 to 9 months of age, another exam between ages 2 and 5, and annual exams from age 6 through 19. Children often don’t know what “normal” vision looks like, so they rarely complain. Many learning and behavioural issues in school-age children turn out to be uncorrected vision problems. See our Paediatric Eye Care page for details.

Call us the same day for: sudden flashes of light, a rapid increase in floaters, a “curtain” across part of your vision, sudden loss of vision, severe eye pain (especially with nausea or a red eye), a chemical splash, a penetrating injury, sudden double vision, or sudden blurred vision with a severe headache. These can indicate retinal detachment, acute glaucoma, or a neurological emergency. If you’re not sure, call — we’d rather see you and rule it out than miss a treatment window.

Your current glasses and contact lenses (including reading glasses and sunglasses), your most recent prescription, your health card, your extended-health benefits card, a list of your medications and supplements, and a brief list of any symptoms or concerns. If you expect to be dilated and you’re not comfortable driving with glare, arrange a lift home.

U Optical is part of U Vision Group — a coordinated network of specialist eye-care brands across the Greater Toronto Area. If your exam identifies cataract, glaucoma, retinal disease, or oculoplastic concerns, we refer you directly to Uptown Eye Specialists. Interested in laser vision correction? We refer to U Eye Laser Cosmetic (UELC). Moderate-to-severe dry eye goes to U Dry Eye Institute (UDEI). Same-day surgical care is at U Surgical Centre. Your exam findings, retinal images, and OCT scans move with you — no repeat testing, no re-explaining your history, no faxed referral waiting weeks for a first appointment.