Visiting the eye doctor can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when you’re unsure about how insurance works or what to expect during your appointment. At Waterloo West Optometry, we strive to make every visit as clear and comfortable as possible.
Whether you’re coming for your first comprehensive eye exam or returning for your annual checkup, here’s what you need to know about our services and how insurance plays a role.
How Does Insurance Work?
Firstly, let’s talk about insurance coverage. In Ontario, OHIP covers eye exams for certain groups. If you’re under 20 or over 65, your annual eye exams are typically covered.
However, if you’re between 20 and 64, coverage only applies if you have specific medical conditions affecting your eyes, like glaucoma or diabetes. It’s important that these conditions are active at the time of your visit to qualify for coverage. For example, if you had cataract surgery and are recovering, you might not be covered, but if you currently have active cataracts, you would be.
Because insurance can be tricky, we always encourage patients to check their individual benefits before their appointment. While we currently ask patients to pay upfront, we submit claims on your behalf through the Telus Health portal for most major providers.
We also provide detailed receipts so you can get reimbursed quickly and without hassle. We’re working toward direct billing in the future to make this process even easier.
When it comes to your eye exam, our team offers comprehensive testing tailored to your needs. Before you meet with the doctor, we perform preliminary tests like vision measurement and eye pressure checks.
For adults, we also include retinal imaging to get detailed pictures of the back of your eye, which helps us monitor your overall eye health.
For children, we customize the exam experience with fun and engaging tools to test tracking, color vision, and eye alignment, helping make the visit comfortable and less intimidating. Plus, we offer myopia control lenses for kids up to 15 years old, helping to manage nearsightedness effectively.
Choosing Glasses Made Easy
After your exam, you’ll have access to a wide selection of eyewear right here in our office.
We stock everything from generic frames for those on a budget to designer brands for fashion-conscious patients. Most glasses come with a two-year warranty, with some basic packages including one year. Once your glasses are ordered, they typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days.
We’ll call you when they’re ready, verify the fit and prescription, and ensure your vision is crystal clear before you leave.
If you’re wondering about scheduling or convenience, we have good news. All four of our doctors are accepting new patients, and you can book your appointments online any time.
Plus, ordering contact lenses is also available through our website, making it simple to maintain your vision care without extra trips.
Finally, a little bonus about our location: after your appointment, you can grab a coffee at Tim Hortons or enjoy a meal at nearby restaurants like Mary Brown’s Chicken, Red Ginger Thai, or Freshii. It’s just one more way we aim to make your visit enjoyable and convenient.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
If you have any questions about your eye care, insurance coverage, or anything else, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our friendly team is always here to help you see clearly and feel confident about your vision health. Schedule your appointment today.