At Waterloo West Optometry in Waterloo, we make every step of your visit smooth, welcoming, and reassuring – from arrival to clear, confident vision.
When you walk into Waterloo West Optometry, you're not just another appointment – you're a valued patient. Whether it’s your first exam, an eyewear update, or a visit with your child, every experience is personalized, accessible, and comfortable.
Here’s what to expect – from arriving at the plaza to leaving with better vision (and maybe a coffee in hand).
First Steps: Arriving at Waterloo West Optometry
Finding Waterloo West Optometry is easy. We're at 646 Erb Street West, Unit 105, at the corner of Erb and Ira Needles – across from Canadian Tire and Tim Hortons. There's plenty of free parking, and while the clinic is wheelchair accessible, patients needing assistance should call ahead.
Plan for a little extra travel time during school drop-offs (8:00–9:00 am) and late afternoons (3:00–4:30 pm). If you’re coming from downtown Waterloo, aim to leave about 25 minutes early, especially during rush hour.
In July and August, note that Friday hours end early at 3:00 pm.
Checking In: Quick and Easy
On arrival, check in with your OHIP card. Patients can also provide information online or by phone ahead of time to speed things up.
Check-in takes just about five minutes before moving to pre-testing – quick, non-invasive imaging and measurements to help your optometrist assess your eye health. Kids get fun, simple tests like colour tracking instead of imaging.
If you have special needs, let the staff know when booking so they can assist you.
Your Eye Exam: What’s Included
Your comprehensive exam covers:
- Prescription checks through refraction tests.
- Intraocular pressure tests to screen for glaucoma.
- Pupil dilation for a clear look at the back of the eye.
- Screening for optic nerve and macular health issues.
If you’re aged 20 to 64, OHIP generally won’t cover routine exams unless specific medical conditions apply, such as diabetes or glaucoma. Waterloo West Optometry provides receipts for insurance reimbursement and submits claims through Telus Health – patients pay upfront for now.
Expect the full visit to take about 30 to 45 minutes.
Choosing Your New Glasses
After your exam, you can browse a wide selection of frames – from affordable generic styles to designer brands.
Staff will assist you in:
- Picking frames that suit your style and needs.
- Exploring options like progressives or blue light lenses.
- Discussing lenses for children's myopia control.
Glasses usually take one week to ten business days to arrive. The team will call you for pickup, check your fit, and ensure your vision is perfect. Most eyewear comes with a two-year warranty; basic packages include one year.
Family-Friendly Care
Families are welcome! Each child requires their own appointment, but booking them close together makes it easier.
Kids' exams are designed to be simple and stress-free, using fun methods to check their vision development. Packages for children's glasses start around $165, with designer options also available. Myopia control lenses are offered for patients up to age 15.
Insurance Details Made Simple
While transitioning to direct billing, Waterloo West Optometry currently requires upfront payment, followed by claim submission through Telus Health. Patients with less common insurance plans should call ahead to confirm coverage.
OHIP generally covers children, seniors, and those with certain active medical conditions – always check your benefits in advance.
Easy Online Access
You can book appointments or order contact lenses directly through the Waterloo West Optometry website.
With nearby dining options like Freshii, Mary Brown’s Chicken, and Red Ginger Thai Cuisine, it’s easy to pair your appointment with a quick bite or a coffee from Tim Hortons.
Eye Care That Fits Your Life in Waterloo
At Waterloo West Optometry, we believe eye care should be simple, comfortable, and fit easily into your routine. Located in Waterloo, we offer expert care, a friendly environment, and services for the whole family.
Ready to book your visit?
Contact us today or request an appointment online – your eyes will thank you.