Doctors of Optometry are primary health care professionals who diagnose and treat diseases and disorders of the visual system. Optometrists work with patients to safeguard eye health and prevent diseases – and they can detect and identify potential health conditions through an eye examination. Optometrists also provide referrals to eye specialists; prescribe medications to treat eye diseases; and prescribe (and dispense) eyeglasses and contact lenses.
Eye exams should be an integral part of our overall, ongoing health care regimen, just like the annual physical exam. Routinely performed by an optometrist, eye exams serve a number of purposes: they assess the health of the eye and the visual system; they determine the need for prescription lenses (or check existing prescriptions); they can detect certain eye diseases and disorders; and they can identify other health problems.
Optometrists use computerized, state-of-the-art instruments to assess a patient’s eye health, and diagnose potential problems. In the event that an eye disease is detected, the optometrist is able to prescribe and treat many conditions. And with an established network of skilled eye care professionals, every patient receives the appropriate attention required for their specific medical issue. It’s a level of medical experience and professional judgment you can rely on.
In Woodbridge, Dr. Brian Abrams and his professional staff are dedicated to the highest level of quality eye care. The team provides comprehensive eye exams for adults and children; contact lens exams and assessments; medical treatment of various eye diseases; emergency eye care services; and laser vision correction. For patients in the communities of Vaughan, Thornhill, and Maple, the Woodbridge clinic provides for children, adults and seniors.
The Ontario Association of Optometrists highly recommends annual eye exams for everyone, but frequency should depend on the individual, and of course, on one’s medical condition. For instance, patients who suffer from diabetes, glaucoma or macular degeneration may require more frequent visits. Children with no history of pediatric eye problems, and with no vision challenges, can start having their eyes examined at age three.
In the province of Ontario, the Ministry of Health offers health coverage for eye exams relative to the patient’s age. For children up to age 19, OHIP fully covers eye exams (one examination per year). For seniors 65 years and beyond, the same coverage applies. And for adults who are between ages 20 and 64, eye exams are covered for certain medical conditions. Specific fees for optometry services vary with respect to a patient’s medical situation.
Where surgery is necessary and required, Dr. Abrams provides timely referrals, as well as pre- and post-operative care. Dr. Abrams is associated with many ophthalmic surgeons who are in private practice, and with eye specialists who practice at all of the major hospitals in the GTA. Dr. Abrams refers patients for a variety of eye surgeries, including those related to the cornea, retina, and cataract.
When you visit your Doctor of Optometry, you can expect safe, high quality eye care. In the province of Ontario, optometrists maintain their skill set, knowledge base, and proficiencies at levels that are regulated by the College of Optometrists. Patients can rest assured that for private practice optometrists like Dr. Brian Abrams, patient health is paramount.
