Allison wrote:
Hello,
I am 49 yr old female.  Just had routine eye exame and was advised some improvement in one eye for distance but need more power in both eyes for reading.  The change for reading is from 1.50 to 2.00.  The optometry recommends new lenses (and frames). I have no coverage.  Is a change of +0.50 for reading significant enough in your estimation to spend the money for new glasses lenses?

thank you

ANSWER

Allison,

Yes +0.50 is a significant change for reading, and one I always recommend be updated.  It is very normal at your age for the eyes to change every 1 to 2 years.

Dr. Joan Hansen, Optometrist for CAO

Jeff (in Ontario) wrote:
I was diagnosed with Diabetes 5 months ago. I have noticed my eyes doing weird things. I have been outa work for 17 months and I have no income whatsoever. How much will a trip to the optometrist cost?

ANSWER

Jeff,
In certain provinces people with diabetes are covered under provincial health care for annual eye exams.  Ontario is one of these provinces, so you would not have to pay to have an eye exam.  I would highly recommend that you do have annual eye exams now that you have been diagnosed with diabetes.

Dr. Doman

Angela wrote:

I went to pick out glasses and they refused to sell them to me unless I paid money to get eye exam. I have gotten my glasses there for years but now that I have to pay for exam out of my pocket I can’t afford it. So they sold me frames and my prescription. Is this legal or a new policy? My eyes are fine I just wanted a new style. Enough money for glasses but that’s it.

ANSWER

Dear Angela,

From your letter it is a little unclear to me as to what actually transpired at your visit to your optometrist. However, most prescriptions for glasses have an expiry date (usually about 2 years). If your prescription had expired, then it would be reasonable for your optometrist not to fill your old prescription. You say that your eyes are fine, and I presume you are making that judgement based on the fact that your vision is clear. However, there are many potentially serious conditions that affect the health of your eyes before any changes in vision can be detected. For instance, the pressure in your eyes could be higher than normal and place you at risk for developing glaucoma without you being aware of any visual changes. You say that you only have enough money for new glasses, and that’s it. Only you can decide what you will choose to spend your money on – looking good now or seeing well in the long run. You will probably have lots of pairs of glasses in your lifetime, but only one pair of eyes.

I hope you choose wisely.

Dr. Smit

Mary wrote:

Hello I have started having flashes or lightening streaks from the corner of my left eye. I feel fine, I do not have blurry vision, I wear reading glasses to read. I do not have medical insurance and my husband a builder is out of work, do you have any suggestions?
Thank you

ANSWER

Hi Mary,

Whenever someone experiences flashing lights there is great concern.  Flashing lights could represent a retinal detachment or other retinal problem.  Even though your vision is clear, you may have retinal problem.  Retinal problems occur in the periphery of the retina, so your central vision will remain very clear until the problem worsens.  If you are experiencing a retinal problem the sooner it is treated the better.  If it is left untreated it could lead to a complete retinal detachment and permanent vision loss.  I would recommend going to your optometrist.  They will be able to tell you if you do have a retinal problem and can refer you to an ophthalmologist if this is warranted.  You should be able to get an appointment in a timely fashion for this problem, usually the same or next day.  I do not know where you live, so can’t really comment on what services if any would be covered by your optometrist.  I practice in Nova Scotia and in our province this type of problem would be covered under the provincial health plan.  However in some provinces this is not the case.  Actually I’m not even sure if you live in Canada?  I would suggest phoning your optometrist to see what the fee would be for a problem of this nature.  Flashing lights can seem benign, but they are a serious symptom that should not be ignored.  The important thing is that you have your eyes examined as soon as possible.

Dr. Doman

Catherine Wood wrote:

I teach in an urban high school. Many of my students need glasses but don’t have them and can’t afford to buy them. Is it safe to let them wear other people’s glasses if it improves their vision?

ANWSER

Dear Catherine,

Letting one student briefly wear another student’s glasses for a brief period of time will not cause permanent damage to the wearer. However, wearing an incorrect or inaccurate prescription can cause visual discomfort and eye fatigue even if the prescription appears to improve visual acuity in the short term. When glasses are prescribed for a patient, most often we must prescribe a unique/different prescription for the left and right eye in order to provide each eye with the best vision. The glasses are then also carefully made to ensure that the lenses are properly centered in front each eye. Having the correct lens prescription, properly fitted, is the only way to ensure that your students are seeing well.

For students that cannot afford to purchase glasses, there may be some assistance available from service clubs or governmental social service agencies.

Hope this helps.

Dr. Smit