Eye Exams | Oshawa | Durham Vision Care

Comprehensive Eye Care for All

At Durham Vision Care, your visual health is our priority. We want you to love your eyes, and we provide comprehensive assessments and assistance with any concerns you may have.

Routine eye exams are a vital piece of preventive healthcare. Not only can your optometrist detect signs of eye diseases, many of which begin without symptoms, but they can also catch signs of other systemic health concerns, like diabetes, heart conditions, and certain cancers. Our doctors are here to help you safeguard your eyes for the future.

Our friendly team can’t wait to welcome you. Book your appointment today.

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How Often Do I Need an Eye Exam?

We recommend that most adults have an eye exam every 1–2 years.

Individuals who wear contacts, have an existing eye disease or are at a higher risk for eye disease, or those living with a systemic health condition, such as diabetes, should have more frequent exams.

After your first appointment with us, we’ll let you know how often you should book an eye exam.

What to Expect During an Eye Exam

When you arrive for your eye exam, you’ll begin by checking in with our front desk team. If it’s your first time here, we’ll ask you to fill out some patient information forms that include personal contact information and insurance information. If you’re a returning patient, we’ll just ask a few questions to make sure your file is up-to-date.

You’re welcome to grab a drink from our coffee and beverage station while you settle in. Our front desk team will let the technicians know you’re ready for pre-testing. If you have glasses that need adjustments, repairs, or cleanings, we’re happy to assist you while you wait.

Pre-testing includes some preliminary diagnostic tests. Next, you’ll meet with your optometrist. They will go through the results of the pre-testing and discuss any concerns you may have. Then, they will look at your eyes using a slit lamp microscope and check your prescription.

At this point, your optometrist may dilate your pupils to see the back of the eye more clearly. They will place a few drops into your eyes, widening your pupils temporarily. You may be more sensitive to sunlight after a dilated eye exam, so we suggest bringing sunglasses to your appointment. Your optometrist may have you complete retinal imaging or OCT scans (optical coherence tomography) to check on the health of your eye by giving them a detailed view of your retina, optic nerve, and blood vessels.

Once your prescription is finalized, you’ll have the opportunity to browse our frames. Our experienced staff will help you select a pair of frames that match your style, budget, and prescription needs. We’ll also discuss specific lens types and treatments, like computer glasses, anti-fatigue lenses, and Transitions® lenses, if they suit your lifestyle.

Conditions We Screen For

During a routine eye exam, we will ask you some questions and check your eyes for common vision and eye problems that may be causing you discomfort. In addition to screening for serious eye diseases, we also check your eyes for signs or symptoms of digital eye strain, dry eye, and refractive errors like myopia, hyperopia, and presbyopia.

While many of these conditions do not threaten your vision, they can cause uncomfortable symptoms, such as headaches, irritated eyes, and eye fatigue, if left untreated. By identifying the cause of your discomfort, we can help you find solutions that improve your daily life.

Dry Eye

Dry eye is an uncomfortable condition that often causes a scratchy, gritty feeling in the eyes. It is caused by an imbalance of the tear film, and if left untreated, it can eventually cause damage to the surface of the eye.

We screen for dry eye during your routine eye exam, through your reported symptoms and a look at your tear film through the slit lamp microscope. If we find signs of dry eye, we’ll complete a thorough evaluation and recommend treatments.

Digital Eye Strain

If you have ever noticed dry, tired eyes or headaches and neck or shoulder pain after prolonged computer or phone use, you may be experiencing digital eye strain.

If you notice discomfort while using digital devices, be sure to let us know during your exam. We’ll check for conditions such as uncorrected refractive errors or dry eye that could be exacerbated by screens. We can also recommend specialty eyewear, like anti-fatigue lenses, which can keep your eyes more relaxed and comfortable while online.

Myopia and Hyperopia

Myopia (nearsightedness) and hyperopia (farsightedness) are two common refractive errors that affect how your eyes focus light and, in turn, impact your vision. Myopia causes distant objects to appear blurry while near objects areseen clearly, and hyperopia causes blurry vision for close-up objects, while more distant objects can be seen clearly.

You can correct both myopia and hyperopia with glasses, contact lenses, or through laser vision correction surgery.

Presbyopia

Presbyopia is another common refractive error. It typically begins in those in their early 40s and progresses until the early 50s. Presbyopia causes difficulty focusing on objects up close, so individuals with the condition may notice that reading or using their phone becomes more difficult.

Presbyopia is often seen alongside other refractive errors like myopia. Usually, your prescription will include multifocal lenses or contacts to help you see clearly at all distances.

Visual Field Testing

We provide visual field testing through our Zeiss Humphrey Visual Field Analyzer. This includes the testing required for a driver’s licence by the Ministry of Transportation, as well as for medical evaluations and other licensing requirements.

We provide comprehensive testing for vision assessments required by the Ontario Fire Administration Inc. (OFAI), Ontario Association Chiefs of Police (OACP), and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). This includes eye alignment, colour and 3D vision evaluations, peripheral vision analysis, and eye disease screening.

Take Care of Your Eyes

Care for your eyes today and in the future through routine, comprehensive eye exams. Not only can a good eye care routine allow your optometrist to check up on your eye health and screen for serious conditions, but it can also allow us to assess for conditions that may be affecting your comfort.

We want you to see clearly and comfortably now and long into the future. Book your appointment today and let us help you keep your vision healthy.

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Visit Our Location

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We’re located just off Thornton Road between Rossland Road West and Prestwick Drive. There’s plenty of free parking available, including accessible parking spots just out front.