January 28, 2026
- Dry Eyes
What Does Dry Eye Feel Like?
Dry eye often feels like a stinging, burning, or scratchy sensation in your eyes. […]
Why Eye Exams Are
Essential for Your Health
Eye exams are much more than updating your glasses or contact lens prescription. While getting a new pair of lenses to sharpen your vision is always exciting, regular eye exams have other benefits.
Eye exams provide important insights into vision changes and are key to detecting potential eye conditions early on. Eye diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration often show no symptoms until significant damage occurs. Regular visits allow for monitoring, prevention, and management.
Contact us to schedule your appointment today! We offer exams in English, French, Hindi, and Punjabi—just let us know your language preference when booking.
How Often Should You Get Your Eyes Checked?
We recommend an eye exam every 2 years for healthy adults aged 18–65. If you have conditions like diabetes or a history of eye disease, you should have an annual exam. For those over 65 with healthy eyes, exams every 18 months are recommended. Regular exams help maintain sharp vision, and an annual exam is advised if you have an ongoing eye condition.
OHIP covers for a routine eye exam for seniors 65 and older every 12-18 months based on your eye health and for those between 19-65 with specific health conditions. Coverage makes it easier to access eye care and maintain wellness– take advantage and book now.
What Will
Your Eye Doctor
Be Looking For?
As we age, it’s natural for our eyes to change shape. However, significant or rapid changes can indicate a deeper issue. This is why regular eye exams are essential—they provide our team with a clear picture of how your eyes are doing year after year, which helps manage any potential eye diseases.
During your exam, our doctors will look for eye conditions like:
- Cataracts
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Age-related macular degeneration
- Glaucoma
Many eye diseases can be detected early during a standard eye exam. Our trained optometrists know how to spot subtle signs that may indicate the onset of a condition. Detecting issues early helps prevent serious vision loss down the road.
Did you know an eye exam can also provide clues about your overall health? Conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and even tumours or cancer can be detected through a thorough eye exam, sometimes before you notice any other signs or symptoms.
What to Expect
During Your Eye Exam
We recommend coming prepared with your health history to get the most out of your exam. Our doctors will ask about your overall health, any past eye issues, and any family health conditions that could be hereditary.
Your lifestyle matters, too! For instance, if you spend a lot of time on screens, we may discuss digital eye strain or dry eye disease during your exam.
Things to bring along for your exam:
- Your current eyeglass or contact lens prescription
- Any medical prescriptions you’re taking
- Your glasses or contacts, even if you only use them for reading
- Personal ID, Health Care Card, and health insurance documents
If you’d like, you can also fill out your health history form in advance to save time.
Eye Health Testing
Made Simple
At Old South Optometry, we believe in making your eye exam as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Our goal is to provide you with a thorough and personalized examination to assess your vision and detect any early signs of potential eye diseases.
We take the time to understand your unique needs, ensuring you leave with clear vision and peace of mind about your eye health.
Here’s what you can expect during your exam.
Our staff will review your visual health history and concerns, then use an autorefractor to measure your eyes’ power, a keratometer to measure the curvature and thickness of your cornea, and a tonometer to measure eye pressure.
Most patients undergo ultrawide-field imaging using Daytona technology to obtain a clear view of the retina, located in the back of the eye.
During the exam, your doctor will assess your visual acuity, eye movement, and binocular function. We’ll also test your refractive status to ensure an accurate prescription.
Using innovative technology, your doctor will examine the health of your eyes with a slit lamp, direct fundus microscopy, and biomicroscopic indirect ophthalmoscopy to screen for any eye diseases.
Depending on your results, your doctor may recommend further testing, such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) to evaluate the macula or optic nerve, visual field testing, or corneal topography.
Before You Go
If you’re looking to update your contact lens prescription, it is best to bring your current contact lens with you so we can assess the behaviour of the lens on your eyes. This allows the doctor to finalize your contact lens prescription.
If you need a different lens option or are interested in becoming a new wearer, we’ll order a trial pair and schedule a follow-up fitting appointment to prioritize comfort, clarity, and ocular health.
After your exam, we’ll discuss the results. We’ll follow up with you if any tests, like corneal topography, require further analysis.
Feel free to ask questions about your visual health or eyewear—we’re always happy to help!
Before or after your exam, take some time to browse our eyewear collection. Our friendly staff will help you find the perfect frame to match your new prescription and style.
That’s it! The process should take about an hour after you walk through our door. A couple of hours of your time each year can make a big difference in how you see the world.
Eye Exam
FAQs
Have questions before your visit? You’re not alone. Below are answers to some of the things patients most often ask us about eye exams—from how often you should come in to what’s covered by OHIP. If you don’t see your question here, we’re always happy to help, so feel free to reach out.
For healthy adults aged 18–65, we recommend a comprehensive eye exam every 2 years. If you have a condition like diabetes or a history of eye disease, an annual exam is best. Adults over 65 with healthy eyes should book every 18 months, and yearly if you have an ongoing eye condition. Regular exams help us catch subtle changes early and keep your vision sharp year after year.
OHIP covers routine eye exams for seniors 65 and older every 12–18 months, depending on your eye health, and for adults aged 19–65 who have specific qualifying health conditions. We’re happy to help you understand your coverage when you book—just give us a call.
An eye exam is about far more than updating your glasses or contacts. It gives us a clear picture of your eye health over time and helps us detect conditions early. Diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration often have no symptoms until significant damage has occurred, so regular visits allow for early monitoring, prevention, and management.
During your exam, our doctors look for eye conditions including cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, and glaucoma. Your eyes can also reveal a lot about your overall health—conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and even tumours or cancer can sometimes be spotted during a thorough exam, often before you notice any other symptoms.
To get the most out of your visit, bring:
- Your current eyeglass or contact lens prescription
- Any medical prescriptions you’re taking
- Your glasses or contacts, even if you only use them for reading
- Personal ID, your Health Care Card, and health insurance documents
You’re also welcome to complete your health history form in advance to save time.
Plan for about an hour from the time you arrive. This includes pre-testing, wide-field retinal imaging, your doctor’s examination, an ocular health check, a discussion of your results, and time to browse our eyewear collection.
Book Your Next Eye Exam with Us
Taking care of your eye health has never been easier. Whether it’s time for your routine check-up or you’re experiencing vision changes, our team is here to help.
With convenient appointment options and a friendly, welcoming environment, we aim for your eye exam to be thorough and stress-free.
Contact us to schedule your appointment today. Put your eye health first!
Book AppointmentCome
Visit Us
Our Address
- 393 Wharncliffe Rd S
- London, Ontario N6J 2M3
Contact Information
- Phone: 519-672-0998
- Fax: 519-672-8235
- Email: [email protected]
Hours of Operation
Monday:
9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday:
8:45 AM – 5:30 PM
Wednesday:
8:45 AM – 5:30 PM
Thursday:
8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday:
8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday*:
9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Sunday:
Closed
*Closed on long weekends
Check Out
Our Blog
December 2, 2025
- Contact Lenses ,
- Myopia ,
- Ortho-k
Contact Lenses for Myopia: How Do They Work?
Contact lenses designed for myopia control can be an effective way to manage myopia and slow its progression in children and teens. […]
Read More… from Contact Lenses for Myopia: How Do They Work?
November 15, 2025
- Eye Conditions ,
- Eye Health
What Are the Symptoms of Cataracts & Glaucoma?
Symptoms of cataracts can include blurry vision, faded colours, and poorer night vision. On the other hand, glaucoma often goes unnoticed in its early stages, but if left untreated, it can lead to loss of peripheral vision and then total vision. […]
Read More… from What Are the Symptoms of Cataracts & Glaucoma?
November 10, 2025
- Eye Exams ,
- Eye Health ,
- Glasses
Does Wearing Glasses Make Your Eyes Worse?
The truth is refreshingly simple: wearing glasses doesn’t make your eyes worse. […]
October 1, 2025
- Glasses ,
- Sunglasses
What Sunglasses Suit My Face?
When you understand your face shape and know which styles work best for you, finding sunglasses that suit your face becomes less overwhelming and much more enjoyable. […]
October 1, 2025
- Eye Exams ,
- Eye Health
How Often Should You Get an Eye Exam?
In reality, you should get an eye exam every 1 to 2 years, depending on your age and other health factors. […]
August 14, 2025
- Contact Lenses ,
- Dry Eyes
What Are the Best Contacts for Dry Eyes?
Depending on the underlying cause of your dry eye, certain soft contact lenses may help alleviate your symptoms. […]
July 16, 2025
- Contact Lenses ,
- Eye Conditions ,
- Eye Health
What to Know About Wearing Contacts with Astigmatism
Keep reading to learn what you need to know about wearing contacts with astigmatism, including the different types available, like soft toric lenses, rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lenses, scleral lenses, and hybrid options. […]
Read More… from What to Know About Wearing Contacts with Astigmatism
May 26, 2025
- Eye Conditions ,
- Myopia
Astigmatism vs. Myopia: What’s the Difference?
Astigmatism is due to an abnormally shaped cornea or lens, while myopia results from an elongated eyeball or curved cornea. […]
Read More… from Astigmatism vs. Myopia: What’s the Difference?
May 7, 2025
- Eye Exams ,
- OHIP
Does OHIP Cover Eye Exams?
OHIP doesn’t cover eye exams for all age groups or conditions. OHIP coverage applies as follows: -Children aged 0–19 are eligible for one comprehensive eye exam every 12 months -Adults aged 20–64 with specific conditions, like diabetes and glaucoma, are eligible for one comprehensive eye exam every 12 months -Adults over the age of 65 are eligible for one comprehensive eye exam every 18 months, unless they have a specific condition, which would make them eligible for one comprehensive eye exam every 12 months. […]
April 17, 2025
- Sunglasses
How to Tell If Your Sunglasses Are Polarized?
To check if your sunglasses are polarized, look at a reflective surface through the lenses and tilt your head—if the glare diminishes or changes, the lenses are polarized. […]
Read More… from How to Tell If Your Sunglasses Are Polarized?
March 23, 2025
- Glasses
How Should Eyeglasses Fit?
Here are some factors to consider when ensuring your eyeglasses fit correctly: frame size, temple length, bridge fit, lens height and width, nose pad comfort, frame weight, material durability, face shape compatibility. […]
February 12, 2025
- Eye Exams
10 Benefits of Children’s Eye Tests
Vision plays a crucial role in a child’s learning, development, and well-being. Regular eye exams for children are not just about prescribing glasses—they’re key to children’s success both in and out of the classroom. […]
January 14, 2025
- Contact Lenses ,
- Eye Exams ,
- Glasses
Contact Lens vs. Glasses Prescription: What’s the Difference?
Contact lens prescriptions account for the shape of your eye and the material of the lens. Meanwhile, eyeglass prescriptions are measured for lenses positioned at a distance. […]
Read More… from Contact Lens vs. Glasses Prescription: What’s the Difference?
December 16, 2024
- Dry Eyes
Dry Eyes in Winter: How to Manage Symptoms
It helps to make some adjustments to your immediate surroundings. Use a humidifier, aim fans away from your face, and avoid harsh winds and air. It also helps to stay hydrated and follow a healthy diet. This gives your eyes the nutrients needed to protect themselves. […]
December 16, 2024
- Eye Exams
How Long Does an Eye Exam Take?
A comprehensive eye exam lasts about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the tests performed and your specific needs. […]
December 16, 2024
- Contact Lenses ,
- Eye Health
Can You Wear Daily Contacts for More Than a Day?
Daily contact lenses are intended only to be used for one day and should not be worn any longer than that. Wearing these lenses more than once can pose a risk to your eye health. […]
Read More… from Can You Wear Daily Contacts for More Than a Day?
November 6, 2024
- Eye Conditions ,
- Eye Health
Is Glaucoma Hereditary?
There are indeed hereditary aspects of glaucoma. However, knowing the ways in which these aspects can manifest can help with prevention and management of the condition. […]
September 16, 2024
- Eye Health
Can Screen Time Affect My Child’s Vision?
In moderated usage, screens won’t cause any significant problems. However, in excess, they can lead to a significantly higher risk of nearsightedness, sleep disorders, and more. It’s essential to make sure your child uses screens in moderation and follows healthy visual habits to improve their visual development. […]
July 25, 2024
- Eye Care ,
- Sunglasses
Can You Sunburn Your Eyes?
Sometimes, spending a day out in the sun is one of the most pleasant ways to enjoy your time. However, the sun isn’t harmless; it can quickly damage your eyes if you aren’t careful. Exposure to the sun’s rays increases the risk of all kinds of long-term eye conditions, but there’s one thing often forgotten […]
June 7, 2024
- Eye Care ,
- Eye Conditions
What is That Yellow Bump on My Eyelid?
A yellowish bump on your eyelid could be a number of things: a stye, a chalazion, a milia or xanthelasma. They likely come from the buildup of protein or fats under the skin on the eyelids. […]
May 14, 2024
- Contact Lenses ,
- Ortho-k
What Are Ortho-K Lenses?
Orthokeratology (ortho-k) lenses are worn while sleeping to temporarily reshape the cornea. This provides temporary vision correction and reduces the need to use glasses or contacts during the day. […]
March 26, 2024
- Eye Care ,
- Eye Health ,
- Solar Eclipse
Solar Eclipse Eye Safety: Prepare for the April 2024 Eclipse
But amid this excitement, it’s paramount that we discuss an aspect often overshadowed by the eclipse’s awe: eye safety. Staring at the sun, even during an eclipse, can cause severe and permanent vision damage. So, it’s critical that you take steps to protect your eyes by using specialized solar-viewing glasses or a pinhole projector. […]
Read More… from Solar Eclipse Eye Safety: Prepare for the April 2024 Eclipse
March 20, 2024
- Dry Eyes ,
- Eye Conditions
Can Dry Eyes Cause Blurriness?
Blurred vision is a common symptom associated with dry eyes. When the eye does not have enough moisture, it can lead to a disturbance in the visual pathway, resulting in blurred or distorted vision similar to that experienced with allergies. This may be temporary or chronic, depending on the severity of the dryness. […]
January 25, 2024
- Dry Eyes ,
- Eye Health
How to Unclog Meibomian Glands
Meibomian glands are tiny oil glands that line the margin of the eyelids. They are crucial for maintaining the health of the ocular surface by producing an oily substance, meibum, that prevents the evaporation of the eye’s tear film. Keeping these glands unclogged is vital to ocular health. A blockage or dysfunction, called meibomian gland […]
December 12, 2023
- Contact Lenses ,
- Eye Conditions
What are RGP Contact Lenses?
If you are looking for contact lenses that provide sharper vision and more durability than soft lenses, RGP lenses might be the perfect fit for you. RGP lenses, referring to rigid gas-permeable lenses, are a type of contact lens made of a relatively hard, durable and deposit-resistant material that may allow more oxygen to reach […]
November 16, 2023
- Eye Health ,
- Glasses
Do I Need Glasses? Here are Some Signs That You Might
Whether you find yourself squinting at the fine print or struggling to read road signs from afar, you’re not alone. Many of us have been there, questioning if it’s time to think about buying glasses. Fortunately, your optometrist can help! With an eye exam, we can help you and your family figure out if glasses […]
Read More… from Do I Need Glasses? Here are Some Signs That You Might
September 25, 2023
- Eye Exams ,
- OHIP
OHIP Changes Coming September 2023
OHIP continues to cover for pediatric eye exams up until age 19, diabetic eye exams, seniors eye exams and comprehensive eye exams for patients age 20-64 with certain eye conditions. […]
September 5, 2023
- Eye Care ,
- Eye Conditions ,
- Glasses
What Are Blue Light Glasses?
Blue light glasses can shield your eyes from the effects of blue light emitted by screens. Blue light can affect your circadian rhythm and make it harder for you to sleep at night. […]
August 17, 2023
- Dry Eyes ,
- Eye Conditions ,
- Eye Health
Can Allergies Make Your Eyes Blurry?
When seasonal allergies affect your eyes, your vision can become blurry as you try to see through swelling and tears. […]
August 10, 2023
- Eye Care ,
- Sunglasses
Are Polarized Sunglasses Better for Your Vision?
Polarized sunglasses can provide crisper, clearer vision, and reduce glare. […]
Read More… from Are Polarized Sunglasses Better for Your Vision?
May 19, 2023
- Diabetes & Eye Care ,
- Eye Conditions ,
- Eye Health
Can an Eye Exam Detect Diabetes?
During an eye exam, your eye doctor can look for changes in the blood vessels in the retina that may indicate high blood sugar levels, which can be a sign of diabetes. […]
April 10, 2023
- Eye Care ,
- Eye Health
What is a Comprehensive Eye Exam?
One of the best ways to protect your eye’s long-term health is with regular comprehensive eye exams. A comprehensive eye exam allows an optometrist to look at your entire eye and visual system, allowing them to diagnose various eye diseases and disorders. These exams involve tests designed to detect early signs of eye disease, such […]
February 27, 2023
- Dry Eyes ,
- Eye Care ,
- Eye Conditions
Why Are My Eyes So Dry & Itchy?
Many Canadians are familiar with dry and itchy eyes. The trouble with dry and irritated eyes is that the cause can be hard to narrow down. Chronic dry eye disease is a common culprit, but other common reasons for irritated eyes include allergies, eye infections, or contact lens wear and care. An over-the-counter (OTC) lubricating […]
February 6, 2023
- Dry Eyes ,
- Eye Care ,
- Eye Health
Vitamins & Supplements for Dry Eyes: What are my Options?
For those with dry eyes, it can seem like there’s no end. The stinging, burning, and redness are ever-present. It doesn’t just affect your eyes; it can affect your entire life. That’s why there’s nothing better than getting those dry eyes treated by a professional. While you may have heard about treatments from eye drops, […]
Read More… from Vitamins & Supplements for Dry Eyes: What are my Options?
December 8, 2022
- Eye Care ,
- Glasses
Do I Need Glasses?
It’s not always obvious when you need glasses. Vision changes can be misleading—they rarely suddenly appear one day as blurry vision, difficulty reading fine print or street signs, or difficulty with night vision. If you never had to use glasses as a kid, you may believe that you don’t need them as an adult. This […]
November 7, 2022
- Glasses
How to Adjust to Your First Pair of Glasses
Putting on a new pair of glasses for the first time can be exciting for many people. A lot of us are interested to see how our new frames will suit our faces, and others are just relieved to finally have better vision. Almost everyone who begins wearing glasses for the first time goes through […]
August 30, 2022
- Eye Care ,
- Myopia
Myopia Management: What Does It Involve?
Myopia Management: What Does It Involve? Nearsightedness, also known as myopia, affects about one-third of children in Canada, and its prevalence is rising globally. By 2050, it is estimated that more than 50% of the world will be myopic. Myopia is an eye condition that causes blurry vision at a distance. Fortunately, recent developments in […]
July 28, 2022
- Contact Lenses
What Causes Dry Eyes With Contacts?
Dry eyes are a prevalent condition that affects many Canadians. In many cases, wearing contacts can be an additional irritant that increases dry eye symptoms if you’re already prone to those itchy, burning eyes. If you’re experiencing any unusual and uncomfortable symptoms when wearing your contact lenses, it’s a good idea to book an exam […]
June 20, 2022
- Eye Care ,
- Eye Drops
Do Eye Drops Expire?
Whether it’s allergies or some other reason, eye drops are a pretty common tool for eye care. As with anything medicinal, paying attention to expiry dates is part of using the eye drops properly—even over-the-counter (OTC) eye drops. You may have fought hard to put eye drops in your eyes, so we want to make […]
May 11, 2022
- Eye Conditions
Ocular Allergy Treatment: What Can I Do?
The feeling of something being stuck in your eye is especially annoying. But what do you do if there’s nothing actually in your eye? It could be a sign of seasonal or perennial ocular allergies. Ocular allergies can affect anyone and can make daily activities uncomfortable and frustrating. Fortunately, there are many ways to manage […]
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About Us
Old South Optometry
- 393 Wharncliffe Rd S
- London, Ontario N6J 2M3
- Phone: 519-672-0998
- Fax: 519-672-8235
- Email: [email protected]
