Answers to some of our most common questions are below. If you can’t find your answer here, please reach out to a member of our team: contact us

What do I need to bring to my appointment?

• Your updated Health card

• A list of any medications you take, including any eyedrops

• Prescription glasses, if you have them

• If you are having your eyes dilated: You will likely need a ride home and sunglasses – to alleviate light sensitivity

• If you wear contacts: your contact lens case and solution

Is your office wheelchair accessible?

Yes, our office is located in the Hamilton Medical Arts building on the third floor and is fully wheelchair accessible via the building’s main entrance and elevators. We do ask that you contact us ahead of time if you are not able to transfer from your wheelchair into an examination chair during your appointment. We will do our best to accommodate you using the accessible examination equipment we have available at our office.

Where can I park?

Please note that the lot immediately adjacent to the Hamilton Medical Arts building is for staff only during regular business hours. There is paid parking available in the adjacent lot on the far side of Hughson Street.

What is the cost of my appointment?

Most of the services we provide are covered under OHIP. If there are optional, uninsured services that apply to you, we will let you know during your appointment. If you choose to pay for optional, uninsured service, our office accepts debit and credit cards, and cash (exact change only).

Do you accept walk-ins?

Unfortunately, we do not accept walk-in appointments. Because we are a specialist eye clinic, we require a referral from an optometrist (your regular eye doctor) or a general practitioner (your family doctor). Referrals can be faxed to our office at 905-527-3883.

Do you offer appointment reminders?

Our clinic uses an automatic appointment reminder service. You will receive an automated phone call with a reminder of the date and time of your upcoming appointment. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer text message or e-mail appointment reminders at this time. If you would like a printed card with the date and time of your next appointment, our front desk staff will be happy to print one for you at check-in or check-out.

Why do I have two appointments on different days?

We recognize that it may be less convenient to have two separate appointments; however, due to patient volume and doctor schedules, we are unable to offer same-day appointments to every patient. Typically, your first appointment is with our technicians who will collect important information about your medical history, perform testing, and/or take measurements. This appointment is generally on the shorter side, usually lasting 20-30 minutes. On your second visit, you will see the technicians and your doctor. This appointment is usually longer and can last up to 2 hours. We do our best to accommodate patients who travel extended distances to our office, have major mobility issues, or other conditions that make it difficult to get to us. We appreciate your understanding that we cannot always accommodate a same-day appointment for you.

Will I be able to drive after my appointment?

Depending on the reason for your visit, we may need to dilate your eyes during your appointment. The purpose of dilating drops is to make your pupils larger so that the doctor can see farther into your eyes. These drops will also cause light sensitivity for a few hours.

While some people may feel comfortable driving after having their eyes dilated, we generally do not recommend driving for 4-6 hours. If you are expecting to have your eyes dilated during your appointment, please plan to have another driver take you home or to use an alternative method of transportation. If you were not expecting to have your eyes dilated and it is not convenient for you on the day of your appointment, we will schedule a follow-up so you are able to make the necessary arrangements. We will always ask you if you are planning on driving before putting any dilating drops in your eyes.

I have been directed to use artificial tears to help with dry eyes and/or discomfort. What kind should I use? Can I get a prescription for them?

Artificial tears are an over-the-counter product that do not require a prescription. While we don’t recommend any particular variety, some common brand names for artificial tears include Systane or Refresh. Because artificial tears are different than other over-the-counter eye drops (for example, drops to reduce redness or alleviate allergy symptoms often sold under brand names such as Visine), we recommend you speak to your pharmacist when purchasing artificial tears.

I’ve been referred for cataracts; when will my surgery be? Can I have it sooner?

Cataract surgery is booked after you have had a consultation with a surgeon and had eye measurements taken. While there is a waitlist for both the consultation and the surgery, we try our best to schedule each patient as per their specific needs, as soon as possible.

During your first appointment, you will speak with your surgeon. If you decide to move forward with cataract surgery, we will schedule a follow-up appointment to have your eyes measured and paperwork completed.

To avoid delays in your surgery, please complete all paperwork and instructions given. Always inform our office of any changes to your health, travel plans, or other pertinent information.

I have questions about my cataract surgery. Where can I find the answers?

Your surgeon will have a detailed discussion with you at the time of your consultation. We give every patient an information package at their cataract consultation appointment. This includes the most important information that you need to know about your cataract surgery. If you still have questions after reading the entirety of your cataract package, we have resources on our website including videos and links to other medical organizations. If you still have questions about your surgery, we welcome you to reach out to our office and our staff will be happy to help. If required, they will schedule a follow-up appointment with your surgeon who will do their best to answer any additional questions you may have.