They say the eyes are the windows to the soul, and a good optometrist can help keep seeing through those windows clearer.
Maintaining eye health and good vision is an important part of a person’s overall health and well-being. Regularly scheduled checkups can catch problems early on, allowing treatments to have the best chance of being successful.
We’ll be digging deeper into the differences between these eye doctors later, as well as where to find the best optometrists in Ottawa. But before that, how much will your visit to an optometrist cost?
Eye exams don’t just detect vision problems, but can signal, or help prevent future health problems. The cost of an eye exam in Hamilton can run as little as $50 and can go up to over $250, depending on who performs the eye exam and on whether or not you have vision care insurance.
Different types of eye exams
There are different types of eye exams that you may need to undergo in addition to a standard eye exam, depending on your age, family history of eye problems, and overall health.
An eye exam for contact lenses is one such test, and it generally costs more than a standard eye exam because it includes the basic eye exam plus the contact lens fitting.
The eye exam for contact lenses may also include cornea measurements, pupil and iris measurements, a tear film evaluation (to measure your body’s ability to produce tears), and a test of your eye’s surface to determine if there are any changes caused by the contact lenses.
Other types of eye exams may be necessary when you suffer from a specific medical condition that affects your ability to see properly, like glaucoma (damage to the optic nerve) or diabetes.
To detect glaucoma, besides the standard eye pressure test, your doctor will test for optic nerve damage, looking for slight changes that may reveal the beginnings of the eye disease, according to the Mayo Clinic. The glaucoma eye exam cost can run from about $100 to $200 unless you have health insurance.
The Best Optometrists in Hamilton
Now that you’re seen the typical rates included in visiting an optometrist, it’s time to get acquainted with the clinics with the best optometrists in Hamilton. Take note that this list is in no particular order.
1. Mountain Eye Care
Address: 535 Upper Wellington St, Hamilton, ON L9A 3P7, Canada
Website: https://www.mountaineyecare.net/
Phone: +19053894201
Client Review
Great Experience!! The staff at Mountain Eye Care where very friendly and knowable. Went in for the first time for a routine eye exam. I have a very minor prescription (night time) but did not feel pressured in anyway to purchase glasses. I have been to many other places that look at your health benefit plan and basically try to sell you everything possible. I didn't feel that way at all here. Great location, Great staff and overall great experience.
2. Clarity Optometry
Address: 1962 Rymal Rd E Unit 1, Hamilton, ON L0R 1P0, Canada
Website: https://www.clarityoptometry.ca/
Phone: +19056923937
Client Review
Always friendly, and always quick turnaround times for both appointments and for prescriptions. I used to avoid my eye care with my previous optometrist, but the staff at Clarity feels more like going to see friends. Would absolutely recommend them.
3. Visus Eyewear
Address: 1595 Upper James St, Hamilton, ON L9B 0H7, Canada
Website: http://visus.ca/
Phone: +19055264884
Client Review
I had excellent all around experience in dealing with everyone at this place of business. It was so easy to book an appointment for an eye exam on their website. It was awesome that they have an optometrist on site on Saturdays. The optometrist was very friendly, and so was all the staff. Their frame selection is great. I definitely will go back here for my next pair of glasses.
4. Spectrum Eye Care
Address: 1802 Stone Church Rd E, Stoney Creek, ON L8J 0B4, Canada
Website: http://spectrumeye.ca/
Phone: +19055753937
Client Review
I went here for the first time for a regular exam check up and to find a new pair of glasses. The team is fantastic. They truly are something else. The vibe of this clinic was wonderful and I felt welcomed. The optometrist that I saw was very thorough and the team helped me find a great pair of frames! Definitely would recommend this place to everyone I know!!
5. Dr. Fallon Patel and Associates
Address: 999 Upper Wentworth St #276, Hamilton, ON L9A 4X5, Canada
Website: https://www.drpateloptometrist.com/
Phone: +12896780120
Client Review
It was a very pleasant experience. The optometrist was very kind and personable, as were the check in secretaries / nurses. Overall a good experience and will definitely be going back for my next check up.
6. Unique Vision Centre
Address: 259 Hamilton Regional Rd 8, Stoney Creek, ON L8E 1Z6, Canada
Website: http://www.uvcentre.ca/
Phone: +19056624000
Client Review
What a great experience! We just moved to the area and came to get our eyes checked and new glasses. Great optometry appointment and glasses consult. Would highly recommend.
7. I See Eyecare Optometry
Address: 284 Mud St W Unit #1&2, Stoney Creek, ON L8J 3Z6, Canada
Website: http://iseeeyecareoptometry.com/
Phone: +19055739999
Client Review
Had a great experience once again! I have gotten my last 4-5 pairs of glasses here over the past decade or so and will likely never go anywhere else. They even special ordered in frames for me. The optometrist Dr. Maria Sanchez is fantastic, kind and helpful. Super shout out to Derek for all of his help and kindness. Thank you to the whole team here!
8. Clearview Eyecare
Address: 709 Main St W unit 5, Hamilton, ON L8S 1A2, Canada
Website: http://clearview-eyecare.com/
Phone: +19055275277
Client Review
My wife and I visited Clearview Eyecare today, and we both had a pleasant experience as new clients. Being a long-time glasses wearer, I found the examination to be very thorough. The facility is great and the staff is welcoming and professional. Looking forward to future visits.
FAQs about Optometrists in Hamilton
An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who has specialized in the field of eyes. He can hold a PhD (Doctor of Ophthalmology) which entitles him to perform eye surgeries.
An optometrist is a professional in the field of optometry. The optometrist is trained to diagnose and treat eye conditions, issue prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses, and remove foreign objects from the eye.
In general, the optometrist can create and adjust glasses. Their stores can often be found in malls and pedestrian zones. Opticians can also be employed in ophthalmological practices or laser centers.
If you don't have any symptoms or vision problems, doctors recommend getting regular eye exams based on your age: Ages 20 to 39: Every 5 years. Ages 40 to 54: Every 2 to 4 years. Ages 55 to 64: Every 1 to 3 years.
Yes. OHIP covers one eye examination every 12 months for insured persons 65 years and older, provided by either an optometrist or physician.
