Ask
OAO is pleased to be able to offer an interactive opportunity to Ask an Optometrist. We will aim to answer your questions within 24 hours.
"Ask an Optometrist" questions are fielded by Dr. Christopher Nicol - a highly experienced practicing optometrist and Past President of OAO. For more information on Dr. Nicol, please refer to the OAO Staff page.
Collapse all | Expand allApril 28, 2009
Maria wrote:
I' have 2 kids (8 and 3 years old). I would like them to have a full eye examination. Do I need a reference from a pediatrician or I can make the appointment by myself with a Optometrist?
Answer
You do not have to go through your pediatrician to set up an appointment with an optometrist; feel free to make the appointment yourself with an optometrist of your choosing. That said; going through your pediatrican or family doctor would be useful if you felt they could direct you to an optometrist with whom they have a working relationship, which would be time efficient for you, or if your children have a pre-existing medical condition that should be noted in a clinical referral.
April 28, 2009
C.Bl. wrote:
I have been wearing glasses/contacts for about 15 years. I just tried to purchase some new contact lenses and was told that they cannot sell them to me as my prescription is from 2007. Is this correct and is it a new rule?
Answer
Ethically, your optometrist will only honour a prescription within one year of it being issued. Optimal eye and vision care is ongoing; by seeing your optometrist on an annual basis you ensure that any developing eye and vision health conditions can be dealt with quickly and effectively.
March 15, 2009
Chris Davies wrote:
Who should I see if I have an eye infection?
Answer
The most convenient way to receive an accurate diagnosis of an eye infection is through your optometrist. Family doctors and ophthalmologists also diagnose and treat eye infections; however, it is often difficult to get an appointment quickly. Optometrists have the expertise and specialized equipment to diagnose, treat or refer to the appropriate healthcare provider.
March 3, 2009
Dave wrote:
I see spots like dust particles in front of my eyes, what are they?
Answer
There are two types of small particles, or "floaters". The most common ones are small bits of the gelatin in the eye that have coagulated and are drifting in the fluid in the eye. They are light grey or clear and while they are annoying, they are not sight threatening. There is no treatment for them. The more ominous type can be related to a tear in the retina. These are typically of sudden onset, numerous, and black or reddish in colour. They may also appear as a "cobweb". A retinal tear is an eye emergency and must be treated as quickly as possible. If you develop new floaters you should always have your eye health checked immediately.
March 3, 2009
John wrote:
Is it okay to buy reading glasses over the counter?
Answer
Very few people who require reading glasses actually have two eyes that require the identical prescription, which makes any pair of over the counter reading glasses the wrong prescription. Any extended, demanding near visual tasks such as reading, sewing or computer work should be done with properly prescribed eyeglasses. Eyeglasses that are prescribed by your optometrist will have accurately ground optical lenses, aligned properly with your eyes and fitted properly on your face. This will result in more comfortable vision, improved reading efficiency and reduced stress on your eyes.
