oPTOMETRISTS IN BROOKLIN
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FIRST TIME VISITS
Yes! We’re always happy to welcome new patients as well as urgent eye care needs to ERC Optometry. Whether you’re due for a comprehensive eye exam or would like to browse our eyewear boutique with the guidance of our optician, we’d love to meet you. To book an appointment, give us a call or schedule online.
You can make an appointment with a member of our team by calling us at 289-638-2150 or through our online booking tool.
At your first visit to ERC Optometry in Brooklin, we’ll take a full medical and vision history, check your prescription, and use advanced imaging technology to assess the health of your eyes. You’ll also have plenty of time to ask questions and discuss any vision concerns.
A comprehensive eye exam usually takes about 45 minutes. Specialty testing, such as dry eye evaluations or contact lens fittings, may take longer depending on your needs.
Bring your current glasses, contact lenses, a list of medications, and your insurance information for direct billing if available.
Dilation may be recommended so we can examine the retina and optic nerve in detail. Eye drops are used to gently enlarge your pupils, and your vision may be slightly blurred for a few hours afterward. Dilation is especially important for detecting conditions like glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration.
EYE EXAM'S & INSURANCE
Yes! Many eye diseases, such as glaucoma or macular degeneration, begin with no symptoms. An annual comprehensive eye exam is the best way to detect early changes and protect your long-term vision.
We recommend that healthy adults have a comprehensive eye exam every two years, or more often if they have an existing eye condition. After age 65, yearly exams are especially important so we can screen for age-related concerns such as macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma. For children, we suggest the first eye exam between 6–9 months of age, another between ages 2–5, and annual exams once they begin school to support healthy vision and learning.
Yes. We provide direct billing to most major insurance providers including Blue Cross, Manulife, OTIP, Greenshield, Great West Life (Canada Life), Sunlife, Industrial Alliance and others for eye exams, glasses, and contact lenses. Don’t see your provider on this list? Give us a call to confirm whether we can bill directly to your insurance provider.
OHIP covers annual eye exams for children under 20, adults 65 and older, and patients with certain medical conditions such as diabetes. Adults outside these groups may not be covered, but private insurance often applies.
OHIP generally does not cover specialty testing (like retinal imaging, OCT, or dry eye treatments) or contact lens fittings. These services can often be covered through private insurance or paid out-of-pocket.
EYEWEAR & LENSES
Our opticians are experts at matching frames to your face shape, personal style, and lifestyle needs.
- Single vision: one prescription throughout the lens
- Progressive lenses: seamless correction for distance, computer, and reading
- Bifocals: two clear zones separated by a visible line
We’ll guide you to the option that fits your vision and lifestyle best.
Yes—if you wear glasses, prescription sunglasses give you clear, comfortable vision outdoors while protecting your eyes from UV damage.
Glasses are more than just frames and lenses—they’re a medical device custom-made for your eyes. At ERC Optometry, you’ll work directly with our licensed optician, who is specially trained to take precise measurements to ensure your vision is crisp and comfortable. We use high-quality lenses designed to protect your eye health, and include ongoing warranty support if anything ever needs adjusting or repairing. It’s care you can count on, long after your glasses are ready.
Often yes, as long as your frames are in good shape.
CONTACT LENSES
Yes. A contact lens exam includes additional measurements such as corneal curvature and tear film evaluation to ensure your lenses fit properly and comfortably.
In many cases, yes. If your eyes are healthy and suitable for contacts, we can provide a fitting and trial lenses the same day.
We fit a wide range including daily disposables, monthly lenses, toric lenses for astigmatism, multifocal lenses, scleral lenses, and orthokeratology (Ortho-K) lenses for myopia management.
Yes. With proper instruction and care, children and teens can safely wear contact lenses. Our team provides guidance and follow-up to ensure comfort and eye health.
Absolutely. We fit contact lenses for patients of all ages. Even if you need reading glasses, progressives, or have unique eye shapes such as steep corneas, there are customized lens options available. Book an appointment with our doctors to explore the best fit for your eyes and lifestyle.
Contact lenses need to fit your eyes perfectly—not just in prescription, but in shape, size, and material—to keep them safe and healthy. At ERC Optometry, we carefully measure and monitor your eyes for the best fit, offer trusted brands with superior quality, and provide ongoing support and warranty. And with pricing that’s competitive with online retailers, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing you’re getting the best value and the safest care for your eyes.
DRY EYE
Dry eye disease occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or the right quality of tears to keep the eyes comfortable. This can lead to symptoms like dryness, irritation, and blurred vision.
Common causes include meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), inflammation, environmental factors (i.e. digital screen use, hot/dry climates, fans), medications, and underlying conditions like blepharitis or rosacea.
Diagnosis involves a comprehensive eye exam, advanced equipment to assess tear production, eyelid health, and evaluation of the tear film’s stability.
IPL therapy uses light pulses to reduce inflammation, unblock meibomian glands, and improve tear quality. It’s particularly effective for MGD and ocular rosacea.
LLLT uses non-thermal light to stimulate meibomian gland activity, reduce inflammation, and improve blood flow.
This procedure manually clears blockages in the meibomian glands, restoring oil production and improves tear stability.
Zocular Eyelid System Treatment is an in-office procedure designed to address the underlying causes of dry eye disease, including blepharitis and demodex mites. This gentle, painless treatment utilizes a natural, okra-based gel to exfoliate and cleanse the eyelid margins and lashes.
Plasma Rich in Growth Factors (PRGF) drops use your body’s own growth factors to promote healing and reduce inflammation on the ocular surface.
Amniotic membrane therapy involves using natural tissue to promote healing in cases of persistent dry eye.
Typically, 4–6 sessions are recommended, spaced 5-10 days apart. Maintenance treatments may be required every 6–12 months.
Coverage varies by plan and region. It’s best to check with your insurance provider to determine coverage for specific dry eye treatments.
Use preservative-free artificial tears, apply warm compresses, maintain a humidified environment, and take breaks from screen time to alleviate symptoms.
MYOPIA MANAGEMENT
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a condition where distant objects appear blurry while close objects remain clear. It occurs when the eye grows too long or the cornea is too curved.
Controlling myopia progression reduces the risk of high myopia in the future, which is linked to serious eye conditions such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and cataracts.
DIMS glasses, also called MiyoSmart, use a special lens design to slow the progression of myopia in children by creating a controlled defocus in the peripheral vision. They are worn like regular glasses.
These contact lenses are specially designed to slow eye growth in children. They are worn during the day and can reduce the rate of myopia progression while providing clear vision.
Ortho-K involves wearing specially designed rigid contact lenses overnight to temporarily reshape the cornea. Children wake up with clear vision and experience slower myopia progression during treatment.
Low-dose atropine drops (typically 0.01–0.05%) are applied once nightly. They help slow myopia progression by reducing the rate of eye growth, with minimal side effects on pupil size or near vision.
The best option depends on your child’s age, lifestyle, prescription, and eye health. Your eye care professional will recommend a personalized plan.
Yes. These treatments are Health Canada approved or widely used internationally with proven safety for children when monitored by an eye care professional.
Treatment usually continues until the child’s eyes stop growing, typically in the mid-teen years, with regular follow-up visits to monitor progress.
No, but these treatments can significantly slow or stabilize progression, reducing the long-term risk of severe myopia-related complications.
EYE HEALTH & DISEASE
Cataracts often cause cloudy or blurred vision. Glaucoma and macular degeneration usually don’t cause early symptoms, which is why regular exams are essential.
Yes. Diabetes can damage the tiny blood vessels in your eyes, sometimes without you noticing. Annual eye exams are one of the best ways to protect your vision.
Signs may include squinting, covering one eye, sitting very close to screens, or trouble focusing in school.
Many eye conditions develop silently. Retinal images and scans allow us to look deeper inside your eye, spotting problems long before you’d notice changes.
Wearing sunglasses, eating a nutrient-rich diet, not smoking, staying active, and having regular exams are all excellent ways to protect your sight.