Frequently Asked Questions

General

Is my eye exam covered under Manitoba Health?

+

Please visit the link below to visit the Manitoba Health website regarding coverage for optometrists' services. In most cases, a routine eye exam is not covered under Manitoba Health and is the responsibility of the patient at the time of service. Some portions of examinations for those under the age of 19, over the age of 65, or diabetic are covered; the portions of the exam not covered under Manitoba Health are the responsibility of the patient and due at the time of service. Please visit our service listing page for current offerings and prices.

Manitoba Health – coverage for optometrists' services

Are seniors' eye exams covered under Manitoba Health?

+

Manitoba Health covers eligible portions of the exam for anyone who is over the age of 65. Certain testing performed in our office such as retinal photography and OCT scans are not covered under Manitoba Health and are the responsibility of the patient at the time of service. Please see our service listing for current pricing.

Are diabetics' eye exams covered under Manitoba Health?

+

Manitoba Health covers eligible portions of the exam for anyone who is diabetic. Certain testing performed in our office such as retinal photography and OCT scans are not covered under Manitoba Health and are the responsibility of the patient at the time of service. Please see our service listing for current pricing.

Are kids' eye exams covered under Manitoba Health?

+

Manitoba Health covers eligible portions of the exam for anyone who is under the age of 19. Certain testing performed in our office such as retinal photography, axial length measurements and OCT scans are not covered under Manitoba Health. At this time, we offer these non-covered services free of charge during the routine eye exam and will continue to do so as long as possible. Please see our service listing for current pricing on non-insured children's eye examination services.

What am I paying for if Manitoba Health covers eye exams?

+

Manitoba health provides coverage for some testing under certain circumstances. In any case, Manitoba Health does not cover retinal photos, OCT scans, axial length measurements, certain glaucoma tests, among others. Please see our service listing for current pricing for these services.

How often should I have an eye exam?

+

As a general guideline, healthy patients should get their eyes checked every 1-2 years. People with certain ocular health conditions may need more frequent examinations, as determined by their optometrist.

Do I need my eyes dilated?

+

Dilation isn't necessarily required at every eye exam. Our optometrist will determine whether dilation is appropriate based on your age, eye health, symptoms, medical history, and exam findings. Dilation may be recommended to provide a better view of the retina and other structures inside the eye. This service is usually covered by Manitoba Health.

My child passed the school vision screening – do they still need an eye exam?

+

Yes. A school vision screening is designed to identify children who may have a vision problem, but it does not replace a comprehensive eye examination. A child can pass a screening and still have problems with eye health, focusing, eye coordination, or other aspects of vision.

Why was the PD not included with my prescription?

+

Your pupillary distance (PD) is a measurement taken during an eyewear fitting and is not part of a routine eye examination. We highly recommend getting your pupillary distance measured at the dispensary where you choose to purchase your eyewear, although, we can measure this and provide to you at your request. Please see our service listing for current pricing of dispensary services.

I've worn contact lenses before, is there a fee for a contact lens fitting/assessment?

+

Sometimes. If you bring your current contact lenses with you to your routine eye exam and no changes are needed to the lens type and material, there is no additional fee. A new contact lens related ocular health assessment fee applies if you need a new lens type, design or material. Over time, your eyes' prescription, visual demands and the available lens options can change. A contact lens assessment allows us to determine the best lens, assess how it fits and performs on your eye and ensure your vision and eye health are being properly monitored.

What should I bring to my appointment?

+

It is recommended that you bring the following to your appointment:

  • All current glasses and sunglasses that you wear
  • Your contact lenses and contact lens cases, if applicable
  • Your Manitoba health card
  • Your insurance information
  • A list of medications you take
  • Any previous eye-care information you think may be helpful

Can diabetes affect my vision?

+

Yes. Diabetes can affect the blood vessels and other structures inside the eye and may lead to diabetic eye disease and vision changes. Changes in blood sugar can also temporarily affect your vision and glasses prescription. Regular eye exams are important for people with diabetes to monitor ocular health changes and address issues before you experience symptoms.

Can you direct bill my insurance?

+

We can direct bill to most insurance companies. Coverage and eligibility vary between plans, so we recommend confirming your benefits with your insurance provider prior to your appointment.

How much does my insurance cover?

+

Every insurance plan is different. Your coverage may depend on your plan's annual maximum, frequency limits, or eligible products and services. In some cases, we can submit your claim on your behalf, but we are not aware of how much coverage you have available. We recommend confirming your benefits and eligibility with your insurance provider prior to your appointment.

Appointment

Get in touch to
book your first appointment

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.