Contact Us
Do you have questions about our clinic? Send us a message!
More Information
Are you experiencing an eyesight emergency?
We always give special consideration to those having eye emergencies such as pain, redness, sudden vision loss and new floating spots and flashing lights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Take a look at the answers to some of our most commonly asked questions about our services and getting to our clinic.
How often do I need an eye exam?
Eye care, like all medical exams and treatment, is individualized. So the best way to know what is right for you is to ask your optometrist. Under general terms, the Canadian Association of Optometrists recommends the following eye exam frequency for anyone who is at low risk vision loss:
Infants and Toddlers (Birth to 24 months)
First eye examination should be between the ages of 6 and 9 months
Preschool Children (2 to 5 years)
Should undergo an eye examination annually
School Age Children (6 to 19 years)
Should undergo an eye examination annually
Adults (20 to 64 years)
Adults (20 to 64) Should undergo an eye examination every 2 years
Adults (65 years or older)
Should undergo an eye examination annually
Does OHIP cover my examination?
OHIP covers a complete eye exam once a year for children 19 years of age or younger, as well as follow-up visits for those patients.
Some patients between the ages of 20 and 64 with medical conditions or eye conditions that require yearly examinations are eligible for OHIP coverage. After your examination, your eye doctor will notify you if you are in an OHIP-covered category. OHIP may not cover some specialized tests.
OHIP covers a complete eye exam once every 18 months for patients aged 65 and over, as well as 2 follow-up visits. Patients that are 65 years of age and over with medical conditions or eye conditions that require yearly examinations are eligible for OHIP coverage every 12 months. OHIP may not cover some specialized tests.
Further details on OHIP coverage for each age group can be found here: https://ohipupdates.ca/
Why is UV protection important for my eyes?
UV radiation has been associated with some damage, not only in the skin around the eye but also to the cornea and conjunctiva. UV is associated with the development and progression of cataracts, and some researchers believe it can worsen macular degeneration.
Do you offer Myopia control?
Yes, we do!
Learn more about Myopia control at MVC here.
What languages do you offer services in?
All staff and doctors at Merivale Vision Care speak fluent English. We have some team members who are also fluent in other languages. If you prefer to be served in a language other than English, please let us know when you book your appointment and we will do our best to book you with the appropriate team member.
We offer our services in the following languages:
Eye Exams
- English
- French
- Italian
- Cantonese
Eyewear Shopping
- English
- French
- Spanish
- Tamil
- Mandarin
Where should I park?
Merivale Vision Care is located in the Emerald Plaza, on the east side of Merivale Road, south of Baseline Road. There is a two-level parking deck, in the plaza area of the complex. Parking is provided for the convenience of our patrons.
Bicycle Parking:
Bicycle racks are available in close proximity, in front of the Emerald Plaza Branch of the Ottawa Public Library. Cyclists are reminded to ensure they lock their bicycles when visiting.
Can I take public transit?
Merivale Vision Care is easily accessible from all corners of the city via public transit. Currently, the main OC Transpo route closest to the business is #80. If you require further information concerning bus routes and the schedules for service to our office, please visit www.octranspo.com
Where in Ottawa are you located?
Merivale Vision Care is located in the West end of Ottawa, nearest the major intersection of Merivale and Meadowlands Roads. The office is is easily accessible by car, bus, by foot, and bicycle.
Is your office accessible for mobility aids?
Yes, our main entrance is accessible from the parking lot. At the clinic, we have an accessible washroom, and our exam rooms are accessible for mobility aids.
If you are not able to transfer from your chair/device, please let our team know when booking your appointment, and we will ensure your appointment will accommodate your needs.
What is Automated Visual Field Testing?
Visual field testing is one way to monitor whether blind spots are developing in your field of vision from damage to the optic nerve, like in the case of Glaucoma. This is often done for driving tests to ensure vision is safe for operating motor vehicles.
What is an Optomap?
An Optomap is fast, non-invasive, safe and painless. It is performed quickly, and your optometrist will review your results in detail immediately.
Optomap imaging is the latest retinal imaging that provides a wide field high-resolution photograph of the inside of the eye. Retinal photography assists in the detection and management of problems such as diabetic changes, hypertensive retinopathy, macular degeneration, optic nerve disease, and retinal holes or thinning.
What is an Optical Coherence Tomography scan (OCT)?
An Optical Coherence Tomography scan (OCT) is fast, non-invasive, safe and painless. It is performed quickly, and your optometrist will review your results in detail immediately.
An OCT scan is the latest advancement in retinal imaging technology. With an OCT scan, eye doctors are provided with 3D color-coded, cross-sectional images below the surface of the retina. These detailed images are revolutionizing early detection and treatment of eye conditions such as wet and dry age-related Macular Degeneration, Glaucoma, Retinal Detachment and Diabetic Retinopathy.
What is Dry Eye?
Dry eye is a multifactorial disease of the eye surface characterized by a loss of homeostasis of the tear film causing eye surface inflammation and damage.
Learn more about Dry Eye here.
What is IPL?
IPL stands for "Intense Pulsed Light" and it can be used to treat Dry Eye. Learn more about IPL and Dry Eye here.
What is LLLT?
LLLT stands for "Low Level Light Therapy" and it can be used to treat Dry Eye.
Learn more about LLLT and Dry Eye here.
What is iLux?
iLux is a device that can be used to treat Dry Eye.
Learn more about iLux and Dry Eye here.
