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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is Neuro-Optometry?

    Neuro-Optometry is an area of expertise provided by a Doctor of Optometry that focuses on the connection between the visual system and the brain. This uncovers areas of visual function that may be causing you symptoms, or impeding your performance, that may not show up on a routine eye exam.  This is especially important for anyone struggling with headaches/migraines, dizziness, reading disabilities, ADHD, post-concussion symptoms, or for those who simply want better focus, faster reading and more natural feeling vision.

  • Do I Need a Referral to See an Optometrist at Opto-Mization?

    No, you do not need a referral to get a neuro-visual eye exam at Opto-Mization. We welcome anyone who suspects they might benefit from our services, whether you’re experiencing symptoms of visual discomfort or just want to ensure optimal visual performance. Feel free to reach out and schedule your appointment directly with us to take the first step towards understanding and improving your visual function.

  • Can Neuro-Optometry Help Improve Posture?

    Neuro-Optometry can indirectly influence and improve posture. Children experiencing binocular vision problems often adopt shifting postures or squirm in their seats as a way to alleviate the tension caused by the effort to coordinate their eyes. Through neuro-optometric therapy, which targets and resolves these binocular vision issues, children typically find their need to constantly change postures significantly decreases or even disappears. This improvement in posture often parallels enhancements in eye fixation and tracking abilities, demonstrating the interconnectedness of vision and bodily alignment, even though posture is not the direct focus of the therapy.

  • Do You Also Offer Regular Eye Exams and Optometric Services?

    Yes, in addition to vision therapy and neuro-optometry services, we also provide comprehensive eye exams and general optometry services. Our experienced optometrists conduct comprehensive eye exams to assess overall eye health, detect eye conditions and diseases, and prescribe corrective lenses if necessary. 

    Our eye exams are done in two parts to give the best possible outcomes. 

  • Do You Perform Fittings for Contact Lenses?

    Yes, at Opto-Mization, we provide comprehensive contact lens fittings as part of our wide range of eye care services. Our experienced team uses the latest technology and techniques to ensure that your contact lenses offer optimal vision correction, comfort, and fit. Whether you’re new to contact lenses or looking for an updated prescription, we tailor our fittings to meet your specific needs and lifestyle, ensuring a comfortable and effective solution for your vision challenges.

  • Do You Perform Ocular Health Exams?

    Yes, at Opto-Mization, conducting ocular health exams is an important part of eye health. These thorough examinations are designed to assess the health of your eyes, detect any signs of eye disease or conditions early on, and ensure your vision remains at its best. Utilizing state-of-the-art equipment, our experienced optometrists evaluate your eye health, from the front surface of the eye to the deep structures within, providing a comprehensive assessment and tailored recommendations for maintaining optimal ocular health.

  • Are There Remote or Tele-Health Options Available?

    We are able to provide remote and tele-health options for our vision therapy treatment programs.  Many patients fly from all over the world to visit our office.  We ship their glasses to them and if they need vision therapy we guide them through it online.

  • Do You Offer Transitions Lenses or Prescription Sunglasses?

    Yes, we offer a wide variety of eyewear solutions, including Transitions lenses and prescription sunglasses. Transitions lenses are designed to automatically adjust from clear to dark in response to sunlight, offering convenience and protection in varying light conditions. Our prescription sunglasses provide UV protection while correcting your vision outdoors, combining style with functional eye health. With an extensive selection of frames and lens options, our team can help you find the perfect match for your lifestyle and visual needs, ensuring you enjoy clear, comfortable vision in all environments.

  • Do You Offer Non-Prescription Sunglasses?

    Yes, at Opto-Mization, we recognize the importance of protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays, which is why we offer an extensive selection of high-quality non-prescription sunglasses. Our range includes various styles and brands to suit different preferences and lifestyles, ensuring that everyone can find the perfect pair to shield their eyes while enhancing their outdoor experience. Whether you’re looking for fashion-forward designs or performance-oriented sunglasses, our collection is curated to provide maximum UV protection without compromising on visual performance or style.

  • Do You Offer Non-Prescription Blue Light Blocking Glasses?

    Blue light plays a crucial role in regulating our natural sleep-wake cycle, or circadian rhythm, and is important during daylight hours for maintaining alertness and well-being. Therefore, the indiscriminate blocking of blue light, especially during the day, may not be beneficial for everyone. Blue light blocking solutions are most effective and recommended for use during the evening hours when natural light is low, to minimize potential disruptions to sleep patterns. We focus on providing tailored visual solutions that align with our patients’ health and lifestyle needs, including advising on when and how to use blue light blocking strategies effectively.

  • What is Vision Therapy?

    At Opto-Mization, vision therapy is a personalized treatment program aimed at improving visual skills and abilities. It is more than just eye exercises and is about re-training how the eyes and brain work together, addressing visual-motor and perceptual-cognitive challenges to enhance overall visual function. It’s more than just exercises; it’s a pathway to better vision and improved daily life.

  • How Long Does it Take To See Results from Vision Therapy?

    The timeline for seeing results from vision therapy or neuro-optometric rehabilitation depends on a patient’s compliance and vision problems. Our eye care team will create a customized treatment plan and offer an estimated timeline based on your specific needs.

  • Is There an Ideal Patient for Vision Therapy?

    People of all ages can benefit from vision therapy and neuro-optometric rehabilitation. If you have difficulties caused by visual processing problems, binocular vision disorders, amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (eye misalignment), or brain injuries, contact us to find out if our services are suitable for your specific condition and goals.

  • How do I know Vision Therapy is right for my child?

    If your child displays symptoms of strabismus (eye turn), amblyopia (“lazy eye”), skipping words or lines while reading, using a finger while reading, blurry near vision, double vision, eyestrain and/or eye fatigue, it is suggested your child has a complete eye exam from a Doctor of Optometry. If symptoms persist or the Doctor of Optometry recommends Vision Therapy, then a Vision Therapy assessment is the next step. The doctor will perform a thorough one-on-one assessment and will determine which conditions are present, whether Vision Therapy is suitable, the type of eye exercises required and the number of sessions needed.

  • What Should I Bring to My Appointment?

    For your appointment at Opto-Mization, please bring your current eyeglasses or contact lenses, any previous eye health records, your medical insurance information, and a list of medications you’re currently taking. Additionally, if you’ve noticed specific issues with your vision or eye health, jotting down your symptoms or questions beforehand can help ensure a comprehensive discussion with our optometrist. For contact lens wearers, bringing your contact lens box or prescription details would be beneficial. This preparation allows us to provide a more personalized and effective eye care service tailored to your needs.

  • How Long Will I Be At The Clinic?

    The duration of your visit to Opto-Mization can vary depending on the type of examination or treatment you’re scheduled for. For your new patient exam, plan on being at the office for 90 minutes. We recommend allocating at least 90 minutes for your visit to ensure we can conduct a thorough evaluation and address any questions or concerns you may have. Our goal is to provide you with detailed, attentive care without feeling rushed, ensuring a productive and informative visit.

  • Do I Need To Bring My Provincial Health Card?

    Yes, bringing your provincial health card to your appointment at Opto-Mization is important. Having your health card with you allows us to quickly verify your eligibility for any covered services and process billing directly, if applicable. It also ensures that we have accurate information for your health records

  • Will There Be Accessible Parking at the Clinic?

    Yes, at Opto-Mization we ensure our patients’ convenience and accessibility by offering reserved parking spots exclusively for those visiting our clinic. These designated spots are intended to make your access to our services as seamless and straightforward as possible, catering especially to those with appointments. There is also a dedicated drop-off spot for those with mobility issues. We understand the importance of hassle-free parking, especially for patients who may have mobility challenges or tight schedules. Should you have any concerns about parking or require additional assistance upon your arrival, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us in advance. Our team is dedicated to assisting you and making your visit to our clinic a positive experience.

  • Does The Clinic Have A Wheelchair Accessible Entrance?

    Yes, our clinic is fully equipped with a wheelchair-accessible entrance to accommodate all our patients’ needs. At Opto-Mization, we are located on the 2nd floor, but rest assured, there is an accessible elevator available to smoothly transport you up to our clinic. We are committed to ensuring that every patient can access our services comfortably and efficiently. If you require any assistance or have specific accessibility needs, please let us know in advance so we can ensure your visit is as convenient and stress-free as possible. Our goal is to provide a welcoming and accessible environment for everyone who visits us.

  • Are Vision Therapy and Neuro-Optometry Expensive?

    The cost of vision therapy and neuro-optometry can vary depending on various factors, including the duration of the therapy program and the complexity of the visual condition.  We have a satisfaction guarantee on all of our products and serices, so you can be certain all of our recommendations will be worth it. You can contact our offices in Victoria & Nanaimo to learn more about costs and whether you can benefit from insurance coverage or flexible payment options.

  • Do You Direct Bill Insurance?

    Yes, at Opto-Mization, we offer direct billing for a variety of insurance plans to make the process as seamless and hassle-free as possible for our patients. Our knowledgeable staff is well-versed in working with insurance providers, ensuring that you can maximize your benefits while minimizing out-of-pocket expenses for our services, including vision therapy and neuro-visual eye exams.

  • How Long Will It Take For My Prescription To Be Ready?

    Once you’ve completed your eye exam at Opto-Mization and your prescription has been determined, the timeframe for your prescription glasses or contact lenses to be ready typically ranges from 1.5-2 weeks. This duration can vary based on the complexity of your prescription, the type of lenses ordered, and any custom features or treatments you’ve chosen. Our team will provide you with an estimated completion time when you choose your glasses and will keep you informed about any updates or changes to the timeline. We ensure that your prescription is fulfilled accurately and promptly, so you can enjoy improved vision as soon as possible.

  • Can I Bring In My Own Frames?

    Yes, you are welcome to bring in your own frames for your new prescription lenses. We understand the attachment and preference you might have for a particular pair of frames, and we’re here to help ensure they’re fitted with lenses that match your latest prescription. However, it’s important to note that not all frames may be suitable for re-lensing due to their condition or design. Our team will assess your frames to ensure they can safely and effectively accommodate new lenses.

  • How Do I Best Take Care of My New Glasses?

    To ensure the longevity and clarity of your new glasses from Opto-Mization, it’s important to follow a few simple care instructions. Always clean your lenses with a microfiber cloth and a suitable lens cleaner to prevent scratches and keep them clear. Avoid using household cleaners or fabrics that can damage the lens coatings. When not in use, store your glasses in a protective case to safeguard them from accidental damage. Avoid leaving them in extreme temperatures, such as in a car under direct sunlight, as this can affect the frame’s shape and lens integrity. Lastly, for adjustments or repairs, visit us at the clinic instead of trying to fix them yourself, to maintain their proper fit and function.

  • I’ve Received My Glasses But They Don’t Feel Right, What Should I Do?

    If your new glasses from Opto-Mization don’t feel quite right, it’s important to reach out to us as soon as possible. Adjusting to a new prescription can sometimes take a few days, but if you’re experiencing discomfort, blurred vision, or if the fit isn’t perfect, our team is here to help. Bring your glasses back to the clinic, and our opticians will assess the fit and make any necessary adjustments. We can also verify the prescription lenses to ensure they match your eye exam results accurately. Your comfort and satisfaction are our top priorities, and we’re committed to making sure your glasses meet your vision needs comfortably.