PATIENT RESOURCES

Preparing for
your first visit.

Know what to bring, what to expect, and how our specialist team — hospital-credentialed at William Osler Health System and other leading GTA institutions, with over 3,000 documented surgical outcomes in published peer-reviewed research — will guide you through a thorough evaluation — so you can feel confident and prepared from the moment you arrive.

Get ReferredWhat to Bring
500,000+
PATIENTS SERVED
18
BOARD-CERTIFIED OPHTHALMOLOGISTS
8
SUBSPECIALTIES
4
GTA CLINIC LOCATIONS
BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT

What to bring

Everything you need for a smooth first appointment.

🚗
Arrange a ride home. Most eye exams involve pupil dilation, which temporarily blurs your vision for 4–6 hours. You will not be safe to drive. Please arrange for a companion, taxi, or transit.

Essential documents

  • Ontario health card (OHIP)
  • Photo ID
  • Insurance card (if applicable)

Medical information

  • Referral letter from your optometrist or family doctor
  • List of current medications (including eye drops)
  • Previous eye exam records or test results (OCT, visual fields)

Vision aids

  • Current glasses and/or contact lenses
  • Contact lens prescription and solution

Before your appointment

  • Don’t wear eye makeup (some tests require bare eyes)
  • Don’t wear contact lenses if possible — remove 1–2 hours before (allows accurate corneal measurements)
  • Avoid perfume or scented lotions (can irritate eyes during testing)
If you cannot remove contacts, let us know at check-in — we can help.
YOUR FIRST VISIT

What to expect

A step-by-step look at your diagnostic and consultation appointments.

⏰
Plan for 2–3 hours for your first visit. Diagnostic testing takes 30–60 minutes and specialist consultations 15–30 minutes, but wait times between appointments can add up — especially on busy days when urgent cases take priority. We appreciate your patience.
1
Check-in & Registration Arrive 15 min early
2
Diagnostic Testing 30–60 min
3
Specialist Consultation 15–30 min
4
Treatment Plan & Next Steps All options discussed

For certain conditions — particularly glaucoma and cataract assessments — your care begins with a separate diagnostic testing appointment 1–2 weeks before your specialist consultation. This ensures your doctor has complete information when you meet. For most other referrals, testing and consultation occur during the same visit.

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Consider bringing a family member or friend. Your specialist will explain your diagnosis and treatment options in detail. Having someone with you helps — not just for the drive home, but to help remember the information discussed. We encourage questions from both you and your companion.
VISIT 1

Diagnostic Testing

30–60 min · typically 1–2 weeks before consultation (glaucoma & cataract referrals)

For glaucoma and cataract referrals, your first appointment focuses on gathering the diagnostic information your specialist will need. Our ophthalmic technicians perform a comprehensive workup so your consultation time is focused on you — not testing.

OHIP-covered tests

OCT ImagingHigh-resolution cross-section images of your retina and optic nerve
Visual Field TestingPeripheral vision assessment for glaucoma screening

Additional tests (not covered by OHIP)

HRT (Heidelberg Retinal Tomography)Detailed 3D mapping of the optic nerve head to monitor glaucoma progression
Fundus AutofluorescenceSpecialized retinal imaging to detect early changes in macular and retinal conditions
Ocular Hysteresis TestingMeasures corneal biomechanical properties to assess true intraocular pressure and glaucoma risk
Please note: Some diagnostic tests (HRT, fundus autofluorescence, ocular hysteresis) are not covered by OHIP. Our staff will inform you of any fees before testing is performed.
VISIT 2

Specialist Consultation

60–90 min · scheduled after diagnostic results are reviewed

After registration, some additional same-day diagnostic tests may be performed. Your consultation visit typically follows this flow:

Technician WorkupMedical history review, medication check, vision and pressure testing, and dilation in some cases
Assessment by SpecialistYour ophthalmologist reviews all diagnostic findings, explains your condition, and discusses treatment options
Treatment PlanAll available options presented fairly — including observation if appropriate. You make the decision
Coordinated ReferralsIf needed, referrals within the UVG network — dry eye screening at UDEI, eyewear at U Optical, or refractive assessment at U Eye Laser Cosmetic, or surgical planning at U Surgical Centre

Our team includes board-certified subspecialists in glaucoma, retina, cornea, oculoplastics, and pediatric ophthalmology. Meet our physicians →

Please plan for possible wait times. Uptown Eye Specialists provides emergency and urgent eye care alongside scheduled appointments. On busy days, unforeseen urgent cases may extend your wait. While most visits run on time, delays of up to 2–3 hours are possible. We appreciate your patience — and we’d do the same for you in an emergency.
SPECIFIC CONDITIONS

Special considerations

Additional preparation for specific conditions.

Cataract patients follow a dedicated pathway that includes additional visits beyond the standard diagnostic and consultation appointments:

  • Biometry appointment — precise eye measurements (IOL Master) to select the right lens implant for your surgery
  • Dry eye screening at UDEI — a pre-surgical assessment at U Dry Eye Institute that directly improves surgical outcomes and measurement accuracy
  • Pre-surgical counseling visit — a dedicated session where your surgeon walks through all lens options (from OHIP-covered standard to premium), the surgical process, and what to expect on the day

OHIP covers standard cataract surgery fully. Uptown Eye Specialists is Canada’s highest-volume ReLACS centre, with outcomes published in a 3,000+ case peer-reviewed study. For a complete overview of the cataract patient journey, from referral to recovery: Learn about our cataract journey →

Annual diabetic eye exams are essential — over 90% of vision loss is preventable with early detection. Your appointment will include a dilated exam, OCT imaging, and retinal photography. Allow 90–120 minutes. OHIP covers annual diabetic eye exams and treatment fully. Your specialist coordinates with your family doctor and endocrinologist.

If you have a red eye that started within the past two weeks and you suspect a viral infection (e.g., pink eye), please inform the receptionist when you arrive so we can take extra precautions to prevent contamination in the clinic.

If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, please wear a mask during your visit. Masks are available at the front desk at no charge.

If you need any forms completed — such as insurance claim forms, sick notes, or disability documentation — please let the front desk know when you register. This ensures your physician can prepare the necessary paperwork during your visit.

OUR LOCATIONS

Where to find us

All locations offer free parking and accessible parking spaces. Remember: do not drive immediately after dilation.

Brampton

7900 Hurontario St, Suite 401
Brampton, ON L6Y 0P6

Free parking available

(416) 292-0330

View on Google Maps →

Vaughan

2180 Steeles Ave W, Unit 221
Concord, ON L4K 2Z5

Free parking available

(416) 292-0330

View on Google Maps →

Scarborough

2101 Brimley Rd, Suite 109
Scarborough, ON M1S 2B4

Free parking available

(416) 292-0330

View on Google Maps →

Etobicoke

135 Queens Plate Dr, Suite 120
Etobicoke, ON M9W 6V1

Free parking available

(416) 292-0330

View on Google Maps →

COVERAGE & PAYMENT

Insurance & OHIP

Understanding what’s covered and what to expect for payment.

Covered by OHIP

  • Diagnostic visits for eye conditions (glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, retinal disease)
  • Diagnostic tests: OCT imaging, visual field testing
  • Annual diabetic eye exams
  • Treatment for covered conditions

Not covered by OHIP

  • Some diagnostic tests: HRT, fundus autofluorescence, ocular hysteresis testing
  • Routine eye exams for patients age 20–64 without specific conditions
  • Eyeglasses and contact lenses (visit U Optical for routine exams and eyewear)
  • Premium IOL upgrades for cataract surgery
  • Cosmetic oculoplastic procedures
Many private plans cover specialist consultations and diagnostic tests. Bring your insurance card so we can verify your coverage.
GET REFERRED

Ready to see a specialist?

Uptown Eye Specialists is a referral-only practice. Ask your family doctor or optometrist for a referral, or learn more about the process.

Get Referred

The information presented on this website is educational only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult your eye care provider to determine the best approach for your individual needs.