SERVICES
West Toronto Eyecare provides comprehensive eye care for all eye conditions, for all ages, utilizing state-of-the-art equipment.
Our experienced optometrists and ophthalmic technicians provide you with a thorough and customized eye examination and our ophthalmologists provide comprehensive treatments and surgeries for patients with complex, eye conditions.
We have a full staff of qualified ophthalmic technicians, optometrists and ophthalmologists so that we can offer comprehensive ocular care. We can screen, diagnose and treat medically and surgically most ocular conditions.
Appointments for healthy eye exams and screenings for common eye conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, diabetes, dry eye and macular degeneration can be made with one of our experienced optometrists without a referral by calling the office.
If you have an existing eye condition that needs medical treatment or surgery, your optometrist or medical doctor can refer you for treatment with one of our ophthalmologists.
A corneal topographer is a diagnostic instrument that creates a three-dimensional map of the surface curvature of the cornea ( the front clear surface of the eye). A normal eye has a smooth rounded cornea and normal vision. Some corneas can be too flat, too steep or be unevenly curved resulting in problems with vision.
Corneal topography measures the cornea and produces an analysis of the shape and power of the corneal surface. These measurements are important to diagnose, monitor and treat various corneal conditions such as corneal scarring or corneal deformations, like keratoconus and pellucid marginal degeneration. The measurements are also important in evaluating astigmatism when planning cataract surgery and laser vision correction. The analysis is also used to determine how curved or flat the cornea is, when fitting contact lenses.
The test is non-contact and painless. The corneal topographer projects a series of illuminated rings onto the cornea. The rings are reflected back to the instrument, where they are analyzed and a detailed coloured topographical map of the front surface of the eye is generated. This map is similar to a topographic land map that uses different colours to denote mountains and valleys.
The test is covered by OHIP for some but not all ocular conditions. Our doctors will discuss with you whether this test is indicated for your eye.
Contact lenses are a great option for many patients. At West Toronto Eye Care, Dr. Toomsalu, Dr. Parasram and their teams keep up to date with the latest contact lens technology, to ensure you get the best fit, with the right contact lens design and material to meet your visual needs. We fit all types of contact lenses. We specialize in patients that are hard to fit or need a specialty lenses so that they can see and feel their best.
Our personalized examination and one on one teaching makes it easy to succeed with your new contact lenses.
We offer customized corneal curvature measurements, a new refraction to determine your most up to date prescription and then a personalized fitting of the contact lenses. We send you home with a trial pair of contact lenses that are recommended by our doctors. To ensure successful wear we will book you with our contact lens teacher for a one-on-one consultation to show you how to wear and care for your contact lenses. We will provide you with ongoing eye health care and easy contact lens reordering on line or by phone.
The Heidelberg Retinal Tomograph III (HRT III) is used in the early detection and follow-up of glaucoma. The HRT III is a laser that can precisely measure and analyze the shape of your optic nerve. It is not a treatment laser and is not harmful to the eye. Repeated measurements of the optic nerve with the HRT III can often detect glaucoma damage earlier than other tests, such as visual field testing. 
The test is painless and takes only minutes to complete. Dilating drops are usually not required. You must look steadily at a small fixating light for approximately 10-15 seconds while the 3-dimensional photograph of your optic nerve is being taken. A computer compares the shape of your optic nerve to normal patient data and analyses changes in your optic nerve over time.
The Heidelberg Retinal Tomography III is an excellent addition to our diagnostic tools in glaucoma management. It is used in combination with intra-ocular pressure measurement, visual field testing optical coherence tomography (OCT) and regular eye examination to better manage your glaucoma.
The cost of this examination is not covered by OHIP, but is covered by many insurance plans. Yearly tests are recommended for glaucoma patients. More frequent examinations may be recommended if your glaucoma is aggressive or progressing.
The Zeiss IOL Master is a precise, non-contact instrument, which provides the most accurate eye measurements possible to ensure successful results after cataract surgery.
Every eye is unique which makes it important to determine the exact style and strength of the intraocular lens to implant during surgery. The IOL Master uses laser light to quickly and accurately measure the eye and to provide the physician with information such as: the length of the eye, the curvature of the corneal surface and anterior chamber depth. These measurements make it possible to choose the most appropriate lens for each patient.
The Zeiss IOL master has proven to be five times more accurate than traditional technologies such as ultrasound. Although, the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) does not cover IOL master examinations, we have purchased the technology for our patients and offer it to those who wish to have the test done. You can speak to our staff if you are interested. Some private insurance coverage will reimburse for the cost of the test.
Laser vision correction is proven to be an excellent way to correct some vision conditions. If you are interested in reducing your dependence on your glasses or contact lenses we can help to independently determine if you are a good candidate for laser vision correction. A complete pre-laser assessment can be provided to your laser centre. All post-operative follow up visits can be conveniently booked at our office. Dr. Bujak also performs most types of laser surgery if interested you can book an appointment without a referral.
OCT is a laser imaging technique developed to provide accurate and reproducible cross-sectional measurements of the retina. The OCT allows your doctor to see the internal structures within the eye. It utilizes high definition imaging to “see” below the surface, allowing your doctor to examine all the retinal layers which could not be imaged previously. In addition, software within the machine compares tests over time. This allows your doctor to accurately monitor improvement or progression of a disease process.
The OCT helps provide definitive diagnostic information for a comprehensive range of retinal pathology such as: detached retina, macular holes, age related macular degeneration (AMD), cystoid macular edema and diabetic retinopathy. In glaucoma the test can be used in patients with an established diagnosis to detect progression over time, which indicates uncontrolled disease and possible need for therapy advancement. For patients suspected of having the disease, the test can be used to confirm the diagnosis.
The OCT is not a treatment laser and is not harmful to the eye. It operates similar to ultrasound, except light is used instead of acoustic waves. The instrument is non invasive and takes justs minutes to complete. The test is performed at your doctor’s office. Patients simply look at a target light for several seconds while the image is being taken there is no pain and drops are usually not required.
OHIP covers the cost of an OCT. (OHIP limits the number of tests per year which are covered).
At West Toronto Eye Care we know that good vision is important to your child’s development and their ability to learn. Routine childhood eye examinations can provide early detection and treatment of vision conditions that left untreated have the potential to cause permanent loss of vision. It is estimated that 17-25 percent of school age children have vision problems.
The American optometric association recommends that children have their eyes examined at 6 months of age, at 3 years of age, prior to starting school and then every 1-2 years. Some children who considered at risk for the development of eye problems need additional testing and more frequent examinations.
The team at West Toronto Eye Care is patient and thorough when examining your child’s eye. In addition to checking for vision problems such as near sightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism, our optometrists will examine your child for other problems such as strabismus, amblyopia (lazy eye), childhood cataracts and other ocular diseases. A paediatric eye examination can be booked with our optometrists. It is best to book the examination at a time of day that your child is alert and content.
Punctal plugs are small devices that are inserted into the tear ducts to block drainage of tears. The purpose is to increase the amount of tears on the surface of the eye in patients suffering from dry eye. They are used when other treatments such as artificial teardrops fail to relieve the symptoms of dry eye.
There are two types of plugs:
Dissolvable, made from collagen. The collagen plug is absorbed by the body and can last from a few days to a few months. This type can be used after laser vision correction to treat dry eye associated with the procedure.
Semi-permanent, made from silicone, acrylic or hydrogel. This type is more commonly used for chronic dry eye. This type of plug can be left in the eye indefinitely.
Insertion of the Plugs
Each eyelid has one small opening to drain tears, this opening is called the punctum and is
located close to the nose on the margin of each lid. Punctal plugs can be inserted in the lower lid or both the upper and lower lids.
Usually the plugs can be inserted right in the office. A small drop of local anaesthetic will be instilled in the eye. An instrument may be used to dilate the punctum for easier insertion. Most punctual plugs are pre-packaged with a disposable inserter that makes the procedure quick and painless.
Side Effects of Punctal Plugs
Usually, the plugs work well and there are no serious side effects from the insertion of punctual plugs. Occasionally there can be excessive tearing after the plug is in place, if the amount of tears in the eye is too great for the blocked tear opening. If this occurs you may need to see your doctor and have the plug removed. Displacement or loss of the plug can occur. This occurs from rubbing the eye or scratching the eyelid. Other less common side effects are eye infections. Usually the infections are mild and can be treated with antibiotics and/or removal of the plug. The plugs occasionally may migrate deeper into the tear system resulting in a blockage and infection.
The visual field test is a machine that measures the total area that can be seen (central, side, up and down vision) while your eyes are focused on a target straight ahead. The machine tests the sensitivity of multiple areas of the retina and plots them on a map that can be interpreted by your doctor to determine if there are any abnormal areas or blind spots in your overall vision.
Visual field testing may be offered as part of your examination. It is an important test that can be used to detect and follow patients with glaucoma. Visual field testing can also be helpful for the detection loss of vision due to retinal disease, optic nerve disease, diseases in the brain that affect the visual pathways and drooping eyelids.
In glaucoma, the test will be repeated every three to twelve months depending on the severity of the disease. Any worsening in the visual field indicates progression in the disease and indicate that a change in therapy may be needed.
The test is subjective and requires a patient to fixate on a central target and press a button each time he/she sees a light stimulus presented in a large bowl. Usually each eye is tested separately while the other eye is patched. For healthy subjects the test takes a few minutes per eye. For patients with poor vision the test can be longer and more tedious. For patients at West Toronto Eye Care the test is usually covered by OHIP.
Do you think you need glasses or need an update in your current glasses prescription? You can call and book an appointment with one of our optometrists without a referral. At West Toronto Eye Care we have the most up to date equipment and loads of experience to ensure that the glasses we prescribe will give you the best vision possible. We prescribe all types of prescriptions including glasses for distance, reading, computers, progressive glasses and prescription sunglasses. In addition we will do a complete eye examination at the time of your appointment to be sure your eyes see their best and are healthy too.
Call 416-760-8777 or email for an appointment. Some patients will not be covered under OHIP for this examination. Our staff can help you to determine if you are covered.
Some eye diseases, such as macular degeneration, glaucoma and others can result in a reduced level of vision for which there is no further medical or surgical treatment.
At West Toronto Eye Care we offer comprehensive examinations for patients with low vision. Dr. Hadavi, our low vision specialist, completed two years of training in low vision rehabilitation at The University of Toronto. He has vast experience in assessment and management of low vision patients.
The focus of a specialized low vision assessment is to assist a patient to use their remaining vision for regular daily tasks such as reading, watching TV and navigating their surroundings with the help of glasses, magnifiers, filters and other devices that are personalized for individual patient needs.
In Ontario, all patients who have a valid OHIP card may receive up to a 75% subsidy from the Ontario Ministry of Health to purchase eyeglasses, sunglasses, prescription sunglasses and any other vision related devices such as magnifiers or CCTV units. All residents of Ontario are eligible for subsidies if they meet low vision requirements, irrespective of income. The West Toronto Eye Care team is an official Authorizer with the Ontario Ministry of Health to assess patients and to prescribe low vision aids.
If you have vision impairment ask your optometrist or family doctor to refer you for an assessment by our low vision team.