Question 1

How often should a person with diabetes get an eye exam?

Accepted Answer

People with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes should have a dilated retinal exam every year. More frequent exams (every 6 months) may be recommended if diabetic retinopathy is already present. Annual exams are the Canadian Diabetes Association guideline.

Question 2

Is a diabetic eye exam covered by OHIP in Ontario?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Adults aged 20-64 with diabetes qualify for OHIP-covered eye exams as a medical exemption. Confirm with your optometrist that OHIP will be billed before your appointment.

Question 3

What is diabetic retinopathy and how is it detected?

Accepted Answer

Diabetic retinopathy is damage to blood vessels in the retina caused by chronically elevated blood sugar. It is detected through dilated fundus examination, retinal photography, OCT, and fluorescein angiography in advanced cases.

Question 4

What technology should I look for in a diabetic eye care clinic?

Accepted Answer

Look for clinics with OCT for retinal layer mapping, digital fundus photography for baseline images, and widefield retinal imaging to detect peripheral changes.

Question 5

Can an optometrist treat diabetic retinopathy?

Accepted Answer

Optometrists detect and monitor diabetic retinopathy. Treatment (laser therapy, anti-VEGF injections, or vitreoretinal surgery) is performed by ophthalmologists. Optometrists co-manage patients with ophthalmology and provide regular monitoring between specialist visits.

Diabetic Eye Care Clinics in Canada