Cathy MerrittIf there’s one thing that really sucks as a writer, it’s looking at a bright monitor constantly, almost every day. It’s especially worse when I have to pull an all-nighter, as there’s a high chance of me experiencing eye strain and headaches.
Of course, symptoms like these, no matter how small, should be attended to ASAP. That’s why I make it a priority to visit an optometrist whenever I feel my eyes ache worse or longer than usual.
Here are some excellent optometrists in Toronto worth checking out!
| How much does it cost to see an optometrist in Toronto? Seeing an optometrist in Toronto will typically cost you $200. However, this fee can vary depending on the tests performed, treatments needed, and your preferred optometrist. |
How We Chose
1. See & Be Seen Eyecare
Address: 171 E Liberty St 136 Ste 136
Phone number: +1 416-516-2020
Business hours:
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (MON, TUES, WED, FRI, and SAT)
11:00 AM – 6:30 PM (THURS)
See & Be Seen Eyecare is an optometry clinic started by Dr. Ritesh Patel in 2013. Located in Liberty Village and Midtown, they offer an impressive range of services that include eye exams, eye disease management, and emergency eye care.
However, one particular service of theirs that I’d like to shine a spotlight on is eye aesthetics. This service focuses on refreshing the appearance of the skin around the eyes and is designed to treat common concerns like eye bags, wrinkles, and droopy eyelids.
It’s also worth mentioning that they offer a comprehensive treatment for dry eye that uses a new technology called LipiFlow. It involves the use of light heat and pressure to help your eyelids produce better-quality tears.
The only thing I dislike about this clinic is its above-average prices, especially when it comes to their glasses.
Pros
- 11 years of experience
- Two locations in Toronto
- Emergency services available
- Offers eye aesthetic services
- Uses LipiFlow for dry eye treatment
Cons
- Above-average prices
- Sometimes cancels appointments abruptly
Absolutely fantastic experience, highly recommended!
“Absolutely fantastic experience, highly recommended!!! As a private pilot, my eyes are my co-pilot, so they need to be in top-notch condition! Dr. Woods is incredibly thorough and knowledgeable in his examinations. He offers flexible solutions for my eye care needs and makes sure my 20/10 vision stays sharp as ever. Plus, Zhaleh is a magician when it comes to fitting my new glasses perfectly, always in the latest style! Seen and Be Seen keeps my wheels up and my altitude high!”
-Steve Meze, Google Reviews
Can’t recommend this place highly enough
“Super friendly personnel and a comprehensive eye exam. Dr. Woods found an issue that had been missed elsewhere in prior exams, which should hopefully lead to a prescription that has my eyes feeling a lot better on a daily basis. Can’t recommend this place highly enough.”
-Jesse Piraino, Google Reviews
2. Kodak Lens Vision Centre
Address: 364 Yonge St
Phone number: +1 416-901-9088
Business hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (MON-SAT)
Kodak Lens Vision Centre, part of the EyeTrust Network, is an optometry clinic with over 40 years of experience. With seven locations spread across the GTA, they’ve become a reliable provider of optometry, optical, and eye-care services.
One thing that sets this clinic apart from its competition is its innovative products and treatments. A particular example I’m fond of is AmblyoPlay, a vision therapy solution that offers therapeutic video games designed to treat various visual dysfunctions such as lazy eye and double vision.
Another thing this clinic excels at is its impressive range of different lens types developed by Kodak. Some examples are Kodak Unique HD and Kodak Precise PB.
While I do find their technologies and treatments to be quite amazing, the same couldn’t be said for some of their rude staff members.
Pros
- Over 40 years of experience
- Seven locations in the GTA
- Has the AmblyoPlay to treat visual dysfunctions
- Sells Kodak-designed eyewear lenses
Cons
- Some rude staff
- Tends to get fully booked quickly
One of the best eye doctors I’ve ever met!
“Dr. Mishra is amazing! I came into my appointment with a few eyesight concerns and she took the time to listen to all of them. Her screening and diagnostic workup were very thorough. She was personable and I felt very comfortable throughout the visit. One of the best eye doctors I’ve ever met!”
-Kara Ly, Google Reviews
Ensures that I always find the perfect fit for my eye care needs
“I have been a loyal patient of Dr. Linda Tse for over 10 years, and my experience has consistently been exceptional. The staff at Kodak Lens Toronto Eyecare is not only knowledgeable but also incredibly kind, creating a welcoming atmosphere. The wide variety of products ensures that I always find the perfect fit for my eye care needs. It’s not just an optometry clinic; it’s a place where personalized service and quality products make a lasting difference. Highly recommend! ❤️”
-Alexa T, Google Reviews
3. Yonge & College Optometry
Address: 6 College St
Phone number: +1 647-748-3937
Business hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (MON-FRI)
If any of your parents have a hereditary eye problem, you might want to book an appointment with Yonge & College Optometry. Founded in 2013 by sisters Dr. Lisa Anidjar and Dr. Rebecca Anidjar, this clinic is equipped with some of the latest eye diagnostic tech available in Toronto.
Some noteworthy pieces of equipment they have on-site are their OptosAdvance retinal imaging device and Topcon MYAH. These devices can detect the early signs of several eye diseases like high myopia, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma.
Furthermore, they provide specialised treatments for dry eye and digital eye strain. They’re also equipped to deal with any eye-related injuries and can accept emergency cases without prior appointments.
However, it’s a bit worrying to hear that some clients encountered dismissive behaviour from this clinic’s staff during their visit here.
Pros
- 11 years of experience
- Uses advanced eye diagnostics equipment
- Emergency services available
- Highly-accessible location
Cons
- Dismissive staff
- Unavailable on weekends
A great experience as always!
“A great experience as always! I’ve been coming to Yonge and College Optometry for a few years now and every doctor I’ve met with here has provided excellent patient care. The attention to detail, thoughtful recommendations and just genuine care sets them apart from most others. Dr. Lisa today was able to see me as a walk in. She answered all questions, resolved my concerns and put my mind at ease. You guys are doing such great work here, keep it up!”
-Choukri, Google Reviews
I had a wonderful and uplifting experience so far
“I had my first appointment here today. And I am beyond thrilled. After having a bad experience elsewhere. I had a wonderful and uplifting experience so far. Dr. Lisa was very welcoming and took the time to fill me in on how best we could solve my contact issues. As well as recommending options for dry eyes. I’m actually excited about this process. And optimistic about getting the right contacts for me.”
-Ken H, Google Reviews
4. Dr. Archie Chung & Associates
Address: Toronto Eaton Centre, 220 Yonge Street
Phone number: +1 416-971-8355
Business hours:
10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (MON-SAT)
11:00 AM – 7:00 PM (SUN)
Dr. Archie Chung & Associates, established in 1983, is a renowned optometry clinic that operates in three locations in Toronto. They’re particularly known for providing a wide range of eye services, contact lenses, and eyeglasses.
When it comes to eye services, they can provide almost everything, from eye exams to Lasik co-management. They even offer accelerated orthokeratology treatments, which use specially designed rigid gas-permeable contact lenses to manage myopia.
As for their prescription eyeglasses, it’s a relief to know that they offer unlimited cleaning services as well as a three-month guarantee to ensure they remain comfortable to wear for patients.
And while it’s not something everyone can fully appreciate, I’m thrilled to learn that this clinic can directly bill most private health insurance providers in Canada.
However, please take note that they’re one of Toronto’s most popular optometrists and have a tendency to become fully booked quickly.
Pros
- 41 years of experience
- Offers accelerated orthokeratology treatments
- Three-month guarantee on prescription glasses
- Can direct bill most insurance providers
- Three locations in Toronto
Cons
- Tends to get fully booked quickly
- Sometimes forgets to respond to enquiries
My favourite optometrist office in town
“I recently had an absolutely great eye exam at this office. Specifically, my optometrist was Dr Hoda Hamed. Everything at this office is super professional, friendly and down to earth. Really, my favourite optometrist office in town (for many years!)”
-Matthew O’Sullivan, Google Reviews
It is always a pleasant experience
“It is always a pleasant experience. They accommodated me on very short notice and although I did not see my main optometrist, the one who assessed me was equally friendly, thorough, professional and informative.
Thank you all for the quality care you continue to provide”
-Tonia Richard, Google Reviews
5. St. Lawrence Eye Care
Address: 12 Church St
Phone number: +1 416-504-7532
Business hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (TUES-SAT)
St. Lawrence Eye Care, located in the bustling St. Lawrence Market neighbourhood, is a highly regarded optometry clinic started by Dr. Ronald Nhan in 2016.
They’re particularly known for their comprehensive eye exams, which include a detailed list of tests like visual acuity, stereopsis, and tonometry. Costing only $165, it can serve as an affordable yet effective way to keep your eyes healthy.
Other services they provide are children’s vision therapy, contact lens assessments, and dry eye therapy. Their clinic can also accept emergency cases if need be.
However, one thing that really amazes me about this clinic is its impressive range of handcrafted eyewear frames. They sell premium brands like Barton Perreira and Andy Wolf.
If there’s something I dislike about this clinic, it’s that they don’t do frame adjustments for brands they don’t sell. That can be an issue for those who don’t use artisan frames.
Pros
- 8 years of experience
- Offers comprehensive eye exams
- Emergency services available
- Offers artisan frames
Cons
- Won’t do frame adjustments for brands they don’t sell
- Unavailable on Sundays and Mondays
Came in for an eye exam with Dr. Ly and was very satisfied!
“Came in for an eye exam with Dr. Ly and was very satisfied! Dr. Ly was thorough and appreciated the time taken to explain the details during the whole exam process. Everyone at the clinic was very welcoming with great service! A definite recommendation!”
-Carol Tan, Google Reviews
St Lawrence Eye Care is a one-stop shop for vision needs
“Support local! St Lawrence Eye Care is a one-stop shop for vision needs. Dr. Nhan is caring and explanatory during eye exams, transparent with all details and really knowledgeable; personable too. Buying glasses there is also a treat, the staff is friendly and helps with style choices. Great spot!”
-Diana Pereira, Google Reviews
