Eye exams in Hintonburg

At Vision Care Wellington, every eye exam is a thorough, unhurried experience. Our optometrists use Optomap retinal imaging and OCT scans to see what's happening beneath the surface — catching conditions early, when they're easiest to treat. Located on Wellington Street West in the heart of Hintonburg.

About

Eye & Vision Exams

More than a vision check: Here's what to expect

A comprehensive eye exam is about far more than updating a glasses prescription. Every full exam at our three Ottawa clinics includes wide-field Optomap retinal imaging — with OCT scans when needed — so we assess the health of your eyes as thoroughly as your vision, screening for conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic changes. We care for patients of every age, from a child's first exam to senior eye health, and have done so for Ottawa families since 1987. Whatever we find, we'll walk you through it in plain language with clear next steps.

Learn more about this topic

How Often Should You Get an Eye Exam? Age-by-Age Guide for Ottawa Families

March 19, 2026

Your eye exam at our Wellington clinic

A routine eye exam takes about half an hour, and we make it easy to fit into a busy week. Our Wellington clinic is in the heart of walkable Hintonburg on Wellington Street West, open six days a week including Saturdays. Every comprehensive exam includes advanced imaging such as OCT, and street parking runs along Wellington Street with paid-lot parking close by.

Bringing the whole family? We also offer children's eye exams for kids of every age.

Learn more about this topic

How Often Should You Get an Eye Exam? Age-by-Age Guide for Ottawa Families

March 19, 2026

First, we learn about you!

During the eye exam, your optometrist collects important details in order to determine if you need any treatments or are vulnerable to vision conditions. Your optometrist will ask you questions about:

  • Symptoms or issues you are experiencing such as blurred vision
  • Current medications
  • Work environment
  • Overall health
  • Family history and previous eye or vision conditions

Next, we test your vision.

Regular vision testing and evaluations ensure that you always have the clearest vision possible. Your optometrist will measure how each eye is seeing by using a computerized eye chart and a reading eye chart. The results of these tests are portrayed as a fraction, with 20/20 being the standard for normal distance and reading vision. Depending on the results of your vision test, your optometrist may prescribe corrective glasses, contacts, or eye exercises.

Then, we put your eyes to work.

Ever feel like your eyes can’t focus? An eye exam in our clinic includes testing eye functionality. Our optometrists perform several tests to evaluate:

  • Depth perception
  • Color vision
  • Eye muscle capabilities
  • Peripheral vision
  • Responsiveness to light

Several other simple tests are completed to determine whether your eyes are:

  • Focusing
  • Moving
  • Working together

Test results enable your optometrist to diagnose any underlying conditions that may be impairing your eyes ability to focus or work together.

Finally, we evaluate your eye health.

During the eye health evaluation your optometrist will use a microscope to inspect the frontal structures of the eye and add a series of lenses to examine inside of the eye. All full eye exams include wide field digital retinal imaging called an Optomap. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) scans are also utilized when needed. OCTs help us understand the risk and extent of Glaucoma, Macular Degeneration and other diseases of the retina.

About Vision Care Wellington

Located in the heart of Wellington West, we offer full-scope optometric services for individuals and families. From routine eye exams to advanced diagnostics and custom lenses, our team combines clinical expertise with a community-focused approach to ensure every patient receives attentive, high-quality care.

Meet the optometrists behind your care

Every doctor and optician on our team brings a genuine passion for eye health. From your first visit through every follow-up, you'll see friendly, familiar faces — and when you book, we'll match you with the optometrist who's the right fit for you.

Rosalie Salati

Optometric Assistant

Dr. Tanya Merwiak

Optometrist

Dr. Melanie Scott

Optometrist

Emily Logan

Optometric Assistant

Dr. Zoe Bonell

Optometrist

Mercedes Mahon

Operations Manager

Diane Laurin

Licenced Optician

Karissa St-Cyr

Optometric Assistant

Maddy Cymbaluk

Optometric Assistant

Kari Whitehorne

Director of Operations

Frequently asked questions about

Eye & Vision Exams

The Canadian Association of Optometrists recommends annual exams for children (up to 19), every 2 years for adults (20–64), and annually for seniors (65+). Your optometrist may recommend more frequent visits based on your individual needs.

Learn more in our blog post here >

An Optomap is a fast, non-invasive retinal imaging scan that provides a wide-field photograph of the inside of your eye. It helps detect conditions like diabetic changes, macular degeneration, and retinal issues.

An Optical Coherence Tomography scan provides 3D cross-sectional images below the surface of the retina, helping detect conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy.

In Ontario, as of mid-2026, OHIP covers one routine eye exam every 12 months for anyone 19 and under. For adults 65 and older, OHIP covers an exam every 18 months — or every 12 months if you have a qualifying condition such as diabetes or glaucoma. Adults 20–64 are covered only with a qualifying medical condition; otherwise the exam is usually covered by private insurance, and we offer direct billing where available. If you're unsure about your coverage, just ask us.

Yes. Our Wellington clinic is open Saturdays 10am–5pm and weekdays 10am–6pm, so it's easy to schedule an eye exam around work.

Walk-ins are welcome at our Wellington clinic, though booking online guarantees your preferred time. We're also happy to welcome new patients of all ages.

Your next step is clear

Book an appointment at any of our three Ottawa locations. Your eyes are in good hands.

Treatment is also available at our other clinics:

Merivale

2–1547 Merivale Rd

Woodward

1818B Woodward