If you have diabetes, your eyes are at risk. Dr. J.C. Mungar provides comprehensive diabetic eye examinations in Oakville using advanced OCT scanning and digital retinal imaging to detect and monitor diabetic retinopathy before it affects your vision.
Diabetes affects the blood vessels throughout your body, and the tiny vessels in your retina are among the most vulnerable. Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of vision loss in working-age Canadians. The problem is it develops silently: most patients have no symptoms until significant, and sometimes irreversible, damage has already occurred.
An annual dilated eye exam is not optional when you have diabetes. It is one of the most important appointments on your healthcare calendar. At Dr. J.C. Mungar Optometry in Oakville, we use the same advanced imaging technology found in ophthalmology offices to give you the most thorough diabetic eye assessment available in primary eye care.
OHIP Coverage: Patients with diabetes are entitled to one fully covered eye examination per year under OHIP. Book annually to protect your vision and stay within your covered benefit.
Diabetic retinopathy progresses through stages. Understanding them helps you appreciate why early detection is so critical:
Small areas of swelling in the blood vessels of the retina, called microaneurysms. No visual symptoms. Detectable only through examination. This is the ideal stage to catch it.
Blood vessels become blocked, depriving parts of the retina of blood supply. The retina may signal the eye to grow new, fragile blood vessels. Still often asymptomatic at this stage.
New, abnormal blood vessels grow on the retina and into the vitreous. These vessels are fragile and can bleed, causing floaters, vision loss, and in severe cases, retinal detachment. Laser treatment and injections are needed at this stage.
Fluid leaks into the macula, the central region of the retina responsible for your sharp, reading vision. DME can occur at any stage of diabetic retinopathy and is a leading cause of vision loss in diabetic patients.
Your diabetic eye exam also screens for several other diabetes-related complications:
Our OCT scanner produces high-resolution, cross-sectional images of your retina. It detects macular edema and retinal changes years before they affect your vision.
Patients with diabetes receive one fully covered OHIP exam per year. We help coordinate your appointment to ensure you take full advantage of this benefit every year.
If Dr. Mungar detects any signs of retinopathy requiring intervention, he coordinates directly with ophthalmology specialists to ensure fast, appropriate care.
Dr. J.C. Mungar has served Oakville families for over three decades. His long-term relationships with patients allow him to spot subtle year-over-year changes that a first-time examiner would miss.
At minimum, once per year. OHIP covers annual diabetic eye exams. Patients with known retinopathy or other complications may need more frequent monitoring as advised by Dr. Mungar or a specialist. If your blood sugar control has been poor, more frequent visits are strongly recommended.
A comprehensive diabetic eye exam typically includes pupil dilation to allow the best possible view of the retina and optic nerve. Dilation eye drops take about 20 minutes to work and cause temporary blurry near vision and light sensitivity lasting 2 to 4 hours. We recommend bringing sunglasses and arranging a driver for your appointment.
Yes, absolutely. Diabetic retinopathy causes no symptoms until it is quite advanced. By the time you notice vision changes, significant damage may have already occurred. The entire purpose of annual exams is to catch retinopathy early, while it is still highly treatable.
Yes. Patients with a diagnosis of diabetes qualify for one fully covered OHIP eye examination per year, regardless of age. Please bring your health card and be prepared to confirm your diabetes diagnosis with our team at your visit.
Don’t wait for symptoms. Diabetic retinopathy is preventable when caught early. Call our Oakville clinic or book online to schedule your annual diabetic eye exam with Dr. J.C. Mungar.
Call us at (905) 842-3411 or book your appointment online.
Book a Diabetic Eye ExamOffice Notice
Monday August 3 through Friday August 7
We reopen Monday August 10 at 8 a.m.
Thank you for your patience. Voicemail and email will be checked periodically and we will return every message once we are back in the office.
If you have an urgent eye concern during this week, please visit your nearest walk in clinic or emergency department.
Got It Give Us A Call (905) 842-3411
It’s time to get your eyes checked.
