The 6 Best Eye Specialists in Ottawa
Our sight is very important, so we have to take care of our eyes. Doctors recommend that any unusual feeling should be checked immediately by a professional or a specialist.
In this article, we will be discussing the best eye specialists in Ottawa to help you find the right option for your specific needs.
How much do eye specialists charge in Ottawa?
Eye check-ups typically cost around $75 – $300 depending on the level of the required procedure. In the table below, you’ll find a more specific price list of certain eye procedures.
1. Ottawa Eye Clinic
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Rates | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Location | ★★★★ (4/5) |
| Services | ★★★★(4/5) |
| Specialization | ★★★★★(5/5) |
The Ottawa Eye Clinic was founded by Dr. Steven Poleski in 1997. It’s one of the oldest eye clinics in Ottawa’s East End.
The clinic provides numerous services for patients with problems with their eyesight. This includes eye exams, surgeries, disease management, and more.
The Ottawa Eye Clinic is a great pick for those who are unsure of what’s wrong with their eyesight. The clinic’s diagnosis department will be very much of use to these types of people.
We also think that its disease management is impressive, especially for viral eye issues like conjunctivitis. This type of disease is easily transferable, so a specific department dedicated to it is definitely a good strategy to decrease infection.
The clinic also has three main doctors, all experts in their field. Dr. Poleski is an ophthalmologist, and Dr. Koala and Chavez are both optometrists.
Having three main experts in the field is very useful, especially for patients with multiple issues.
With the clinic’s numerous clients, it can be a bit difficult to schedule an appointment, and sometimes, the reception puts you on hold for a long time.
Despite all of that, we believe the Ottawa Eye Clinic is a great specialist to go to with experts for any eye troubles.
Pros
- 3 main doctors with different specializations
- Wheelchair-accessible location
- Bilingual staff
Cons
- Appointments can be difficult to schedule
- Long hold during calls
Customer Reviews
Fantastic
“Had a fantastic experience with the bilingual staff especially, Jasmine. She was great with the kids; very patient and kind. My child’s eye glasses arrived quick and he was completely satisfied. Thank you for the great experience.” – Anthony DiCarlo
Highly recommended
“This is regarding Kevin Chavez & The Ottawa Eye Clinic at 680 Montreal Rd. Kevin, an optometrist there, is quite obviously an expert in his field who possesses tremendous people skills. His attention to detail is noteworthy and greatly reassuring: he is painstakingly thorough. The operation of this clinic is competent, *friendly* and modern, beginning at reception and carrying through to the doctors. I received the absolute best care during my first visit. This is where I will have all future eye exams done, and absolutely where I will have my GP refer me when I require assistance from their ophthalmology department.” – Gary Cannon
2. The Ottawa Hospital Eye Institute
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Rates | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Location | ★★★★ (4/5) |
| Services | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Specialization | ★★★★ (4/5) |
The Ottawa Eye Institute is regarded by many as a world-class facility because of its achievements both in and out of the country. The institute is not only a care facility for patients with eye conditions but also a university for medical students studying ophthalmology.
It’s one of the most well-known eye clinics in the city because of the facilities it offers and the fact that it has its own research department. One of its main research projects that are currently ongoing is on age-related vision loss.
As a clinic, it does a wonderful job of providing the right services to its patients through its equipment and facilities. However, being a university and research facility does take its toll.
There are times that the doctors are too busy to handle patients, which is a big disadvantage in our books.
We are most impressed that the clinic is able to garner funds to do research and provide education at the same time. With these funds, the clinic doesn’t have a problem with being able to afford high-quality equipment.
The downside we found is its location. Being located in a hospital, there’s a higher chance of getting other infections when visiting this clinic compared to others.
Aside from that, it is a good choice if you’re looking for eye specialists. If you have unusual eye issues or a serious condition that needs a complicated procedure, the Ottawa Hospital Eye Institute is perfect for you.
Pros
- Good set of equipment
- Easy to find location
Cons
- Located in a hospital, which has a higher risk of other infections
- Appointment-based and tight schedule
Customer Reviews
Good result
“I had cataract removed with Dr. Smith , and everything went well. Within 24 hrs after surgery, I could see big improvement in my vision. Looking forward for surgery on second eye.” – Hai Tu
Went well
“Surgery on both eyes went well. Very good follow up.” – Otto Ehren
3. Downtown Eye Care & The Contact Lens Department
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Rates | ★★★★(4/5) |
| Location | ★★★★ (4/5) |
| Services | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Specialization | ★★★★★(5/5) |
Downtown Eye Care & The Contact Lens Department is optimal, especially for those who need vision enhancing help. The clinic has been around for more than 30 years and is well-known even outside of Ottawa.
It offers specialized eye care specific to a patient’s needs. It also conducts LASIK surgery, which is always appreciated.
What impressed us is the clinic’s dedication to its patients’ convenience. Its location is easy to find and it also has its own online store for eye products such as glasses, contact lenses, and more.
Downtown Eye Care & The Contact Lens Department also offers eye disease management for patients who already had their eyes infected and just need assistance to recover. We are impressed with this because of the clinic’s ability to provide a few hospital-level services.
We also love how the clinic’s specialist offers useful information to their patients. Eye care is hard, especially after surgery, but its doctors are able to offer help to make things easier and less prone to risks.
Overall, we’re big fans of Downtown Eye Care & The Contact Lens Department not only as a specialist clinic but also as an optical store. If you have the budget, this is the right place for you.
Pros
- Specialty eye care
- Offers LASIK services
- Good online presence and website is easy to navigate
Cons
- Some services are pricey
- Limited supply of contact lenses
Customer Reviews
Helpful and experienced
“There are only a few specialized optometrists in Ottawa, & my experiences have been generally unpleasant (and unprofessional) that is until I discovered downtown Eye Care in 2018. Why didn’t I come to these guys sooner? Everyone here is so helpful & courteous, & I feel like they are truly invested in getting the best results for their patients. From Connie to Gordon to Dr Haney himself, I’ve had nothing but good experiences and I cannot recommend this place enough. Unlike the other optometrists I dealt with they communicate with you, keep you up-to-date and they really make sure that everything gets ordered properly and they will go the extra mile if need be. The front desk staff were also amazing” – Brodie Taym
No doubt one of the best
“Dr. Chen was most pleasant and in under a minute I felt very comfortable and at ease, thinking to myself that have found without a doubt, the best Ophthalmologist in Ottawa. She was incredibly thorough in her examination and actually doubted my neuro optometrists prescription strength. I was wearing glasses that were too strong for me. My new glasses have reduced my headaches greatly. I’m very thankful to have Dr Chen as my eye doctor.”
4. Herzig Eye Institute
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Rates | ★★★★ (4/5) |
| Location | ★★★★ (4/5) |
| Services | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Specialization | ★★★★★(5/5) |
Herzig Eye Institute specializes in laser procedures and vision correction. If you’re looking for an eye specialist, this is definitely one of the best options in the city.
Herzig offers multiple services such as surgery, eye exams, cataract treatment, and more. It also has its own dry-eye clinic for patients suffering from said condition.
What makes it stand out is its multiple options for procedures. The institute has a handful of available doctors, both ophthalmologists and optometrists, who are experts in their own fields.
We’re impressed to see that Herzig is more of an institute than a clinic. It is able to offer complicated procedures such as Intraocular Collamer Lens and Refractive Lens Exchange but also offers simple eye checkups for minor optical issues.
For people who need laser procedures, Herzig also conducts laser eye correction, which can help a patient see more clearly without going under the knife.
For its laser technology, the provider uses updated equipment so concerned patients won’t have to worry so much. The clinic is also great at post-surgery care and the staff even offers drops for those who underwent surgery.
Overall, the Herzig Eye institute is one of the best options for eye specialists in the city. The clinic’s scheduling process needs a little work, but despite that, the services it offers are immense and the post-procedure care is also very much appreciated.
Pros
- Good offers on laser services
- Excellent patient care even after the procedure
Cons
- Pricey
- Scheduling appointments can take a while
Customer Reviews
Good experience
“I had my surgery done yesterday and the staff were so nice, calm, and amazing. They went through everything very thoroughly to ensure all aspects of the procedure were clear (pre and post op) and ensured my prescription was accurate and dry eye was sorted before proceeding with anything. I really felt they wanted to check all of the boxes and not just rush me into anything. During my surgery they kept reassuring me with how well everything was going and were very professional.” – AA
So grateful
“Dr. Buhrmann of the Ottawa Herzig Eye Institute gave me back my vision. I feel so grateful! My previous surgeon was going to do the cataract operation but it kept getting delayed and then he retired! By that time I had become legally blind. The Ottawa Herzig staff was very patient and I appreciate that. My only suggestion is that they need to work out a way to let a patient know when an appointment has been delayed.” – Maria Amati
5. Nepean Optometric
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Rates | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Location | ★★★★ (4/5) |
| Services | ★★★★(4/5) |
| Specialization | ★★★★★(5/5) |
At Nepean Optometric, our experience was nothing short of exceptional. Their services seamlessly blend efficiency, quality, and affordability, setting them apart as the best eye specialist company in our eyes.
From the moment we stepped through the door, the professionalism and efficiency were evident. Nepean Optometric’s staff greeted us with a warm smile and promptly attended to our needs. Appointments ran like clockwork, leaving us with more time to admire their outstanding selection of eyewear.
Our eye examination was a true testament to their commitment to quality. The optometrist displayed a wealth of expertise, leaving no stone unturned in assessing our vision. They explained our diagnosis with clarity and patience, making us feel well-informed and confident in our treatment options.
The eyewear collection at Nepean Optometric is nothing short of a visual feast. Our eyes wandered through an array of stylish frames, and the staff, well-versed in fashion trends, expertly guided us to selections that suited our taste and prescription. It’s not just about vision; it’s about style, and Nepean Optometric understands this perfectly.
While some may fear that quality comes with an extravagant price tag, Nepean Optometric defies that notion. Their prices are surprisingly competitive, making eye care accessible to a broader audience. We left the clinic with not only clearer vision but also a stylish pair of glasses that didn’t break the bank.
Nepean Optometric’s commitment to efficiency is evident even after our visit. The entire process, from scheduling appointments to delivering our eyewear, was seamless. We never had to chase them for updates, a rarity in the world of healthcare.
Pros
- Exceptional Quality Care
- Efficient Appointment Scheduling
- Affordable Pricing
- Extensive Eyewear Selection
Cons
- Busy during peak days
Customer Reviews
“Nepean Optometric exceeded my expectations in every way. The staff was not only professional but also genuinely caring, and the optometrist was highly knowledgeable. I left with a renewed sense of confidence in my vision and a stylish pair of glasses. Truly a top-notch experience.”
“I’ve been a loyal customer of Nepean Optometric for years, and they never disappoint. Their commitment to efficiency means I’m in and out with my new eyewear in no time. Their prices are unbeatable, and the quality of care is unmatched. I wouldn’t trust my eyes to anyone else.”
6. EyeDocs Ottawa
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Rates | ★★★★ (4/5) |
| Location | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Services | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Specialization | ★★★★★(5/5) |
EyeDocs Ottawa truly stands out because of its emergency eye care. Here, patients can come in unannounced and be treated, as long as it is an emergency.
EyeDocs Ottawa also has multiple locations in the city, so it’s very accessible. Another bonus is that in each of these locations, the staff is usually multilingual, so they are able to assist patients from different cultures.
EyeDocs also has good service for young patients. It offers regular eye checkups and exams to make sure that they have well-maintained and healthy eyesight.
The clinic has a good set of equipment and even offers discounted check-ups for regular visitors. This is a great deal for patients who have underlying issues and need to consistently have their eyesight checked.
The EyeDocs Ottawa clinic has multiple specialists in both ophthalmology and optometry. Ophthalmologists will be in charge of surgical procedures while optometrists will take care of non-surgical matters.
Overall, with the technology it offers and the emergency care it has available, EyeDocs is definitely one of the best eye specialist clinics in the city.
Some of its services may be pricey, but maintaining your eyesight is always worth the cost. If you are on a tight budget, however, consider the other clinics on our list.
Pros
- Offers emergency eye care
- Has numerous locations in Ottawa
- Has its own online shop
Cons
- Closed on Fridays & weekends
- Pricey
Customer Reviews
Outstanding service
“Outstanding customer service provided by Claude today in The Westboro Eyedocs location. Visiting from Toronto my sunglasses required a realignment. I stepped into their location and not only did Claude realign my sunglasses 🕶 he also replaced the nose buds, cleaned my glasses and provided me with a glass cleaning cloth all at no charge. If I ever require services when in Ottawa they have secured my business. Thank you 🙏 for your kindness and caring.” – Stewart J.
Professional staff
“I am one of Dr. Yelle’s patients, and I cannot say enough great things about her and her fellow colleagues! Dr. Yelle is very compassionate, knowledgeable, and takes the extra time to explain her findings to you. She also responds quickly to any further information/ forms you may need from her. The office is very clean, and the front staff are personable and helpful answering any questions you may have. I definitely recommend going to Dr. Yelle! You won’t regret it!” – Shaelan Sorensen
FAQs about Eye Procedures
Are you having issues with your eyesight? Not to worry, we’ve listed down the best eye specialists in the city.
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