Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is the most important advance in eye imaging in the last 30 years. Think of it as an MRI for your eyes — a non-invasive scan that uses safe light waves (no radiation) to capture detailed, cross-sectional images of your retina, optic nerve, and macula in seconds. The result: we can see microscopic changes years before they would ever appear on a standard eye exam or affect your vision.
At Avalon Eye Care in Vaughan, OCT is part of how we protect your sight — especially for patients with glaucoma risk, diabetes, macular degeneration, or a family history of eye disease. The scan takes about 5 minutes, no dilation drops needed, and there is zero discomfort.
A standard eye exam looks at the surface of your retina. OCT scans 10 distinct layers underneath — the same layers an ophthalmologist examines during surgery. Damage hides in those layers long before it reaches the surface.
Glaucoma can destroy up to 40% of optic nerve fibres before a visual field test catches it. OCT measures those fibres directly and detects loss before vision is affected — when treatment is most effective.
Every OCT scan is saved and compared to your previous scans. Even tiny changes between visits are flagged — so we can act early instead of waiting for symptoms.
No radiation. No injections. No dilation drops in most cases. No contact with the eye. You sit at the machine, focus on a target, and the scan is done in a few seconds per eye.
OCT is strongly recommended for any patient with risk factors or symptoms, including:
The OCT is quick and easy. You'll sit in front of the machine and rest your chin on a small support. Our optometrist will ask you to focus on a small target light. The machine quietly scans each eye for a few seconds. There is no flash, no contact, and no discomfort. We then review the high-resolution images and 3D maps with you on-screen, comparing them to your previous scans if available, and explain exactly what we see.
OCT scans are not covered by OHIP in Ontario. Many private insurance plans cover OCT as part of an eye health assessment — we offer direct billing to most major insurers. For patients paying out-of-pocket, the OCT is offered at a reasonable rate, and we always discuss cost before performing the scan. Given how much earlier OCT detects disease, most patients consider it one of the most valuable parts of their eye exam.
If you are at risk for glaucoma, AMD, or diabetic eye disease — or simply want the most thorough eye health assessment available — book an OCT scan at Avalon Eye Care in Vaughan today.
A regular eye exam looks at the surface of your retina with a bright light. OCT uses safe light waves to scan beneath the surface, revealing 10 distinct retinal layers in high resolution. Many serious eye diseases — including glaucoma and macular degeneration — start in those deeper layers and are invisible during a standard exam until they have already caused vision loss. OCT catches them years earlier.
No. OCT is completely painless and uses no radiation. The machine uses safe near-infrared light — the same kind used in TV remotes. Nothing touches your eye. There are no injections, no dyes, and in most cases no dilation drops. You simply rest your chin on a support and focus on a small target for a few seconds per eye.
The scan itself takes only a few seconds per eye. With positioning, instructions, and reviewing the images with you, the full OCT portion of your appointment typically adds about 5 to 10 minutes to your visit. We always review the images with you on-screen so you can see exactly what we see.
OCT is not covered by OHIP. Many private insurance plans cover OCT under eye health assessment benefits — we offer direct billing to most major Canadian insurers including Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield, and Greenshield. For patients paying out of pocket, our OCT fee is reasonable and discussed upfront. Call us at 905-856-3937 for current pricing.
For patients with no risk factors, a baseline OCT around age 40 to 50 is a good idea so we have something to compare to in the future. Patients with diabetes, glaucoma risk, AMD risk, or high myopia generally benefit from an annual OCT. Your optometrist will recommend the right schedule based on your individual risk profile and any findings from previous scans.
Vaughan & Woodbridge. Direct insurance billing available.
Book Online 905-856-3937200 Whitmore Rd, Unit #15
Woodbridge (Vaughan), ON L4L 7K4
| Mon/Wed/Fri | 10AM–6PM |
| Tue/Thu | 11AM–7PM |
| Saturday | 10AM–4PM |