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At North Toronto Eye Surgical Centre, we offer a wide range of cataract surgery options with special focus on refractive correction services that can include special lifestyle intraocular lenses (IOLs), femtosecond laser, and specialized diagnostics. These services are uninsured and an additional cost to the patients. Understanding these differences can help you make informed decisions about your eye care.
OHIP-Covered Services: OHIP covers essential aspects of cataract surgery including
- Standard Cataract Surgery: This includes the surgical procedure itself and the use of basic intraocular lenses
- Pre-operative and Post-operative Care: This includes pre-operative Ascan Biometry diagnostic testing
However, various refractive correction options are available with cataract surgery, including premium lifestyle intraocular lenses (IOLs), femtosecond laser, and other specialized diagnostics. These services incur additional costs as they are not considered medically necessary. Innovations in cataract surgery aim to improve refractive outcomes for patients seeking independence from glasses or contact lenses, albeit at an extra financial cost.
| Feature | OHIP-Covered Monofocal Lenses | Non-OHIP Insured/ Premium Lenses |
| Type of Vision Correction | Improves vision at a single distance (usually far). | Can improve vision at multiple distances (far, intermediate, and/or near). |
| Dependence on Glasses | Most likely will need glasses for both distance and close-up tasks. | Less reliance on glasses for most activities, including reading and driving. |
| Astigmatism Correction | Does not correct astigmatism. | Toric versions are available to correct astigmatism. |
| Night Vision | May experience increased glare and haloes at night due to contrast loss. | Aspheric lenses will reduce glare/haloes, enhancing night vision. |
| Cost | Covered by OHIP, no out-of-pocket fees for the lens. | Additional costs apply and is not covered by OHIP. |
| Visual Outcome Customization | Provides a standard visual outcome with a one-size-fits-all approach. | Tailored to your specific visual needs, offering a more personalized experience. |
| Surgery Technique | Standard cataract surgery procedure. | Can be combined with advanced laser-assisted techniques for greater precision and potentially faster recovery. |
| Patient Satisfaction | Generally satisfactory due to basic vision correction. | Higher satisfaction due to improved vision quality and reduced need for glasses. |
Uninsured Services: Advanced services and technologies are not covered by OHIP and incur additional cost to the patient
- Premium lifestyle lenses that allows you have to less dependence on glasses or contacts, such as multifocal IOLs
- Femtosecond Laser that offers greater precision and predictability, and reliability for optimal visual outcomes
- Advanced diagnostic tests that provide detailed measurements and customized surgical plans
Newer technologies and techniques aim to improve refractive outcomes, allowing patients to achieve better vision without glasses or contact lenses. While these innovations offer significant benefits, they come at an additional cost as they are not covered by OHIP.
Cataract Consultations: Making informed Decisions for Your Vision and Health
Deciding to undergo cataract surgery is a significant step that requires careful consideration. Over time, cataract will worsen at varying rates for different individuals. Surgery remains the only permanent treatment and is most beneficial when cataracts start to interfere with daily activities.
In Ontario, the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) covers the cost of surgeon fees and standard lens implants for cataract surgery. However, there are additional services and advanced technologies, such as specialized diagnostics, premium lenses and laser procedures that are not covered by OHIP and are available at an extra cost. Understanding the distinction between insured and uninsured services is crucial for making informed decisions about your treatment options.
If you or a loved one are experiencing the onset of cataracts, scheduling a consultation is the best way to explore your treatment options, understand the associated costs, and achieve your desired vision outcome. Our dedicated team at North Toronto Eye Surgical Centre is committed to providing compassionate care and helping you improve your quality of life.
To learn more about cataracts and the surgical options available to you:
