Chronic dry eye affects millions of Canadians and can significantly impact quality of life and vision comfort. If you experience persistent eye irritation, redness, excessive tearing, or blurred vision, our optometrists can diagnose the root cause of your dry eye and recommend a personalised treatment plan — from prescription eye drops and lifestyle modifications to advanced therapies.
Optomap Retinal Imaging In North York, Toronto
Our North York Downsview clinic is equipped with the Optomap (OPTOS) — an advanced ultra-widefield retinal imaging device that captures a detailed photograph of 80% of your retina in a single, one-second scan. No dilation required.
This technology gives your optometrist a significantly more comprehensive view of the retina than is possible with a standard examination alone, enabling earlier detection of retinal disease, diabetic changes, and other conditions that can threaten your vision.
HOW IT WORKS?
Together with the eye exam, the OPTOS allows the doctor to fully understand and much better diagnose, manage and treat diseases that may go undetected in the early stages, when patients may not even have symptoms (ie. diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and much more!).
Let us know if you’d like more information about our new technology, or to schedule an eye exam at our North York Office with the OPTOS.
Traditional Exam vs. Optomap
The Difference in Coverage
The retina is a large, curved structure. A standard dilated fundus exam — even a thorough one — can only capture a partial view at any one time. The Optomap changes this entirely.
Standard Dilated Exam
15–30%
of the retina visible in a single view. Multiple assessments required to piece together the full picture. Dilation drops required, causing blurred vision for 2–4 hours.
Optomap Retinal Imaging
80%
of the retina captured in one high-resolution image in approximately one second. No dilation required. The image can be reviewed, stored, and compared against future scans.
What to Expect During Optomap Retinal Imaging
1
No Dilation Needed
Unlike a traditional dilated fundus examination, the Optomap does not require dilating drops. You can drive yourself to and from the appointment and return to normal activities immediately.
2
A One-Second Scan
You look into the device and a brief flash of light captures the ultra-widefield image. The entire imaging process takes only a few seconds and is completely painless.
3
Immediate Review with Your Optometrist
The high-resolution image is immediately available for your optometrist to review with you. You can see your own retina and discuss any findings directly during your exam.
4
Permanent Record for Future Comparison
Your retinal image is stored as part of your clinical record. Future scans can be compared year-over-year, allowing subtle changes to be identified long before they would be noticeable through symptoms or a standard exam.
5
You pay only your portion
We'll always communicate any remaining balance clearly before finalizing. No
surprises at the counter. Ever.
Who Benefits Most From
While retinal imaging provides value for all patients, it is particularly important for those with elevated risk of retinal disease:
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- High Myopia
- Family History of Glaucoma
- Macular Degeneration Risk
- High Cholesterol
- Flashes or Floaters
- Adults Over 50
- No Recent Dilated Exam
If you have diabetes, your optometrist will recommend annual retinal imaging as part of diabetic eye disease monitoring. Changes in the retinal vasculature are an early indicator of diabetic retinopathy — the leading cause of preventable vision loss in working-age adults.
Condition the Optopmap Helps Detect
The wider field of view provided by the Optomap enables detection of a range of conditions that can be missed by standard examination:
- Diabetic Retinopathy
- Macular Degeneration
- Glaucoma
- Retinal Tears
- Retinal Detachment
- Hypertensive Retinopathy
- Choroidal Lesions
- Peripheral Retinal Disease
Our Story
Toronto Has Trusted Us Since 1989
Saigon Optical was founded on Spadina Avenue by Sam Pham — a single independent store that grew into two flourishing Toronto locations. Today, his son Dr. Arthur Pham leads our team of optometrists, bringing board-certified clinical expertise and a deeply personal investment in this city’s eye health.
Many of our patients have been coming to us for decades — from the same neighbourhoods, the same families. We know Chinatown, Downsview, and Willowdale equally well, and we hold the same standard of care at every location.
Aizada Atayeva
5 months ago
Very nice store and amazing staff 👌 huge variety of sunglasses and frames 😎
George Pyke
6 months ago
Great place to get glasses. Friendly staff and a very good variety of glasses of many different wonderful brands. Very accommodating. Thank you.
mena aradanas
6 months ago
I have been coming here since they opened they are the best very friendly and knowledgeable very happy they are open on Sundays highly recommend
Tenzin Yangdol
6 months ago
Great shades and great people working there.
Great service and very friendly staff! They were helpful, quick, and made the whole experience easy. Highly recommend!
Meghan Torrado
6 months ago
Nicest staff! Fixed up my glasses like new 🙂
Diana Wang
7 months ago
My family and I have been customers of Saigon Optical for 15 years. They offer great selection of various styles, excellent customer service and fair prices. Lan has always been a friendly face. I would never bother going elsewhere for prescription eyewear. Would highly recommend.
Val M
8 months ago
Saigon Optical provided excellent service. They were professional, efficient, and welcoming. They have a great selection of quality frames. I highly recommend them for reliable eye care and eyewear.
Jessica Di Donato
8 months ago
Amazing glasses and sunglasses! I was able to get my eyes examined same day. They have a wonderful selection and was able to find a great pair of Tom Ford glasses and sunglasses. Would recommend.
Sue Doe
8 months ago
Very friendly and helpful service! They sold me some frames for a much better price than another popular Chinatown store was selling for. I picked up my glasses in only a few days!
Annie Trinh
8 months ago
Been a customer here for years and always happy with the service of the staffs.
Rimon El-Serafi
8 months ago
Excellent experience at Saigon Optical. Great selection and variety. The person helping me took the time to show me all the kinds of frames and they got my glasses done in no time! Very impressed, would recommend them to anyone looking for prescription eyeglasses.
P. Spence
10 months ago
Very professional. Great selection for all price points. Helpful knowledgeable staff. Great experience multiple times.
mzjpharris
1 year ago
We had our glasses fixed here and TORI did an AMAZING JOB!!!! Very knowledgeable and we LOVE Saigon Optical 😁. Thanks again for for your Wonderful services.
Eric Koh
1 year ago
Great service and excellent prices. The family has been going to Saigon Optical for the past 12 years.
pina belsito
1 year ago
I have had great experiences with Saigon Optical. Lan is amazing, she always helps me pick out the best frames that suit me. I recently dealt with Brian who was very helpful also. I get my glasses back in a reasonable time frame and satisfied with the outcome. Thank you 😊
John Pham
1 year ago
I ordered a pair of glasses from their downtown location and had them shipped to the Wilson and Jane location because it was closer to home. Glasses came in about a week and the receptionist took care of how the glasses fit on my face. Overall great optical store, would recommend to others.
Iffat Vira
1 year ago
Saigon optical has been our family’s go to place for glasses/eye exams/sunglasses for over a decade. Dr Pham is phenomenal and Ling is always a pleasure. The staff is professional and accommodating. We always get awesome glasses. Really good frames/lenses.
Highly recommend them.
Why Patients Choose Us
- In-house optical lab at all 2 Toronto locations
- Same-day lenses for most in-stock prescriptions
- Anti-reflective & anti-scratch coatings included as standard
- Direct billing to 25+ major Canadian insurance providers
- Expert guidance from trained, certified opticians
- Proudly serving Toronto and the GTA since 1989
Book Your Retinal imaging
in North York Today
Whether you’re due for your annual exam or seeking stylish new glasses, Saigon Optical in North York – Downsview is ready to meet all your eye care needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Retinal Imaging
What is Optomap retinal imaging?
Optomap is an ultra-widefield retinal imaging system by Optos that captures a high-resolution photograph of approximately 80% of the retina in one image. A standard dilated exam or traditional fundus camera captures only 15–30% of the retina at a time. The wider view allows your optometrist to detect abnormalities that might otherwise go undetected.
Does retinal imaging require eye dilation?
No. A key advantage of the Optomap is that it provides an 80% retinal view without dilating drops. You will not experience blurred vision or light sensitivity after the scan. You can drive yourself home and return to work immediately.
Is retinal imaging painful?
No. It is completely non-invasive and painless. You look into the device, a brief flash captures the image, and the scan is complete. The process takes only a few seconds.
Is retinal imaging included in the eye exam fee?
Optomap retinal imaging is an optional add-on to a comprehensive eye exam, and an additional fee applies. OHIP does not cover this service for routine examinations. Please contact our North York Downsview location at 416-241-1880 for current pricing.
Where is Optomap retinal imaging available?
Optomap retinal imaging is currently available exclusively at our North York Downsview location at 1619 Wilson Ave. It is not available at our Downtown Toronto locations.
Who should consider retinal imaging?
Retinal imaging is especially recommended for patients with diabetes, high blood pressure, high myopia, a family history of glaucoma or macular degeneration, or those experiencing flashes or floaters. It also provides an excellent baseline record for any adult patient who wants comprehensive documentation of their retinal health.
See Our Related Services
Adults Eye Exams Toronto
The Canadian Association of Optometrists recommends annual eye exams for adults aged 20–64 and every 6 to 12 months for adults 65 and older. OHIP covers eye exams for adults over 65. Our optometrists screen for age-related conditions including glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration.
Comprehensive
Eye Exams
Routine comprehensive eye exams help maintain both clear vision and overall eye health, and should be done every 1–2 years for adults, seniors, and children. During the exam, your eye doctor checks vision, eye function, and screens for systemic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure that can first appear in the eyes.
Dry Eye Treatment Toronto
get
in touch
Guidelines & Articles
Expert Insights From Professional Optometrists Toronto
Practical guides to help Toronto patients get the most out of their vision care coverage — written to demystify insurance, OHIP, and what you're actually entitled to.