

If you’re living in Aurora, Newmarket, Richmond Hill, or King City, and planning to book your first eye exam at Parham Optical, you might be wondering: How long does the exam actually take? The answer depends on a few factors, but the average comprehensive eye exam typically lasts between 30 to 60 minutes.
At Parham Optical, we prioritize your eye health, comfort, and personalized service. Whether it’s your annual check-up or your child’s first eye exam, here’s everything you need to know about the timing and process.
A comprehensive eye exam at Parham Optical goes beyond just checking your vision for glasses or contacts. Our licensed optometrists provide a full scope of services that include:
Case History Review
We begin by understanding your medical history, family eye health, lifestyle, and any symptoms you’re experiencing.
Visual Acuity Testing
This determines how clearly you can see at various distances using standardized eye charts.
Refraction Assessment
To identify if you need glasses or an updated prescription, we determine your exact lens power.
Binocular Vision Testing
Checks how well your eyes work together to maintain depth perception and coordination.
Eye Pressure Test (Tonometry)
Essential for detecting early signs of glaucoma.
Slit-Lamp Examination
We inspect the front structures of your eyes (cornea, iris, lens) for any abnormalities.
Retinal Examination
Depending on your age or eye health, the optometrist may use dilation drops to examine the back of the eye.
Here’s a closer look at how long each type of appointment typically takes at our Aurora clinic:
| Exam Type | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| Standard Adult Exam | 30–45 minutes |
| Pediatric Eye Exam | 30 minutes |
| Senior Comprehensive Exam | 45–60 minutes |
| Contact Lens Fitting | 45–60 minutes |
| Eye Emergency Consultation | Varies (15–45 min) |
If you need both a comprehensive eye exam and contact lens fitting, it may take up to 75 minutes in total.
To ensure your appointment runs smoothly and stays on schedule, we recommend:
Arriving 10 minutes early to fill out paperwork.
Bringing your current glasses, contact lenses, and any insurance information.
Having a list of current medications or symptoms.
If you’re coming from Newmarket, Richmond Hill, or King City, be sure to factor in travel time — we’re conveniently located in Aurora with free parking available.
Yes, first-time visitors may require a slightly longer appointment. That’s because we take the time to:
Get to know your visual history.
Record baseline readings for future comparisons.
Provide in-depth consultations on lens and frame options.
Our team takes pride in making your first visit informative, comfortable, and stress-free.
One of the common questions we get from residents of Aurora, Newmarket, and Richmond Hill is whether eye exams are covered by OHIP or private insurance. Here’s the breakdown:
OHIP covers one full eye exam per year for:
Individuals under 20 years old
Seniors aged 65 and older
Adults with certain eye conditions (e.g., glaucoma, diabetes)
For others, we offer direct billing to most major insurance providers. Just ask us when booking!
With a warm, multilingual team (including Farsi/Persian-speaking staff), modern technology, and a wide selection of designer frames, Parham Optical is proud to serve the Aurora, Newmarket, Richmond Hill, and King City communities.
We focus on accuracy, comfort, and clarity, making your eye care experience smooth and stress-free — and that includes making sure you’re never left waiting long.
So, how long does an eye exam take at Parham Optical? The answer is: just enough time to ensure your vision and eye health are thoroughly cared for — usually 30 to 60 minutes. With flexible scheduling and expert optometrists, we make it easy to fit your eye care into your day.
Ready to take the next step toward clear, healthy vision? Call Parham Optical now or use our online booking system to schedule your appointment. Whether you’re in Aurora, Newmarket, Richmond Hill, or King City, your eyes are in good hands with us.