I See Optometry / Je Vois Optométrie

I See Optometry / Je Vois Optométrie is an eye care clinic at 19 Clarence St in downtown Ottawa, ON, offering comprehensive eye exams, diagnostic testing and an eyewear boutique in the ByWard Market area. Patients can reach the clinic at 613-241-3937 or through the website to arrange a visit.

Preparing for a first appointment

A first visit goes smoother when a patient arrives with the right information and a bit of planning: current eyewear, a list of vision concerns, and any relevant medical history.

What to bring

New patients are generally asked to bring their current glasses or contact lenses, a copy of their most recent prescription if available, and a valid insurance card if their coverage will be billed directly. Anyone who wears contact lenses is usually asked to bring the box or packaging, since it lists the lens parameters an eye doctor needs to review.

What a comprehensive eye exam involves

Eye exams at this clinic can include visual field analysis, corneal topography, aberrometry and optical coherence tomography, in addition to a standard vision check. These tools allow the clinic's optometrists to look beyond a simple prescription update and review the overall structure and health of the eye. Booking ahead, whether online or by phone, helps patients choose a time that allows enough time for a full exam without feeling rushed.

Getting to the downtown clinic

Because the clinic is located in the core of downtown Ottawa, first-time visitors driving in are encouraged to plan for paid parking nearby, while those arriving by transit or on foot will find the ByWard Market well served by regular routes. Patients coming from surrounding communities such as Kanata, Stittsville or Barrhaven may want to account for downtown traffic patterns, particularly during weekday rush hours or when downtown events are taking place.

Services offered

The clinic provides comprehensive eye exams, urgent eye care visits, and diagnostic testing for both routine checkups and more complex eye concerns, alongside an eyewear boutique for selecting glasses and frames.

Eye exams and diagnostics

Eye exams are offered for patients of all ages and include tools such as retinal cameras, visual field analyzers and optical coherence tomography. These exams are used both for standard prescription updates for glasses or contact lenses and for a closer look at overall eye health, since annual exams can flag issues beyond a simple change in vision.

Eyewear boutique

Within the clinic, a boutique area allows patients to browse a selection of eyeglasses and frames with the guidance of a stylist, taking the time needed to find a pair suited to their needs and preferences. This part of the visit is typically separate from the clinical exam and can be scheduled on its own for anyone simply looking to update their eyewear.

Accessibility and scheduling

The downtown location is wheelchair accessible and offers evening hours on select weekdays as well as Saturday appointments, which can make scheduling easier for patients balancing work or family commitments. Various payment and insurance billing arrangements can be discussed directly with the clinic when booking.

Serving downtown Ottawa and beyond

Situated just steps from Parliament Hill and the Rideau Centre, the clinic serves residents and workers in the downtown core as well as patients travelling in from other parts of the city. Its ByWard Market address places it within easy reach of public transit, making it a practical stop for anyone combining an eye exam with other downtown plans, particularly during the busier spring and fall seasons when foot traffic through the market increases.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an appointment for an eye exam?

Yes, appointments can be booked online or by calling 613-241-3937, and booking ahead helps ensure enough time is set aside for a comprehensive exam.

Is the clinic accessible by public transit?

The clinic is located in downtown Ottawa's ByWard Market, an area well served by transit routes and within walking distance of Parliament Hill and the Rideau Centre.

Can I get help choosing new eyeglasses at the same visit?

The clinic includes a boutique area where a stylist can help patients browse eyeglasses and frames, either as part of a visit or on its own.

Is the clinic wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the downtown clinic is wheelchair accessible, and evening and Saturday appointments are available for added scheduling flexibility.