Need an eye exam in Gatineau? Lunetterie F. Tohmé, opticians established in 1992, welcomes qualified optometrists to its two locations. A single appointment is all it takes for your eye exam and glasses selection—all under one roof, in Gatineau or Hull.
Eye exams in Gatineau: all under one roof
F. Tohmé Eyewear is first and foremost an optician Our core expertise lies in the selection, fitting, and manufacturing of eyeglasses and contact lenses. What sets us apart from other opticians in Gatineau is that qualified optometrists provide consultations right here on our premises, eliminating the need for you to travel to two different locations.
Your exam and your glasses on the same day
After your eye exam, our opticians are immediately available to help you choose from over
2,000 framesAnd thanks to our
lens laboratory On site, your new glasses can be ready in as little as 24 to 72 hours depending on your prescription.
No referral required to book an appointment
You do not need a doctor's prescription or a referral from your family doctor to see the optometrist available on site. Call one of our two branches directly to schedule an appointment at your convenience.
Our optometrists are available on site.
Our two branches are staffed by optometrists who are members of the Quebec Order of Optometrists. They work closely with our team of opticians to provide you with comprehensive care, from your eye exam to choosing your prescription.
Gatineau Branch — Place Farmer, Gréber Blvd.
A qualified optometrist sees patients by appointment at our branch located at 64-C, Gréber Boulevard, Gatineau (J8T 3P8). Free parking is available on site.
Hull Branch — Place Fleur de Lys, St-Joseph Blvd.
A second optometrist is available at 450-B St-Joseph Boulevard, Gatineau — Hull sector (J8Y 3Y7). Easily accessible from the Aylmer, Buckingham and Chelsea sectors.
What a complete eye exam includes
An eye exam performed by an optometrist goes far beyond simply checking your visual acuity. It's a comprehensive assessment of your eye health that can detect problems that sometimes present no visible symptoms.
Visual acuity assessment
The optometrist assesses your distance and near vision, detects myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism and presbyopia, and determines the exact correction you need — in glasses or contact lenses.
Screening for eye diseases
A complete examination can detect serious diseases that are often asymptomatic in their early stages:
- Glaucoma — also known as "the silent thief of sight"
- Cataracts — progressive clouding of the lens
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) — the leading cause of blindness in the elderly
- Diabetic retinopathy — a serious complication in people with diabetes
- Early warning signs of systemic diseases: hypertension, diabetes, multiple sclerosis
Early detection significantly increases the chances of effective treatment.
Prescription for glasses or contact lenses
If a correction is needed, the optometrist will issue a precise prescription. Our opticians will then take over to help you choose the frames and lenses best suited to your lifestyle, face shape, and budget.
RAMQ coverage and private insurance
Several coverage options exist to reduce or eliminate the cost of your eye exam. Here's what you may be eligible for:
Children aged 0 to 17 — examination covered by RAMQ
Children and teenagers under 18 are eligible for a free eye exam covered by the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ). Regular eye exams from a young age are essential to detect problems that can hinder academic performance.
Seniors aged 65 and over — annual examination covered
People aged 65 and over are entitled to an annual eye exam covered by RAMQ. At this age, the risk of glaucoma, AMD, and cataracts increases significantly—annual checkups are therefore particularly important.
Direct billing to private insurance companies
Most group insurance plans cover part or all of the cost of an eye exam. Our team bills your insurer directly—simply bring your insurance card to your appointment. No surprises.
Not sure about your coverage? Call us before your appointment and we'll check your eligibility for you.
How often should you consult a doctor depending on your age?
The recommended frequency for an eye exam varies depending on age, health status, and individual risk factors. Here are the general recommendations based on the guidelines of the Quebec Order of Optometrists.
Children's eye exams in Gatineau
An initial eye exam is recommended before starting school (around age 3-4), and then every 1 to 2 years. Undetected vision problems in children can manifest as reading difficulties, lack of concentration, or frequent headaches. RAMQ covers the exam—therefore, there is no reason to postpone it.
Adult eye exams in Gatineau
For healthy adults aged 20 to 39, an eye exam every two years is usually sufficient. From age 40 onward, an annual exam is strongly recommended, as this is when presbyopia (difficulty seeing close objects) and other age-related conditions begin to appear. People with diabetes or a family history of eye disease should have an annual checkup, regardless of age.
Eye exams for seniors in Gatineau
Starting at age 65, an annual eye exam is recommended—and covered by RAMQ (Quebec Health Insurance Plan). The risk of glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration increases with age. Regular screening allows for intervention before vision loss becomes irreversible.
Why choose F. Tohmé Opticians for your eye exam?
Many places in Gatineau offer optometry services. Here's what specifically distinguishes Lunetterie F. Tohmé:
Optician established in Gatineau since 1992
With over 30 years of experience in the Gatineau-Hull region, Lunetterie F. Tohmé is a local leader in vision care. Our reputation is built on personalized service, recognized expertise, and a commitment to every client's satisfaction.
Over 2,000 frames available after your exam
After your exam, you don't need to look anywhere else. Our selection of over 2,000 frames includes prestigious brands like Ray-Ban, Prada, Versace, Burberry, Tiffany & Co, Hugo Boss and many more — for all styles and budgets.
On-site lens lab — reduced waiting times
Our on-site ophthalmic lens lab allows us to cut and prepare your lenses faster than most other opticians. In many cases, your glasses are ready in 1 to 7 business days—and sometimes even faster for common prescriptions.
Two branches accessible in Gatineau and Hull
Whether you live in the Gatineau, Hull, Aylmer, Buckingham, Chelsea, or Masson-Angers area, one of our two branches is close to you. Both offer on-site optometry services and free parking.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions about the optometry service
What is the difference between an optician and an optometrist?
An optometrist is a healthcare professional who performs eye exams, diagnoses eye problems, and issues prescriptions. An optician, on the other hand, is the specialist who fits, adjusts, and provides eyeglasses and contact lenses according to the prescription. At Lunetterie F. Tohmé, you benefit from both areas of expertise in one place: the optometrist performs your exam, and our opticians then take care of your vision correction.
Is the eye exam painful?
No, a standard eye exam is completely non-invasive and painless. It consists of a series of visual tests and observations using optical equipment. Some tests may require the instillation of eye drops to dilate the pupil, which may cause slight, temporary light sensitivity, but it is painless.
Can I choose my glasses on the day of the exam?
Absolutely. That's one of the great advantages of consulting at Lunetterie F. Tohmé. As soon as you have your prescription, our opticians are there to guide you in choosing your frames and lenses. Everything is done in a single visit, saving you valuable time.
Can I use my glasses prescription for contact lenses?
No. A prescription for glasses and a prescription for contact lenses are two separate documents. Contact lenses require a specific examination that includes measurements of corneal curvature and an assessment of eye tolerance. The optometrist can perform both during the same appointment—ask for this when making your appointment.
Should I bring my old glasses to the exam?
Yes, it's highly recommended. Your current glasses give the optometrist an indication of your previous prescription, which makes the assessment easier and the examination more accurate. Also bring your contact lenses and their case if you wear them.
Book your eye exam in Gatineau or Hull today. Our team will be happy to review your RAMQ or insurance coverage before your visit.
