Dr. Chris Surdykowski - Optometrist

04/02/2026

Did you know Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Max Scherzer has two different coloured eyes?

Yes, he has complete Heterochromia Iridium; his right eye is blue and his left eye is brown.

This is a congenital condition. It's benign and not related to injury or disease in this case. It's one of the most recognizable physical traits and often noted by broadcasters.

Clinically, heterochromia results from uneven melanin distribution in the Iris. It can be genetic or acquired, but when isolated, as in Shertzer's case, it has no impact on vision or ocular health.

Most importantly to Blue Jays fans, the difference in eye colour has no impact on Max's ability to strike out multiple batters!

01/29/2026

01/13/2026

As you age, you may notice changes that affect your eyes and vision. You may also experience unusual conditions that make it more difficult for your eyes to work like they should. Many eye problems can affect your eyes and vision as you age. They often get worse over time, if untreated.
Regular eye exams can help protect your eyes and your ability to see the people and places you love. Talk to your healthcare provider about reducing your eye disease risk and protecting your vision.

It’s normal to have vision changes as you get older. Find out why regular eye exams are essential for aging eyes.

12/26/2025

😎

12/06/2025

12/06/2025

So close!

12/05/2025

MEDICAL RECORDS: PATIENT ACCESS AFTER RELOCATION OR RETIREMENT

When an optometrist changes offices or retires from practice in the province of Ontario, patients have a right to expect that information in their clinical records will be available to them on their request. Optometrists have an obligation to make arrangements with patients for access to, or transfer of their records when a practitioner relocates to a new office location or retires from practice.

•Patients have a right to know where their health records are stored, and who has access to them.
•Patients have a right to access the information on their health records including direction of their health records, including directing information be sent to another practitioner, and this right to access should not be impeded by business agreements.

These records are confidential and in the case where a new practice owner retains the records, patients should be aware they may contact that practitioner and request them to be transferred to a practitioner of their choice, with their direction or a patient signed Consent to Release Information from the intended practitioner. The custodian of a patient's information should understand that he/she/they will grant a patient access to those records on request as soon as reasonably possible, or in the future should that be required.

Ultimately, patients have the right to choose the practitioner that they want to provide their care. The College of Optometrists of Ontario believes that it is inappropriate for optometrists to enter into a business relationship wherein the flow of information about the whereabouts of another member is restricted. This is more than a matter of policy, since failure to provide contact information to a patient about a practitioner who previously practiced with the member may be a matter of professional misconduct.

https://collegeoptom.on.ca/resource/records-practice-breakup/

11/27/2025

All you need is love. …and glasses? ❤️

11/06/2025

😆

11/01/2025

Is an eye examination for the purpose of completing Ministry of Transport forms (or any third party request) insurable by OHIP is a patient is normally eligible for OHIP coverage?
The short answer is 'no'.
Here's Dr. Shawn Moore to explain more...

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DDvh-zyxxBb/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

10/30/2025

Pickleball has experienced a surge in participation over the past two decades. Between 2005 and 2024, there were a substantial number of ocular injuries with an estimated 40% of these ocular injuries occurring in 2024 alone.

The estimated incidence of pickleball-related eye injuries has substantially increased annually from 2021 to 2024 and the greater proportion of these pickleball-related ocular injuries are among patients aged 50 years or older. Severe eye injuries included retinal detachment, orbital fracture, globe trauma, and hyphema. Most common types of of eye injury included direct hit by a pickleball, direct hit by a paddle, and falls.

A study published by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission found that pickleball-related eye injuries have increased at an alarming rate over the past 4 years as the sport continues to grow in popularity.

Eye protection is not currently mandated for casual or professional play. Establishing some guidelines for eye protection has been recommended to reduce the risk of ocular injuries among players.

Have fun and stay safe! 🎾

📸: cdn.prod.website-files

10/14/2025

"Colourblindness"... What Is It?
Colourblindness isn’t really what it sounds like. Most people with the condition can see some colours correctly but can’t pick out others. “Colour deficiency” might be a better name. Whatever you call it, it’s more common in men than women. About 1 in 12 men have a colour deficiency, compared with about 1 in 200 women.

With the most common kind of colour deficiency, it's hard to tell the difference between some shades of red and green. Other people have a type that makes you confuse certain shades of blue and yellow. Either one can be mild, moderate, or severe.

Most people who have a colour deficiency are born with it. That’s because it usually begins with the genes you get from your parents. Those genes don't provide your eyes the proper information on how to make blue, red, and green pigments for your cones. Without the pigments, the cones can’t detect the proper colours and the brain misinterprets the colour value.

Colour deficiency can also affect some people who aren’t born with it. Certain eye diseases can lead to it, and it also can happen along with leukemia, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, sickle cell anemia, or alcohol use disorder.

Some drugs, including some that treat heart disease, high blood pressure, erectile dysfunction, nervous ailments, or emotional disorders can have an effect on colour perception. Colour perception issues also can come from working around chemicals like fertilizers or solvents. But while things like taking certain drugs or working with certain chemicals can cause secondary colour deficiency, it is uncommon.

Living With It...
Apps for your cellphone or tablet computer can tell you what colour something is. You take a photo, and when you tap on a place in the image, the app tells you the colour. Some apps can even tell shades of colours. If you have red-green colour deficiency, special lenses may let you see colours more clearly, although their effectiveness is widely controversial. For instance, special lenses to correct for colour deficiency are not permitted for pilots.