Dr. Chris Surdykowski - Optometrist

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.

10/10/2025

08/11/2025

As many are aware, I’m no longer practicing at Frederick Plaza. My office is now located at Specsavers in Conestoga Mall in Waterloo. I had hoped to inform as many patients as possible regarding the move, prior to the change unfortunately, the current practice owner did not permit this.

If your last eye exam was performed at Frederick Plaza and you need a copy of your prescription for spectacles or contact lenses, this can be attained by calling the Frederick Street office.

If you’re looking to book an appointment, this can be arranged by calling Specsavers Waterloo at 226-686-1931.

For patients arranging appointments at Specsavers at Conestoga Mall, you may request your clinical chart by calling to arrange picking them up at Frederick Street office (519-745-2020) or directing them to be faxed to Specsavers Waterloo (fax: 226-772-3366).

I hope this is helpful.

08/07/2025

In recent weeks, we have seen an increase in the amount of people complaining about eye irritation and the wildfires could be to blame. Smoke is an irritant and so irritants coming in contact with your eyes can cause inflammation.
People with sensitive eyes may be feel the sting even more.

It can make the eyes feel dry, scratchy, heavy and gritty, after which they become red and watery.

To optimize eye health it is best to stay indoors and away from smoky areas. There are also other measures you can take.

Using air purifiers can help too. As well as using sunglasses or wraparound glasses that prevent contact on the surface.

Artificial tears can also bring back moisture to your eyes.
These are lubricating eye drops that can be placed on the surface of the eyes to help to flush out the irritants.

The elderly, those who are very young, people with underlying health problems and pregnant women may be most at risk.

CTV’s Heather Senoran has tips to prevent eye irritation as smoke continues to billow across Ontario.Subscribe to CTV News to watch more videos: https://www....