The answers to some of the questions we are often asked are below. Still need more information or don’t see the answer to your question? Please contact us!
Where are you located?
Dr. Friedmann’s main clinic is located at 201-1581 Hillside Ave, Victoria, BC, V8T 2C1 (above the McDonalds across from Hillside Mall). Patient records and the administration of his practice is located at this address. This clinic is a non-dispensing clinic with no optical retail association.
Dr. Friedmann also offers a mobile clinic where he visits patients in their homes.
Does Dr. Friedmann offer mobile services to house-bound patients?
Yes, Dr. Friedmann has been examining patients in care homes, hospitals and private residences since 2000. He has invested in equipment to enable him to provide this mobile service, and patients do not need to leave the comfort of their room or bed to be examined by Dr. Friedmann.
Does Dr. Friedmann sell glasses or contact lenses?
Dr. Friedmann does not retail eyewear; he is a non-dispensing Optometrist with no corporate ties whatsoever. He believes that his professional duty as an Optometrist is to inform you with the evidence relating to your eyes without any bias (financial or other). Dr. Friedmann’s mission as your Optometrist is to educate you about the status of your eyes, and to ensure you understand the range of outcomes available to you so that you can choose what’s best for you.
Can I keep my prescription?
Absolutely! Your prescription is yours to keep. We are happy to provide a replacement prescription in case you lose your original copy. We can also send your prescription to a dispensing Optician or Optometrist of your choosing, but you will need to sign a Patient Information Release form first.
Do you provide contact lens prescriptions?
Dr. Bryan Friedmann provides comprehensive, medically focused eye exams and will always give you an accurate eyeglass prescription at the end of your visit. This prescription includes your sphere, cylinder, axis, and reading add—a measurement of your eye’s visual power at the time of your exam.
Think of this like measuring your foot for its length and width. It tells you the size, but not which type of shoe will fit comfortably.
Dr. Friedmann does not fit patients for contact lenses and does not provide contact lens prescriptions.
To obtain a valid contact lens prescription, a licensed Optician or dispensing Optometrist must perform a contact lens fitting. They take the measurements from your eye exam and determine:
The brand and material of lens
The base curve
The diameter/radius
The lens type best suited to your eyes
Using the same metaphor, this step is like going to a shoe store and choosing between hiking boots, running shoes, or dress shoes. Even with the same measurements, every brand and product fits differently—contact lenses work exactly the same way.
A proper fitting ensures that the lens:
Fits safely and comfortably
Allows proper oxygen flow
Provides clear vision
Protects the health of your cornea
Many fitters charge a contact lens fitting fee, which covers their professional time, trial lenses, follow-up assessments, and the finalization of your contact lens prescription.
Can I use my prescription to purchase eyewear online?
You are most welcome to use the prescription you receive from Dr. Friedmann to purchase glasses online. We do, however, charge a separate service fee if you require assistance from our office to place your online order after your initial exam with Dr. Friedmann.
We suggest you let Dr. Friedmann know during your exam that you wish to order eyewear online so that he can provide you with the extra measurements you require in order to do so.
Dr. Friedmann does not suggest purchasing contact lenses online if you are a first time contact lens user, because there are extra measurements that must be taken by a licensed Optician or dispensing Optometrist. As with glasses, a service fee will apply if additional help from our office is required.
How long is a full optometric exam?
A full optometric assessment of the health of your eyes and vision is approximately 45 minutes. It is usually a dilated exam, which means you will require a driver to take you home.
What is a full Optometric exam?
A full optometric eye examination provided by Dr. Friedmann in the Hillside clinic includes:
Full Case History
Diagnostic Imaging:
Diagnostic Testing:
Review of Findings and Choices (traditional and/or alternative)
Communication with other Medical and Allied Health Practitioners
When does MSP cover a portion of a full optometric exam?
Doctors of optometry are eligible to set their own fees for services and may bill MSP on behalf of their patients when there is coverage available. Patients are expected to pay the balance, if there is one. In advance of an appointment, the patient should be advised of the expected cost of the services, and whether MSP may cover any or all of it.
Medical Services Plan (MSP) provides limited or partial coverage for optometric services as a benefit for the following population groups:
Does MSP cover eye exams for seniors?
MSP covers $47.08 toward a senior eye exam each year. That amount hasn’t increased in more than eight years, even though the cost of providing care has gone up annually. MSP’s senior coverage has remained fixed, creating a widening gap between the reimbursement provided and the true cost of delivering a thorough, medically appropriate examination.
At our clinic, we are committed to offering seniors the same high standard of care we provide to all patients—complete with detailed imaging, ocular health assessment, functional testing, and the time needed for an unrushed, personalized visit. To continue providing this level of care, a reduced patient portion is required to supplement the fixed MSP amount.
We do our best to keep this cost as reasonable as possible while maintaining the clinical quality, technology, and safety that your eye health deserves.
If you have questions about MSP coverage or exam fees, we are always happy to explain how it applies to your specific visit. Contact us
When is an eye exam fully covered by MSP?
MSP will cover the full cost of service for any optometric exam for the following conditions:
What is a medically required eye exam and does MSP cover a portion of it?
Routine eye examinations are not an MSP benefit for individuals aged 19-64. However, due to the risk of systemic diseases on the health of the eye, medically required eye examinations continue to be a benefit for all MSP beneficiaries annually, and covers a portion of a full exam fee once a year.
Some systemic diseases associated with significant ocular risk that Dr. Friedmann frequently examines include (but not limited to):
The Ministry of Health recommended management of systemic diseases includes the routine monitoring of the health of the eye according to the above exam frequency. It’s the patient’s responsibility to return to their Optometrist for re-examination within the suggested time frame.
Please note: A full exam fee will apply for all exams provided to patients who return for re-examination after fourteen (14) months since their last eye exam, and for any new patients to our office.
Can your office bill my extended health plan?
Yes, our office can direct bill most extended health plans, but please note that very rarely is the full exam fee covered. Please provide our office with your policy numbers when you either book your exam or upon arrival so that we can check to see what coverage you have.
How do I know that the personal information I provide to you is protected?
Dr Friedmann, as a licensed Optometrist in BC, is regulated by the BC College of Optometrists. In order for him to keep his licence in good standing, he must not only comply with the college by-laws with regard to the protection of personal information, but he must also adhere to the principles outlined in the Personal Information Protection Act of BC.
Our office requires all patients to sign a Consent for Personal Information Form when checking in for an eye exam for the first time, which clarifies our office’s policies regarding the protection of personal information. You are also welcome to ask to read our Privacy policy.