Patient information & visit expectations

Please bring the following to your appointment:

• A valid health card: if you do not have an updated card at the time of your visit, you will be charged privately and will need to submit for OHIP reimbursement later.
• An up-to-date list of medications: include pharmacy information and any eye drops you are currently using.
• A translator: required if you do not speak English.
• A friend, family member, or Power of Attorney: bring someone if you are unable to make informed decisions independently. To reduce crowding, only one person may accompany you.
• Your most recent prescription glasses: if you normally wear contacts, please remove them before arriving.
• A pair of sunglasses: eyes may be sensitive to light after dilating drops are administered.
• A face mask: masks are recommended in the clinic and we are unable to supply masks or gloves on-site.

Your appointment will be divided between a pre-testing visit with the ophthalmic technician and a consultation with the doctor. Please check in 15 minutes prior to your time. If you arrive more than 15 minutes early, you may be asked to wait outside until we are ready. Review the office policies for missed or late appointments before you arrive.

Pre-testing & diagnostics

• A complete medical and ophthalmological history is recorded.
• The technician measures your vision, eye pressure, corneal thickness, and any other tests requested by the doctor.
• You may receive a mini set of dilating drops to use at home prior to the consultation to reduce wait times in clinic.
• Cataract consultations may include lubricating drops to use for one week prior so measurements for surgery remain accurate.
• Cataract surgery candidates receive educational materials and videos to prepare for discussion with Dr. Bedi.

Consultation with the physician

• The doctor reviews your imaging, testing, and reports to form a diagnosis and a mutually agreed plan.
• To keep the waiting area safe, only the patient is seated inside. Advise us ahead of time if you require a caregiver or translator so we can accommodate them.

Same day testing: if you travel long distances or face logistical challenges, let us know. We can often schedule pre-testing and the consultation on the same day. Expect a longer visit and allow 3–4 hours total.

Wait times: because we provide emergency on-call services to the Halton and Peel region, wait times may vary. Please allow up to two hours for your appointment and thank you for your patience.

Dilation guidance

You may require a dilated eye exam to examine the optic nerve and retina. Dilation can blur vision and increase light sensitivity for four to six hours. Please keep these guidelines in mind:

• Avoid driving or precision work while your vision is blurred.
• Bring sunglasses to your visit.
• Arrange for someone to drive you home if possible.
• Declining a required dilation will result in an incomplete exam, which is documented in your chart.

We experience a high volume of calls each day and may not answer immediately. Calls received outside business hours are returned in priority sequence within two to five business days.

When leaving a voicemail, share your full name and a callback number. For scheduling changes or cancellations, email info@beos.ca so our team can respond efficiently.

If you experience an emergency, visit the nearest hospital emergency department, urgent care clinic, or dial 9-1-1.

Appointment changes: provide 48 hours’ notice so we can offer your spot to another patient. Changes made with less notice result in a $75 missed visit fee.

Late shows: if you are running late, notify us as soon as possible. Arrivals more than 15 minutes past your time are marked as “no show.” We will try to accommodate you at the end of the day or reschedule if needed.

No shows: cancelling without 48 hours’ notice results in a $75 missed visit fee so we can continue serving patients on the waitlist.

Referrals are triaged by medical severity and responded to within 24–48 business hours. Your referring provider receives appointment details and a consult letter after your visit.

The office is closed outside business hours and calls cannot be answered live. For emergencies, visit the nearest hospital or urgent care clinic. Messages left after hours are returned within 24–48 business hours—please include your full name and number.

All surgical patients receive a detailed package. Review the instructions carefully before surgery.

General principles for pre-op care

1. For cataract surgery: start prescribed eye drops in the operative eye three days prior. Follow the drop schedule in your package. Continue glaucoma drops up to and including the morning of surgery.
2. For eyelid surgery: fill the prescription provided at booking one to two days before surgery. Your pharmacist will review how to take the medication.
3. Do not eat or drink after midnight before surgery. If you do, your procedure will be cancelled and a cancellation fee will apply.
4. Do not smoke the day before and for two to three days after surgery.

On the day of surgery (hospital)

1. Check in at Surgical Services, Ambulatory Procedures Unit on the 2nd floor (Central elevators) two hours before your surgery time.
2. Do not eat or drink after midnight. Take usual medications with small sips of water, except hold diabetes pills/insulin until after surgery.
3. Bring your Cataract Surgery Envelope, patient information package, and eye drops in a clear bag.
4. Wear loose, comfortable clothing and leave valuables at home.
5. Avoid make-up, nail polish, jewelry, contacts, perfume, cologne, and scented products.
6. Bring a family member or friend to accompany you.

On the day of surgery (BEOS)

Please follow the instructions included in your patient information package.

Communication policy

Email is our preferred method of communication. Appointment details and reminders are sent to the email on file, so ensure your information stays current.

We provide service in English, Hindi, and Punjabi. Let reception know your preference when you arrive. If you speak another language, bring someone who can translate; decisions about treatment or surgery require full understanding of the risks and benefits. Arriving without a translator may require rescheduling when a support person can join you.

Civility and respect policy

Benoe Eye & Oculoplastic Surgeons fosters a culture of respect and does not tolerate harassment or abuse of any kind. We understand health care can be stressful, but abusive behaviour toward our team will result in immediate discharge from the clinic as per CPSO guidelines. A letter will be sent to your referring doctor outlining the reason for termination of care.

We continue to follow Ontario Medical Association and provincial guidance to protect patients and staff.

Your health is our priority. Please observe the following:

• Inform reception if you have symptoms, recent travel, or contact with a known COVID-positive individual.
• Be prepared to complete an infectious disease survey and provide proof of vaccination if requested.
• Face masks are mandatory. We are unable to supply masks or gloves in the clinic.
• Only the patient may sit in the waiting area. One caregiver may accompany you on a case-by-case basis.
• If you arrive more than 15 minutes early, please wait outside until we are ready.