Eye Exams Are Your First Line of Defence
Many eye diseases can begin with no obvious symptoms. At Ham’s, we believe in the power of early diagnosis and ongoing care to help protect and preserve your vision. With the help of modern diagnostic tools and a trusted eye care team, we can detect subtle changes in your eye health and provide clear guidance on how to manage or monitor them.
Whether you have a family history of eye conditions or you simply want to stay proactive about your eye health, we are here to help you monitor, manage, and treat vision-threatening diseases with care and clarity.
If you have questions about your eye health or want to stay ahead of any potential issues, we’re just an eye exam away. Contact us to schedule yours today.
Early Diagnosis, Better Outcomes
Most serious eye diseases, like glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), develop gradually and painlessly. By the time you notice changes in your vision, the damage may already be done.
That’s why early detection through routine eye exams and diagnostic imaging is so important. Our team will review your test results with you and help you understand your eye health. If we do detect a concern, we will guide you through your treatment options with clear, personalized advice.
Common Eye Disease & Conditions We Manage
We keep a close eye on your long-term vision health by using diagnostic tools to detect changes as early as possible. Our team monitors a wide range of eye diseases and age-related conditions, offering clear explanations, thoughtful follow-up, and referrals when needed.
Early detection and regular eye exams can make all the difference in protecting your sight.
Often called the “silent thief of sight,”glaucoma gradually damages the optic nerve and usually shows no symptoms in its early stages. Without early detection, it can lead to irreversible vision loss.
Our team uses tools like optical coherence tomography (OCT) and tonometry to track changes in eye pressure and nerve health over time. With regular monitoring and timely intervention, we can help manage the condition and preserve your vision for the long term.
Cataracts occur when the natural lens of your eye becomes cloudy, causing vision to blur or dim. You may notice trouble with night driving, increased glare, or halos around lights. While cataracts are a normal part of aging, they can impact your quality of life if left unmanaged.
We monitor their progression during your eye exams and, when the time is right, refer you to a trusted surgeon for cataract removal and lens replacement.
AMD affects the macula, the area of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision. It can cause challenges with reading, driving, and recognizing faces. We monitor for both dry and wet forms of AMD using retinal imaging technology that detects early changes in your eye structure.
Along with regular eye exams, we may recommend lifestyle adjustments, eye nutrition guidance, or referral for further treatments based on your individual risk and needs.
If you live with diabetes, your eyes are at risk for diabetic retinopathy, a condition where high blood sugar levels damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina. This damage can happen without noticeable symptoms and lead to serious vision complications if left unchecked.
That’s why regular diabetic eye exams are essential, even if your vision seems fine. We carefully monitor for changes and help coordinate care if further treatment is needed.
Keratoconus causes the normally round cornea to thin and bulge outward, creating a cone-like shape that distorts vision. It often begins in adolescence or early adulthood and can worsen over time.
During comprehensive eye exams, we screen for keratoconus using corneal imaging to detect early changes. While we do not fit scleral lenses in-house, we work with trusted specialists for contact lens fittings and corneal cross-linking (CXL) referrals when appropriate.
Eye Nutrition & MacuHealth
Your diet plays a role in your eye health, especially when it comes to macular support. We proudly offer MacuHealth supplements, which contain a precise blend of carotenoids shown to support macular function and protect against oxidative stress.
These supplements may benefit patients at risk of AMD or those looking to proactively care for their eyes. While we don’t carry MacuHealth supplements in the clinic, you can easily reorder MacuHealth products through our online store.
Your Eye Health Is a Lifelong Investment
We believe in staying ahead of eye disease through prevention and education. That includes conversations about your nutrition, lifestyle, and daily habits that can support long-term vision.
If it has been more than a year since your last eye exam, or if you are concerned about your risk of eye disease, we encourage you to book an eye exam. We look forward to caring for your eyes with the attention and precision you deserve!
Fabulous Independent Eyewear from Around the World
Signature style starts here—explore independent eyewear at Ham’s. We travel the globe to find standout independent eyewear that meets our highest standards—because our patients deserve nothing less. World-class eyewear, no passport required. Ham’s brings global style straight to Thunder Bay.
Backed by 150 years of combined expertise, our opticians are here to help you find eyewear that’s as functional as it is beautiful and tailored to your lifestyle.
Our Handpicked, Independent Eyewear Brands
Two Thunder Bay Eye Clinics to Serve You
Oliver Road
We’re on Oliver Road just east of Highway 17. There’s convenient parking right out front.
- 1144 OIiver Road, Unit 1
- Thunder Bay, ON P7B 7A4
- Phone: 807-285-4790
- Email: drmckiel@shaw.ca
Hours Of Operation
Centennial Square Plaza
There’s plenty of parking in the lot we share with Family Foods in the heart of Thunder Bay.
- 124 Centennial Square
- Thunder Bay, ON P7E 1H3
- Phone: 807-623-2020
- Email: hamsoptical@tbaytel.net
Hours Of Operation
Oliver Road
Reviews
Centennial Square
Plaza Reviews
Specialty Services
Products
Our Locations
Centennial Square Plaza
- 124 Centennial Square
- Thunder Bay, ON P7E 1H3