After a casual conversation or two and some online reading, I visited Dr. Permack to seek more information and try out orthokeratology. Ortho-K basically consists of wearing hard contact lenses at night to temporarily reshape the cornea for good vision during the day, rather than wearing glasses or contacts during the day. It's kind of crazy that we have the technology to do that these days. Dr. Permack was friendly, professional and very informative, having tried ortho-K himself. He seemed more than willing to answer my questions and I didn't feel rushed at all. His examination felt very thorough, I feel well-informed of the risks - definitely do not wash the lenses in tap water and put them in your eyes! - and the eye scans for ortho-K are kind of a cool experience. The rest of the staff at Queen Spectacle was quite friendly as well. As for how things have worked out, I noticed a significant improvement pretty much immediately, even while being fitted in the doctor's office. I've just begun wearing the lenses at night, and so far the results are promising. It's almost surreal waking up to much improved vision; ortho-K literally improves your vision overnight. I've found the transition period to be pretty manageable, and I have good vision throughout most of the day (it's only my 4th night, and I was told it might take a week or two before the effects last a full day, so progress seems right on track). Dr. Permack warned me that the lenses are pretty uncomfortable at first, and they are indeed annoying the first time or two, but I'm already pretty comfortable with them. My guess is he probably just wants people to be overly prepared, if anything. The only downside I've noticed is a bit more of a "halo effect" around some lights, but it's only in my peripheral vision and there's not much difference than usual when looking directly at things. It's been improving over time - I assume it's somewhat correlated to the effects of ortho-K become stronger in general - so I'm hopeful that I'll soon barely notice it as the rest of my vision continues to improve and my eyes readjust. I'm hopeful that in another week or two I'll have strong vision throughout a full day and evening without needing glasses or contacts, and will hopefully post a follow-up then. read more

I recently visited a new optometrist on the Kingsway. Dr. Laurie Permack at Queen Spectacle On Bloor Street West was able to succeed in fitting me with contact lenses. This is something I had attempted with other optometrists in the past but it never worked out. While they were able to prescribe the correct lenses, it was Dr. Permack who sat patiently with me until I mastered the technique of putting the lenses in. FYI I am a woman in my fifties who has worn glasses for many years. Based on past attempts I didn't think this would work out but it did and now I can choose between contacts and glasses! Dr. Permack is extremely professional, knowledgable and personable. His patience is an added bonus. I would highly recommend him! read more

I started going to Dr. Permack just over three years ago and each time he made my examination a comfortable and pleasant experience. His knowledge and expertise is evident in his manner, patience and thorough examination in which he shares the health of my eyes and answers all of my questions in a unhurried and pleasant way. He is the first Optometrist to say to feel free if I have any questions about the state of my health prior to my next appointment to call. I highly recommend Dr. Permack and have noticed that his personable care covers all ages and that children and parents are very happy with him as well as older patients who have commented. We are really fortunate to have him in our neighborhood. read more

I recently moved to Toronto and I have been looking for a new optometrist. I finally made an appointment with Dr. Permack and I am so glad that I did! Dr. Permack and his team were extremely helpful and knowledgeable. They let me try on dozens of glasses and gave me great suggestions and recommendations. During the eye exam, Dr. Permack took the time to thoroughly explain each procedure and was very patient and friendly with me while I struggled to make out the letters on the chart (M....no....N? Ummm...C? or maybe G?). Now I have a new prescription and new contact lenses that feel great. I will definitely be back for my next appointment! read more

I went to go see Dr. Laurie Permack on Bloor Street because I was having difficulties seeing with my existing prescription. I found Dr. Permack to be very friendly, thorough, professional and extremely knowledgeable. I am very happy with the new prescriptions that he gave me and I am able to see much sharper and clearer. He also referred me to an ophthalmologist. I highly recommend Dr. Laurie Permack if you are looking for a new optometrist. He is also a two minute walk from The Royal York Subway station. There is also plenty of street parking! read more

Dr. Permack was great! I had an exam a year prior from another optometrist, and Dr. Permack corrected my prescription - vision is just right now. He explained every test he conducted and talked to me as an equal. He also has special expertise in contact lenses, and knew exactly which daily and monthly contacts to fit me in. My new contacts are much more comfortable than the pervious lenses I was wearing. All in all, it was an absolute pleasure to visit him. Highly recommended! read more

It had been a very long time since I had seen an optometrist, and Dr. Permack was very good at explaining all of the tests -what they were for, how they worked- for me. He took time to make sure that my eyes were getting the best treatment, which was important, because apparently I needed glasses! He told me about all of my options and filed out a prescription for me. I am so thankful that I went to see him, otherwise I might still be struggling to see properly! read more

Dr. Permack is competent, professional and friendly. My checkup with him was much more thorough in comparison with those I've had with previous optometrists. His explanation of the results was clear and concise. His recommendations were honest, comprehensive and responsive to my concerns. It was refreshing to see a doctor that was passionate for his practice and took a genuine interest in his clients. Also, the location is great - just steps from the subway. read more

He was very professional, and knows a lot about his field. I always feel like an idiot whenever doing eye exams and giving out incorrect letters. But with him, I did not feel like an idiot at all. He was very thorough in his exam, telling me everything that he was doing. His office is very clean, and he's now helping me find contacts that fit me. There are TONS of optometrists out there, but I highly recommend Dr. Permack above the others. read more

I was in the area visiting friends when I had something blow into my eye. I didn't make an appointment and walked in to see if a doctor could see me. I was blown away by how accommodating Dr. Permack and his staff were. He seemed to really care about my well being and really knowledgable...not to mention, pretty funny. I only wish I had an optometrist back home as great as him! read more

I found Dr. Permack to be very courteous, knowledgeable, and friendly. I felt comfortable during the exam as Dr. Permack explained in the procedures in an understandable manner. I would definitely go back for my next eye exam and would highly recommend him to others. read more

I found Dr. Permack both courteous and knowledgeable. I walked by and was able to get an appointment for later that same day. I would recommend him. read more

Dr. Laurie Permack and his staff are very kind and professional. Really enjoyed my eye appointment this morning.