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Why a crash can affect your vision
You don't have to hit your head to have a concussion. The international concussion consensus statement describes it as a brain injury that can come from a blow to the head, neck or body that sends force through to the brain[1]. The sudden stop in a collision can do exactly that.
Seeing comfortably depends on the brain aiming both eyes together, keeping things in focus and moving the eyes accurately. Those skills are often affected after a brain injury. In one clinic study of 160 people with traumatic brain injury, 90% had at least one problem with eye teaming, focusing or eye movements. The most common was convergence insufficiency, trouble turning the eyes in together for close work[2]. In a study of 100 adolescents with concussion, 69% had a vision diagnosis[3].
Neck injuries matter too. In one study, about 55% of people with whiplash reported blurred vision, compared with 32% of people whose neck pain had another cause[4].
Symptoms to watch for
- Blurred or double vision, especially when reading or on screens
- Headaches or eye strain after close work
- Losing your place when reading, or words that seem to move
- Feeling dizzy or overwhelmed in busy places like grocery stores
- Sensitivity to light
- Trouble judging distances, for example when parking
- Eyes that tire quickly, so you can't read or work as long as before
Some people only notice these once they go back to work, school or long days on a screen.
Get help right away for sudden vision loss, a shadow or curtain over part of your vision, a sudden shower of new floaters or flashes, eye pain, or a severe or worsening headache. Go to the emergency department or see an eye doctor the same day.
What Ontario auto insurance covers
Every Ontario auto policy includes medical and rehabilitation benefits. These stayed mandatory when most other accident benefits became optional on July 1, 2026[5]. Assessment and treatment by regulated health professionals, including optometrists, can be paid from these benefits once your insurer approves a plan.
- Standard limit. For injuries that aren't catastrophic, medical, rehabilitation and attendant care share a combined limit of $65,000. Some people bought higher limits[6].
- Minor injuries. If your injuries are mainly a sprain, strain, whiplash-associated disorder, bruise, scrape, cut or partial dislocation, the Minor Injury Guideline caps medical and rehabilitation benefits at $3,500[7]. Whether your injuries fall inside or outside that guideline is decided by your insurer, based on your health professionals' reports.
- Who pays first. For accidents on or after July 1, 2026, your auto insurance pays first for medical and rehabilitation claims, except medication[8]. That means you don't have to use up your workplace health benefits first. For older accidents, ask your adjuster how your plans coordinate.
Insurance rules are detailed and they change. This article is general information, not legal advice. Your adjuster, or a personal injury lawyer if you have one, can confirm what your policy covers.
How the claim works
- Within 7 days of the accident Tell your insurer. They'll send you an application package[9].
- Within 30 days of receiving it Send back the application for accident benefits (the OCF-1). Incomplete forms can hold up your benefits[9].
- When symptoms start Book a vision assessment. No referral is needed. Tell us it's a car accident claim and have your claim number and your adjuster's name handy.
- We handle this part We send the assessment plan to your insurer through HCAI, the system Ontario clinics must use to submit treatment plans and invoices to auto insurers[10]. The insurer reviews it and tells us what's approved.
- After your assessment Findings go to your insurer and, with your permission, to your family doctor and other providers. If treatment is needed, that plan goes through the same process.
Read more about vision care after a car accident and concussion vision rehabilitation at our clinic.
Common questions
I didn't hit my head. Can my vision still be affected?
Yes. A concussion can come from a blow to the neck or body, not only the head, and neck injuries such as whiplash are also linked to blurred vision and eye movement problems.
The accident was months ago. Is it too late?
It's not too late to be assessed. Insurance timelines can apply to your claim, so check with your adjuster or lawyer.
Do I need a referral?
No. You can book directly. If a doctor, physiotherapist or other provider is involved in your care, bring any reports you have.
References
- Patricios JS, Schneider KJ, Dvorak J, et al. Consensus statement on concussion in sport: the 6th International Conference on Concussion in Sport–Amsterdam, October 2022. British Journal of Sports Medicine. 2023;57(11):695–711. doi:10.1136/bjsports-2023-106898
- Ciuffreda KJ, Kapoor N, Rutner D, et al. Occurrence of oculomotor dysfunctions in acquired brain injury: a retrospective analysis. Optometry. 2007;78(4):155–161. doi:10.1016/j.optm.2006.11.011
- Master CL, Scheiman M, Gallaway M, et al. Vision diagnoses are common after concussion in adolescents. Clinical Pediatrics. 2016;55(3):260–267. doi:10.1177/0009922815594367
- Treleaven J, Takasaki H. Characteristics of visual disturbances reported by subjects with neck pain. Manual Therapy. 2014;19(3):203–206. PubMed 24521926
- Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario. Changes in Statutory Accident Benefits coverage in Ontario on July 1, 2026. fsrao.ca
- Tierney Stauffer LLP. Ontario auto insurance changed on July 1: your accident benefits FAQs answered. September 2026. tslawyers.ca
- Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule, O. Reg. 34/10, ss. 3(1) and 18(1). ontario.ca/laws
- Coachman Insurance. Ontario accident benefits changes, 2026. coachmaninsurance.ca
- Train S (Howie, Sacks & Henry LLP). After the accident: how to apply for accident benefits following a motor vehicle accident injury. May 2024. mondaq.com
- Health Claims for Auto Insurance (HCAI). Intro to HCAI. hcaiinfo.ca