How Much Are Eye Exams in Canada in 2025?
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Discover the methodologyVision loss is a serious problem in Canada, affecting 4 in 10 Canadians who visit eye doctors annually. It holds the highest direct medical cost in the country, projected to surpass $30 billion by the end of 2023.
Adults apart, children's vision issues are a cause for concern, with 1 in 4 school-aged kids having undetected problems, often mistaken by parents.
Fortunately, Canada's universal healthcare system covers vision care. However, is provincial care enough? Should you buy a private health insurance? Read this guide on what each province's healthcare program covers for vision care, eligibility, how to apply, services, and more.
How much is an eye exam?
As a large country, the price of almost anything in Canada widely varies. However, the cheapest eye exam will cost around $75, while a more expensive eye exam in a large city may cost up to $300.
In general, the cost of your eye exam will depend on these factors:
- Location: Like most goods and services, eye exams are more expensive in places where the cost of living is higher. An eye exam in London, Ontario is cheaper than the same eye exam in Toronto.
- New or established patient: Doctors will know your case better if they know you already.
- Frequency: The more preventive you are, the less likely you are to spend.
- Insurance: Naturally, a good health insurance plan will lower the cost of eye exams for you.
- Severity: The more serious your condition is, the more likely it is to be delicate and expensive. Rarer issues also tend to cost more.
Good to know
Routine eye exams are fairly inexpensive, ranging around $70 to $90 without insurance and about $10 to $50 with insurance. Routine eye exam prices will vary mostly based on the specific optometrist and location.
A contact lens eye exam is a little more comprehensive than a routine exam as the eye doctor has to scrutinise your eye health and vision before fitting you with adequate lenses. A contact lens eye exam can cost up to $185 without insurance.
With health insurance, however, most of these costs would be almost entirely or significantly covered by your provider. However, finding the right health insurance could be time-consuming, but we've got you covered. You could use our comparator below to compare prices, and coverage, and even get quotes in no time from the best health insurance in Canada.
The Blue Cross Complete Health Essential Plan is a dependable option for individuals and families seeking comprehensive health coverage with essential benefits. This plan is well-suited for those looking for practical, everyday support for their health needs, covering a wide range of services without the cost of premium-level coverage.
With 70% reimbursement, this Blue Cross health insurance policy provides coverage for key health practitioner services, including physiotherapy, chiropractic care, and naturopathy, with a maximum of $400 per practitioner annually. Dental care is also robust, offering coverage for preventative treatments, cleanings, and fillings with no annual maximum. Accidental dental benefits are generous, with a $7,000 lifetime cap, ensuring protection for unexpected dental emergencies.
For vision and hearing care, the plan provides $150 for vision expenses every two years and $400 for hearing aids every five years, helping members maintain these critical aspects of their health. Prescription drugs are covered at 70% with no overall annual maximum, providing valuable support for ongoing medication needs.
Additionally, the plan includes an Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) benefit, offering up to $15,000 for the policyholder or their spouse and $5,000 for each dependent child. This added protection provides peace of mind for unforeseen events, ensuring financial security for your family in challenging times.
Ideal profile: The Health Essential Plan is perfect for individuals and families who want a balance between affordability and coverage. It suits those who need regular support for health practitioners, dental care, and prescriptions while appreciating the added safety net of AD&D benefits. If you’re seeking solid, everyday health insurance that doesn’t overextend your budget, this plan is a great match.
- 70% coverage for health services, dental care, and prescriptions.
- No annual cap on dental preventative services and fillings.
- Generous AD&D benefit for financial security in emergencies.
- Vision and hearing care benefits for ongoing needs.
- Does not include travel insurance coverage.
- Limited coverage for advanced dental procedures like orthodontics or implants.
- Practitioner visit caps may not suffice for high-need individuals.
The GreenShield ZONE 5 Choice plan is a well-balanced health insurance option for individuals seeking moderate prescription drug benefits, strong extended health coverage, and essential dental care. It offers comprehensive protection without the high premiums of top-tier plans, making it an excellent fit for self-employed individuals, retirees, and those without employer benefits.
Prescription drug coverage is set at 80% up to $5,000 annually, ensuring that regular medication users receive financial relief. Dental benefits begin at $800 in Year 1 and increase to $1,200 by Year 3, with 80% coverage for routine care and 50% for major procedures.
Extended health benefits are robust, with $600 per practitioner per year for chiropractic care, massage therapy, physiotherapy, naturopathy, and more. Mental health support includes $600 per year for psychologists and therapists, providing a strong foundation for emotional well-being. Vision care includes $250 every two years for eyewear and $80 for routine eye exams.
For travellers, the plan includes $5 million in emergency medical coverage for trips up to 30 days, making it ideal for vacationers or business travellers. Additional benefits include ambulance services, accidental dental coverage up to $10,000 annually, and hearing aid benefits of $500 every four years.
Like all GreenShield personal health insurance plans, the ZONE 5 Choice plan includes access to the GreenShield Pharmacy with free prescription delivery. You also get access to GreenShield+ app that allows you to submit claims online, track benefits, and print ID cards anytime.
Ideal profile: The ZONE 5 Choice plan is best for those who need balanced drug, dental, and health coverage without excessive costs. It’s particularly useful for those who require regular medication, routine dental care, and extended health services such as physiotherapy or chiropractic treatment. If you need higher drug coverage or orthodontic benefits, you may want to explore ZONE 6 or ZONE 7 plans.
- 80% prescription drug coverage up to $5,000 per year, offering strong financial support for medications.
- Progressive dental benefits, increasing to $1,200 annually by Year 3.
- $600 per year per practitioner for chiropractic, physiotherapy, massage therapy, naturopathy, and more.
- Emergency medical travel insurance with $5 million coverage per trip (up to 30 days), regardless of age.
- Free prescription delivery through GreenShield Pharmacy.
- No orthodontic coverage.
- Major dental services are covered but only at 50%.
The Sun Life Health Choice B plan is tailored for individuals or families seeking a comprehensive health insurance option that extends beyond basic coverage. This Sun Life health insurance plan ensures robust support in key areas such as prescription drugs, dental care, hospitalization, vision care, and paramedical services, while also providing optional dental benefits. It is particularly suited for those who want a well-rounded health coverage option with flexibility for additional needs.
Prescription drug coverage under this plan reimburses 80% of eligible expenses, up to an annual maximum of $1,300. Vision care is covered at 100%, up to $200 every two calendar years, which includes exams and corrective lenses. Extended health provisions include paramedical services, such as chiropractors and physiotherapists, with a combined annual maximum of $500 for all practitioners. The plan also offers dental benefits covering preventive and restorative care, reimbursing up to $700 annually.
Emergency travel medical insurance is a significant highlight of this plan, providing up to $1,000,000 lifetime coverage for emergencies during trips lasting up to 60 days. Hospital stays in semi-private rooms are supported with 85% reimbursement, capped at $5,000 annually. This comprehensive mix of benefits ensures that you are well-protected against unexpected health expenses.
Ideal Profile: The Health Choice B plan is ideal for individuals or families with moderate to high healthcare needs who value extensive coverage. It suits those seeking dependable insurance for major medical expenses, including dental and vision care, while ensuring robust travel medical coverage for peace of mind during trips.
- Extensive prescription drug coverage with a high annual maximum
- Comprehensive dental benefits for preventive and restorative care
- Generous emergency travel medical insurance
- Semi-private hospitalization support
- Excludes orthodontics and major procedures like implants
- Annual caps on some benefits may not be sufficient for extensive ongoing care
- Limited flexibility for those requiring specialized high-cost treatments
Are eye exams covered by provincial health plans?
Each province has its provincial healthcare program. For example, in Ontario, it’s OHIP while AHCIP covers Alberta. Throughout Canada, provincial healthcare programs vary in coverage of eye exams. However, medical emergencies are always covered.
Indigenous people may have access to Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB). To be eligible, you need to be a resident of Canada and one of the following:
- a First Nations person who is registered under the Indian Act (commonly referred to as Indian status)
- an Inuk recognized by an Inuit land claim organization
- a child under 2 years of age whose parent is a registered First Nations person or a recognized Inuk
Corrective eyeglasses and contact lenses are also covered by NIHB if prescribed by an optometrist. The program sometimes also covers repairs to eyeglasses. Most private health insurance in Canada covers the cost of eye exams and other procedures related to your vision.
Does OHIP cover eye exams cost?
Yes, OHIP covers the cost of eye exams in Ontario for:
- Children under 20 and seniors 65 and older: One full eye exam per year, including follow-ups if needed.
- Individuals with specific medical conditions (like diabetes, glaucoma, or retinal disease): OHIP covers one exam per year regardless of age.
Adults aged 20 to 64 without these conditions are generally not covered and pay out-of-pocket for eye exams. Check out how much OHIP covers eye exams and how much you must pay out of pocket using our free online too.
Are eyeglasses covered by provincial health plans?
Provincial healthcare programs mostly do not cover prescription eyeglasses. However, some provinces include coverage for eyeglasses in very specific cases. For example, older Albertans with more moderate incomes may qualify for coverage and, in Saskatchewan, children enrolled in the Family Health Benefits program have limited coverage for basic eyeglasses.
Meanwhile, OHIP offers no coverage for prescription eyeglasses. Most private health insurance providers do, on the other hand, cover eyeglasses. It might be worth having a look as private plans are often inexpensive and worth it in the long run.
Is cataract surgery covered by provincial health plans?
As the most commonly performed medical procedure in Canada, cataract surgery costs are covered under every provincial and territorial health insurance program. Cataract surgery is considered a medical necessity, which explains why it’s covered.
This is great news for those suffering from this vision-impairing condition, but it also can mean long waiting times. The national benchmark for waiting times for Cataract surgery is within 112 days or almost 4 months. However, no Canadian province accomplishes the benchmark in 100% of its cases.
The province with the shortest waiting times for cataract surgery is British Columbia, with 76% of patients receiving surgery within the benchmark, while the longest waiting times come from Prince Edward Island.
Cost of eye exam in Canadian Provinces in 2025
Here’s a table showing the average costs for eye exams across Canadian provinces in 2025. Prices may vary depending on location and specific services provided.
| Province | Average Eye Exam Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario | $80 - $120 | OHIP covers exams for those under 20, over 65, and individuals with specific conditions. |
| British Columbia | $75 - $110 | MSP partially covers exams for those under 19, over 65, and some medical conditions. |
| Alberta | $90 - $130 | Coverage through AHCIP for under 19, over 65, and those with certain medical needs. |
| Quebec | $90 - $120 | RAMQ covers exams for children under 18 and those 65+, as well as some medical conditions. |
| Manitoba | $75 - $110 | Basic exams are covered under Manitoba Health for children under 19, seniors over 65, and specific medical cases. |
| Saskatchewan | $80 - $130 | Saskatchewan Health covers for children under 18, seniors over 65, and individuals with specific conditions. |
| Nova Scotia | $80 - $120 | No provincial coverage; only those on income assistance or with medical conditions may qualify. |
| New Brunswick | $80 - $115 | Coverage for low-income children under 18 and specific conditions, otherwise out-of-pocket. |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $80 - $110 | MCP covers exams for children under 18, seniors 65+, and some medical conditions. |
| Prince Edward Island | $80 - $115 | Eye exams typically out-of-pocket unless medical necessity is shown. |
For the most precise and up-to-date rates, contacting a local optometrist is recommended, as prices can vary by location and provider.
How much is an eye exam in Ontario?
The average cost of an eye exam in Ontario is from $50 to more than $250. However, the actual price depends on the specific test and where you get it done.
Ontario eye exams cost on average lower than many other provinces. In Toronto, an eye exam can cost you up to $250, but in Vancouver, the ceiling goes up to about $310. Montreal eye exams can be even more expensive.
Good to know
According to the Canadian Association of Optometrists (CAO), the average cost of an eye exam in Canada is $200, making eye exams in Ontario fairly competitive.
However, these prices might not fit all budgets. Luckily, Ontarians have access to the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP), which covers a considerable part of essential medical services, including eye care. Many people even have access to free eye exams in Ontario.
Here is what OHIP covers people in the situations below.
- At the most basic level, a routine eye exam every 12 months for people older than 64 and those younger than 20. Any follow-up assessments are also covered.
- If you fall outside of that age range, you still may be eligible for OHIP-covered eye exams in Ontario. People who have a medical condition that affects the eyes are also covered.
- People who have certain medical conditions can also get free eye exams in Ontario. For example, people with diabetes, glaucoma, cataracts, amblyopia, corneal disease or strabismus.
Therefore, children's eye exams in Ontario are free, regardless of their health, and the same applies to eye exams for seniors in Ontario. If you are supported by the Ontario Works program and do not have vision care coverage under OHIP, Ontario Works will cover the costs for routine eye exams once every 2 years.
How much is an eye exam in BC?
In British Columbia, the current range for the cost of an eye exam is from around $75 to over $300. The actual cost of an eye exam in BC naturally depends on your location and tests conducted. A contact lens exam is usually more expensive because it includes more comprehensive examinations and also a contact lens fitting.
The provincial healthcare plan in BC is the Medical Services Plan (MSP). It covers any expenses related to routine eye examinations for residents aged 65 and over as well as people aged 19 and under.
In addition, an eye exam cost in BC is covered by the MSP if it is medically required, meaning you have an ocular trauma, injury or disease, any vision impairment or certain disease that can affect the eyes, such as diabetes.
Watch out!
Some eye exam centres charge hidden, additional fees. Sometimes, patients end up paying unexpected extra fees for minor procedures that were not obvious during booking. Extra charges for additional examinations like pupillary distance measurement may be uncommon but do occur. Remember to ask what is included in your eye exam and inquire about extra charges before.
How much is an eye exam in Alberta?
An eye exam cost in Alberta is on the lower end of the Canadian provincial spectrum. The typical cost of an eye exam in Calgary, for example, is around $60 to $80, but it can cost over $160, depending on what specific services are included.
The Albertan provincial healthcare program is the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP), and it covers eye exams for:
- Minors. Until your 18th birthday, AHCIP covers a routine eye exam per year. Additional examination and assessment may also be covered based on medical needs.
- People aged 65+. Renewing every July 1, people aged 65 and over can get one routine eye exam per year. Certain diseases, such as diabetes, glaucoma and cataracts, can also have follow-up and additional monitoring under AHCIP.
- People who need urgent or medically necessary eye care. In these situations, referrals are not necessary. You can visit any certified optometrist as they often keep timeslots open in their day for urgent cases, from eye infections and injuries to foreign objects in the eyes or sudden changes in vision.
AHCIP does not cover eye exams for:
- People aged 19-64 who do not have a medical necessity for an eye exam. However, many Albertans unknowingly have eye care coverage through their employer’s insurance. It is worth checking whether this applies to you.
How much is an eye exam in Saskatchewan?
In Saskatchewan, routine eye exams cost between $70 and $250, depending on where you live, the complexity of the examination and the provider.
Provincial healthcare coverage in Saskatchewan is offered by the Saskatchewan Health Program. Coverage is similar to most other provinces as it includes annual, routine exams for individuals under the age of 18 and eye exams for ocular emergencies. However, older people are not covered by the provincial program.
But there are several insurances that cover these costs even for seniors above 55 and more. You could use our comparator to compare offers and find a health insurance plan that suits your unique needs and also get quick quotes from Canada's best providers.
Compare The Best Health Insurance Plans in Seconds
Where can I get an eye exam?
If you are looking for an eye exam provider near you, there are plenty of options spread across Canada. Most people might consider optometry clinics or other eye specialists, but there are alternative companies that offer quick services in convenient locations you might be already going to.
The following options are perfect for people looking for simple and quick eye examinations:
| Provider | Price |
|---|---|
| Lenscrafters eye exam cost | $120 |
| Walmart eye exam cost | $75 |
| Costco eye exam cost | $70 |
Good to know
Although Walmart and Costco offer basic, routine eye exams, LensCrafters offers a slightly more comprehensive service, which explains their increased price.
To schedule an eye exam, simply book an appointment on one of the provider’s websites or take a walk-in appointment on the day you intend to get your eyes examined.
What are the cheapest places to get an eye exam in Canada?
- University or teaching clinics: Optometry schools often have teaching clinics where eye exams may be offered at a reduced cost, as they are conducted by supervised students.
- Non-profit organisations: Some non-profit organisations or community clinics may offer subsidised or low-cost eye exams to individuals who meet certain eligibility criteria. But make sure they are authorised centres.
How often should you get an eye exam?
To keep your eyes healthy and your vision as good as possible, you should have a routine eye exam regularly. In Canada, 75% of vision loss is either preventable or treatable, but this only applies if the issue is caught early. With that in mind, here are the recommended intervals at which individuals should get their eyes examined:
| Age | Eye exam frequency |
|---|---|
| First year | Once |
| Between 2 and 5 years old | At least once |
| Between 6 and 19 years old | Annually |
| Between 20 to 39 years old | Every 2 to 3 years |
| Between 40 to 64 years old | Every 2 years |
| 65 and older | Annually |
Expert advice
Eye exams are not only about checking your eyesight. They identify possible health problems that need treatment. For many conditions, early detection is essential to avoid worsening symptoms. If you wait to have symptoms, it might already be late as many eye problems are only detectible in the early stages through an eye exam.
How long does an eye exam take?
A routine eye exam can take anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour, depending on a variety of factors. If you are a returning customer and don’t have any alarming symptoms, then your exam shouldn’t take longer than 30 minutes, but certain procedures are more time-consuming.
For example, if the optometrist has to dilate your pupils, the appointment will probably take closer to an hour. Similarly, anything related to contact lenses also takes longer.
Expert advice
Booking your appointment in advance skips the initial, bureaucratic steps of almost any health-related appointment, saving you precious minutes.
Are eye exams tax-deductible in Canada?
In all of Canada’s provinces, appointments with the optometrist can be claimed as medical expenses, so eye exams are tax-deductible. Note that eye exams should generally be performed by optometrists.
Good to know
Optometrists examine and diagnose their patients’ eyes, while opticians only fit eyeglasses and contact lenses and ophthalmologists are eye doctors who perform medical and surgical treatments for eye conditions.
FAQs on Eye Exams in Ontario
In Ontario, eye exams cost about $80 to $120 CAD for adults (20-64), depending on the provider and any additional tests. OHIP covers annual exams for children (under 20), seniors (65+), and for individuals with specific medical conditions.
LensCrafters eye exam costs generally range from $75 to $100 CAD. This price may vary based on location and any additional tests that may be required, such as digital retinal imaging or contact lens fittings, which can add to the cost. For the most precise pricing, including any potential discounts or insurance options, it’s best to confirm directly with your nearest LensCrafters location.
In Ontario, an eye exam at Walmart Vision Centre typically costs around $80 to $110 CAD. This price can vary slightly by location and may increase if additional services, like contact lens fittings, are needed. Walmart’s optometrists operate independently, so it’s best to confirm the exact cost with your local store.
In Canada, eye exams at Costco typically cost between $70 and $90 CAD, depending on location. Costco's optometrists operate independently, so prices may vary slightly. While Costco membership isn’t required for an eye exam, it is needed to purchase glasses or contacts from the optical department.
In Ontario, a standard eye exam with an optometrist typically costs between $80 and $120 CAD for adults aged 20 to 64 without insurance. OHIP covers the cost of annual eye exams for children under 20, seniors over 65, and adults with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or glaucoma.
