Affordable Optometry in Canada
Eye examinations are publicly covered for some people and not others. Most provinces fund a routine exam for children and for older adults, and leave working-age adults to pay unless they have a qualifying medical condition — a dividing line that catches out almost everybody who falls on the wrong side of it. A private exam costs roughly $90 to $150.
- Typical private cost
- $90–$150 per session
- Regulated by
- College of Optometrists of Ontario
Public coverage differs from province to province. Where a rule below names a provincial plan, check the equivalent where you live — Canada.ca lists them all.
Who gets an OHIP-covered eye exam
OHIP covers a routine eye examination once every 12 months for people aged 19 and under and 65 and over. For those aged 20 to 64 it does not — unless you have a qualifying medical condition such as diabetes, glaucoma, cataracts, retinal disease or certain others, in which case an exam is covered whatever your age.
Diabetes is the one people most often miss. If you have it, your eye examination is covered and you should not be paying for it. Say so when you book.
What the fee does and does not include
A quoted exam price usually covers the sight test and basic health check. Retinal imaging, dilation drops and contact lens fitting are frequently extra, and a contact lens assessment is a separate charge from a glasses prescription almost everywhere.
Your prescription belongs to you. You are entitled to a copy and can fill it anywhere, which is often where the real saving on glasses is found.
How paying less works here
Tell us the most you can pay and we match you with optometrists registered with the College of Optometrists of Ontario who have agreed to work within it.
Frequently asked questions
How much does optometry cost without insurance?
Privately, optometry in Canada usually costs $90 to $150 per visit, depending on the city. A first appointment sits at the top of that range or above it, because it is longer and includes an assessment. Through AffordableHealth.ca, professionals who have opted into sliding-scale pricing currently start at $90 per visit.
Does OHIP cover optometry?
Sometimes. OHIP covers a routine eye examination once a year for people 19 and under and 65 and over. Adults aged 20 to 64 usually pay privately, unless they have a medical condition affecting the eyes — diabetes and glaucoma among them — which makes the exam covered at any age.
Why is the first visit more expensive than the ones after it?
A first appointment with a optometrist normally runs $150 to $195 because it is longer and includes a full history and assessment. Follow-up visits are shorter and typically cost $90 to $120. When you are comparing prices, make sure you are comparing the same kind of visit.
Can I ask for a lower fee?
Yes, and it is more common than people expect. Many optometrists keep a small number of reduced-fee places for people paying out of pocket, but they rarely advertise them — you have to ask. That is what this site is for: you tell us what you can afford, and we only introduce you to professionals who have already agreed to work in that range. It is free for patients and we do not take a share of what you pay.
Will my work benefits pay for it?
Often, at least in part. Extended health plans usually set an annual maximum per service rather than covering everything, and many require the practitioner to hold a specific designation. Two things worth doing before you book: ask your insurer what your remaining balance is for this year, and ask the clinic whether they can bill your insurer directly so you are not out of pocket while you wait for reimbursement. A Health Spending Account can usually be used for the rest.
How do I check a optometrist is properly registered?
Every optometrist practising in Ontario must be registered with the College of Optometrists of Ontario, which publishes a free public register you can search by name. It shows whether the registration is current and whether there are any restrictions or discipline findings. We check this register before a professional appears on AffordableHealth.ca, and re-check it on a schedule — but you can and should look anyone up yourself.
Sources
- Ontario Ministry of Health — OHIP eye care coverage
- College of Optometrists of Ontario
Updated: 12 September 2026. AffordableHealth.ca is a directory and matching service, not a health-care provider. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.