Does OHIP cover eye exams?
The Ontario government healthcare plan, also known as OHIP, only covers some people for eye exams.
OHIP covers eye exams for:
Children and youth under 19 years of age
1 major eye exam every 12 months + any minor assessment if needed
People aged 65 and older
1 major eye exam every 18 months + 2 follow-up minor assessments
People who are 20 or older and have conditions like diabetes or eye diseases like glaucoma, cataracts and others
1 major eye exam every 12 months + 2 follow-up minor assessments
There may also be some additional vision coverage for people who are eligible for the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) or Ontario Works.
Is OHIP coverage enough for eye exams for adults?
OHIP does not cover eye exams for adults unless you are over 65 or have certain medical conditions.
This means that many adults in Ontario have to pay out-of-pocket for an eye exam.
In Canada, the average eye exam costs $190.
Can private insurance help pay for eye exams in Ontario?
Yes, private insurance can help cover eye exams.
Workplace benefits often include vision coverage. If you don’t have workplace benefits, have lost your benefits or your benefits don’t include vision coverage, you can also get help covering eye exams through private health insurance like Canada Life’s Freedom to Choose health and dental insurance.
For example, with our popular Select plus plan, you receive a $75 credit to spend on vision expenses every 2 years. If an eye exam costs $190, you only pay $115 out-of-pocket.
Private insurance is also useful if you retire before you turn 65 and lose your workplace benefits before provincial coverage kicks in. As vision can change with age and the risk of serious eye diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration increases, having e coverage for an eye exam can be key for maintaining eye health in your 50s and early 60s.
This coverage can also help cover other vision-related expenses, like contact lenses or prescription glasses.
Why do eye exams matter?
Eye exams are important for your overall wellbeing. As the Canadian Association of Optometrists says, “your eyes are windows to your overall health.”
A comprehensive eye exam can detect underlying conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease and even some cancers. It also helps catch eye conditions or diseases like glaucoma early.
Eye exams ensure you have the best possible vision. Need a new prescription? An eye exam will reveal that.