Eye Care and Optometrist Coverage by Province for Newcomers (2026)

Vision care is one of those healthcare needs that catches many newcomers off guard. In most home countries, basic eye exams and eyeglasses may be inexpensive or part of public healthcare. In Canada, however, eye care coverage through provincial health plans is limited, and the costs of exams, glasses, and contact lenses can add up quickly. Understanding what is covered, where to find affordable services, and how to use employer benefits for vision care can help you maintain good eye health without breaking the bank.

See also: Canadian Healthcare System Guide

This guide provides a detailed province-by-province breakdown of eye care coverage, typical costs, and affordable options for newcomers who may not yet have comprehensive insurance.

What Provincial Health Plans Cover for Eye Care

Each province covers eye care differently, but in general, coverage is limited to specific age groups and medical conditions. Here is the province-by-province breakdown:

Ontario (OHIP)

• Children and youth (0 to 19 years) — One comprehensive eye exam per year is covered.
• Seniors (65+) — One eye exam per year is covered.
• Adults aged 20 to 64 — OHIP covers eye exams only if you have a medical condition affecting the eye, such as diabetes, glaucoma, cataracts, or a retinal condition. Routine eye exams for healthy adults are NOT covered.
• Cost of a private eye exam — Approximately $75 to $150 for adults without coverage.

British Columbia (MSP)

• Children (0 to 18 years) — One eye exam per year covered.
• Seniors (65+) — One eye exam per year covered.
• Adults (19 to 64) — MSP does not cover routine eye exams. Eye exams for medical conditions may be covered with a physician referral to an ophthalmologist.
• Supplementary benefits (low-income) — Residents receiving premium assistance may receive up to $23.50 toward one eye exam every two years.
• Cost of a private eye exam — Approximately $100 to $175.

Alberta (AHCIP)

• Children (0 to 18 years) — One comprehensive eye exam per year covered.
• Seniors (65+) — One eye exam per year covered.
• Adults (19 to 64) — One eye exam every two years was previously covered, but as of recent changes, coverage is limited. Check with Alberta Health for current eligibility.
• Cost of a private eye exam — Approximately $90 to $150.

Quebec (RAMQ)

• Children (0 to 17 years) — One eye exam per year covered.
• Seniors (65+) — One eye exam per year covered.
• Adults (18 to 64) — Covered only for specific medical conditions (diabetes, glaucoma, etc.) or if you are a social assistance recipient.
• Cost of a private eye exam — Approximately $70 to $130.

Manitoba

• Children (0 to 18 years) — One eye exam per year covered.
• All adults (19+) — One complete eye exam every two years is covered by Manitoba Health. This is more generous than most provinces.
• Cost of additional exams — Approximately $80 to $120.

Saskatchewan

• Children (0 to 17 years) — One eye exam per year covered.
• Adults (18+) — One eye exam every two years covered for those with specific risk factors. Otherwise, not covered.

Atlantic Provinces

• Nova Scotia — Eye exams for children under 10 and adults 65+ covered once per year. Ages 10 to 64 are not routinely covered.
• New Brunswick — Eye exams for children (0 to 18) and seniors (65+) covered annually.
• Prince Edward Island — Limited coverage; primarily children and seniors.
• Newfoundland and Labrador — Eye exams for children (0 to 12) and adults with medical conditions covered.

Cost of Eyeglasses and Contact Lenses

Eyeglasses and contact lenses are generally NOT covered by any provincial health plan for the general population. Here are typical costs in Canada:

Eyeglasses

• Budget frames + basic lenses — $100 to $250 at discount retailers like Clearly, Zenni (online), or Costco Optical.
• Mid-range frames + lenses — $300 to $600 at chains like LensCrafters, Hakim Optical, or FYidoctors.
• Premium frames + progressive/specialty lenses — $500 to $1,200+ at independent opticians or designer frame stores.
• Online retailers — Websites like Clearly.ca, Zenni Optical, and EyeBuyDirect offer complete glasses (frames + lenses) starting as low as $30 to $50. You'll need your prescription details and pupillary distance (PD) measurement.

Contact Lenses

• Daily disposables — Approximately $300 to $800 per year depending on brand.
• Monthly disposables — Approximately $200 to $500 per year.
• Contact lens fitting fee — An additional $50 to $100 on top of the eye exam fee.

Using Employer Benefits for Vision Care

If you have extended health benefits through your employer, your plan likely includes vision care coverage. Typical employer plans offer:

• $200 to $500 every 24 months for eyeglasses or contact lenses.
• One eye exam per year or every two years covered up to $75 to $100.

Always check your benefits booklet for the exact amounts, eligible expenses, and claim process. Many plans now allow you to submit claims directly through a mobile app.

Affordable Vision Care Options for Newcomers

If you're a newcomer without insurance, here are ways to access affordable eye care:

Optometry School Clinics

The University of Waterloo School of Optometry and Vision Science operates a teaching clinic that provides comprehensive eye exams at reduced fees. The University of Montreal also operates a similar clinic. These clinics are staffed by supervised senior optometry students and licensed faculty.

Lions Club Eye Care Programs

Lions Clubs across Canada provide free or subsidized eye exams and eyeglasses to low-income individuals and families. Contact your local Lions Club or visit the Lions Clubs Canada website to find a participating club.

Ontario Eye Health Programs

In Ontario, the Eye See... Eye Learn program provides free eye exams and glasses (if needed) to junior kindergarten students. The program is available through participating optometrists across the province.

Costco Optical

Costco Optical consistently offers some of the most competitive prices for eyeglasses and contact lenses in Canada. Importantly, you do not need a Costco membership to use the optical department in most provinces (Ontario, for example, requires optical services to be accessible to non-members). Eye exams at Costco are conducted by independent optometrists and cost approximately $75 to $85.

Online Retailers

Buying glasses online can save you 50% to 80% compared to brick-and-mortar stores. Reputable options include:

• Clearly.ca — Canadian company with a wide selection and regular sales. Free shipping on orders over $50.
• Zenni Optical — US-based but ships to Canada. Glasses starting from approximately $10 USD.
• EyeBuyDirect — Affordable frames with regular buy-one-get-one promotions.

When to See an Eye Doctor Urgently

While routine eye care can wait until you have coverage, certain symptoms require immediate attention. Go to an emergency room or see an ophthalmologist urgently if you experience:

• Sudden vision loss in one or both eyes
• Flashes of light or a sudden increase in floaters
• A curtain or shadow across your vision
• Severe eye pain
• Chemical exposure to the eye
• Eye injury from a foreign object

Emergency eye care at a hospital is covered by all provincial health plans. For general eye health information, visit Public Health Agency of Canada's eye health page, and explore our guide to prescription coverage for related information on managing healthcare costs.

Tips for Saving on Eye Care as a Newcomer

Even when provincial coverage is limited, there are several strategies newcomers can use to reduce their out-of-pocket eye care costs in Canada. First, check if your employer offers a health benefits plan that includes vision care — many Canadian employers provide coverage for eye exams and a portion of eyeglass or contact lens costs every one to two years. If you are a student, your college or university likely includes a student health plan with vision benefits in your tuition fees.

Second, consider visiting optometry schools for discounted eye exams. Universities with optometry programs, such as the University of Waterloo School of Optometry and Vision Science, often offer supervised eye exams at reduced rates. Third, look into warehouse and discount retailers like Costco Optical and Clearly for affordable eyeglasses and contact lenses. Online retailers can also offer significant savings compared to traditional optical shops, with prescription glasses starting as low as $20 to $50 per pair.

Finally, keep all your eye care receipts. Even if costs are not covered by your provincial plan, you may be able to claim eligible medical expenses — including prescription eyeglasses, contact lenses, and laser eye surgery — as a tax deduction on your annual Canadian tax return using the medical expense tax credit.

See also: First-Year Tax Filing Guide