Taking care of your eyes should always be a priority. Regular comprehensive eye exams are a simple and effective way to stay on top of your eye health and vision, but too many people overlook their importance. While regular check-ups are key, the cost can be a concern for some.
Eye exams can cost anywhere between $100 and $250 in Ontario, depending on your optometrist’s experience, available equipment, and any additional testing required. For many Ontario residents, the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) covers eye exams, though specific criteria must be met to qualify for coverage.
The Importance of Comprehensive Eye Exams
Regular eye exams are about much more than just updating a prescription for glasses or contacts. They are a vital step in detecting eye disease and other medical conditions that might otherwise go undiagnosed.
During a comprehensive eye exam, your optometrist performs a series of tests to screen for conditions such as:
- Refractive errors
- Glaucoma
- Age-related macular degeneration
- High blood pressure
- Cataracts
- Diabetes
By catching these conditions early at your eye exam, allows for swifter and often more effective treatment, helping to protect your long-term vision and overall health.
What to Expect During Your Visit to Oxford Optometry
When you come for your eye exam at Oxford Optometry, we aim to make the process as comfortable and thorough as possible. To prepare for your visit, please bring the following:
- A list of any medications, including supplements, you are currently taking.
- Your most recent prescription for glasses and/or contact lenses.
- Notes on any recent, unusual eye symptoms you have experienced.
- Your family and medical history.
Your optometrist will discuss your history and concerns before beginning a series of tests to evaluate your visual acuity, eye movement, refraction, and peripheral (side) vision. The entire process typically takes about 20–40 minutes, though it may be longer if additional testing is required. Our goal is to gain a complete understanding of your eye health.
Understanding OHIP Coverage for Eye Care
The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) is a public health insurance program that covers many essential medical services for residents. When it comes to eye care, OHIP provides coverage for specific groups:
- Children and youth (19 and under): One comprehensive eye exam per year, along with any necessary minor assessments.
- Seniors (65 and over): One comprehensive eye exam every 18 months, plus 2 minor assessments.
- Adults with medical conditions: One comprehensive eye exam per year for adults (ages 20 and over) with a qualifying medical condition affecting their eyes (e.g., diabetes, glaucoma, cataracts).
For healthy adults between the ages of 20 and 64, OHIP does not cover routine eye exams. In these cases, the cost is the patient’s responsibility.
Our Transparent Pricing at Oxford Optometry
The cost of a comprehensive eye exam can vary across clinics in Ontario. At Oxford Optometry, we believe in providing exceptional value and transparency.
Our current fees are $188 for a comprehensive eye exam with diagnostic images and $231 for a full contact lens eye exam with diagnostic images. The Ontario Association produces a suggested fee schedule for clinics, and we are proud to offer quality services at significantly lower rates to help our patients receive affordable, comprehensive, innovative eye care.
Schedule Your Eye Exam with Confidence
Regular comprehensive eye exams are a simple yet critical step in protecting your vision and overall health. At Oxford Optometry, we are dedicated to providing personalized care to every patient.Ready to take the next step for your eye health? Contact us today to book an appointment with our team!
