How Eye Exam Coverage Works in Canada (Province-by-Province Guide)
Eye exam coverage in Canada is not the same everywhere. Each province runs its own optometry plan. Who pays for an eye exam depends on three things: where you live, how old you are, and whether the exam is medically necessary.
This guide explains provincial eye exam coverage across Canada, with links to official sources you can verify.
In this guide:
- Quick summary of who gets covered
- Province-by-province details (Alberta to Saskatchewan)
- When exams are covered as medically necessary
- Cost if you pay yourself
- How often to get an eye exam
- How to book
Quick Summary: Who Gets Covered
- Kids: Most provinces cover at least one routine exam per year (or every two years).
- Seniors (65+): Most provinces cover at least one routine exam per year (or every two years).
- Adults 18–64: Usually not covered unless medically necessary or on income support.
Medically necessary exams (eye infections, injuries, diabetes, glaucoma, etc.) and emergency eye exams are usually covered for all ages.
Province-by-Province Details
Alberta (Alberta Health)
Covered: One routine eye exam per benefit year (July 1–June 30) for kids 18 and under and seniors 65 and over.
Not covered: Routine exams for adults 19–64.
Source: Alberta Association of Optometrists, Vision Coverage. AAO – Vision Coverage
British Columbia (MSP)
Covered: One full eye exam per year for kids under 19 and seniors 65 and over.
Not covered: Routine exams for adults 19–64.
Source: Province of British Columbia, MSP Eye Examination Benefits. BC Government – Eye Examination Benefits
Manitoba (Manitoba Health)
Covered: One routine eye exam every two years for people under 19 and adults 65 and over.
Not covered: Routine exams for adults 19–64.
Source: Government of Manitoba, Better Health – Vision care. Manitoba – Vision care
New Brunswick (Healthy Smiles, Clear Vision)
Covered: The provincial health plan does not cover routine eye exams.
The Healthy Smiles, Clear Vision program gives vision benefits (yearly eye exams, lenses, and frames) to eligible low-income families with kids.
Not covered: Routine exams for most adults and kids outside this program.
Source: Government of New Brunswick, Social Development, Healthy Smiles Clear Vision. NB – Healthy Smiles, Clear Vision
Newfoundland and Labrador (Eye See Eye Learn)
Covered: The Eye See Eye Learn program gives free eye exams and one pair of glasses (if needed) to kindergarten kids.
Not covered: Routine exams for most adults and kids outside this program.
Source: Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, Health and Community Services, Eye See Eye Learn. NL – Eye See Eye Learn
Nova Scotia (MSI)
Covered: One full eye exam every two years for kids under 10 and adults 65 and over.
Not covered: Routine exams for adults 10–64.
Source: Government of Nova Scotia, Department of Health and Wellness, Optometry Programs. Nova Scotia – Optometry Programs
Ontario (OHIP)
Covered: One routine eye exam per year for kids 19 and under and adults 65 and over.
Adults 20–64 may be covered if they have a covered condition (diabetes, glaucoma, cataracts, retinal disease).
Not covered: Routine exams for healthy adults 20–64.
Source: Ontario Ministry of Health, OHIP Infobulletin 230902 (September 2023). OHIP – Changes to insured optometry services
Prince Edward Island (PEEC & Eye See Eye Learn)
Covered: The Program for Elementary Eye Care covers annual eye exams and eyeglasses for kids in grades 1–6.
The Eye See Eye Learn program covers pre-K and kindergarten kids with one free exam and one free pair of glasses if needed.
Not covered: Routine exams for most adults and kids outside these programs.
Source: Government of Prince Edward Island, Program for Elementary Eye Care. PEI – Program for Elementary Eye Care
Quebec (RAMQ)
Covered: One complete eye exam per year for kids under 18 and adults 65 and over.
Emergency eye exams are covered for everyone with health insurance.
Not covered: Routine exams for adults 18–64.
Source: Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec, Optometric services. RAMQ – Optometric services
Saskatchewan (Supplementary Health Benefits)
Covered: Eye exams are covered through Supplementary Health Benefits for people in income support programs (Saskatchewan Income Support or SAID).
Kids and seniors who qualify get routine exams; adults 18–64 may get one exam every two years if they qualify.
Not covered: Routine exams for adults not in these programs.
Source: Saskatchewan Association of Optometrists, Eye Care Coverage. SAO – Eye Care Coverage
Not Covered for Your Age? You May Still Qualify
Provincial health plans usually cover eye exams when they are medically necessary: needed to find or treat a medical problem. Common examples:
- Eye infections
- Sudden vision loss
- Eye injuries
- Glaucoma monitoring
- Eye problems from diabetes
- Retinal disease
- Cataracts
Your doctor or optometrist can confirm if your exam counts as medically necessary. Rules vary by province.
Source: Ontario Ministry of Health, OHIP Infobulletin 230902 (September 2023). OHIP – Changes to insured optometry services
Eye Exam Cost When Not Covered
When an eye exam is not covered, you pay out of pocket or use private insurance. Typical costs:
- $90–$150 for a basic eye exam
- $150–$250 for a full exam with extra tests
Many work plans include vision benefits. For detailed eye exam cost by province, see our pricing guide.
Source: Dr. Jiwani & Associates – How Much Do Eye Exams Cost in Toronto?
How Often to Get an Eye Exam
The Canadian Association of Optometrists recommends:
- Kids: Once per year
- Adults (20–64): Every 1–2 years
- Seniors (65+): Once per year
Regular eye exams help find vision changes and eye disease early. Learn when to get an eye exam and recommended frequency by age.
Source: Canadian Association of Optometrists (2023). CAO – Eye Exam Frequency
How to Book an Eye Exam
iSeeWell helps you find optometrists and eye clinics across Canada, compare appointment times, and book an eye exam online.
For more eye care guides, visit our blog.