Patients
Who pays for eye exams
OHIP covers eye exams for some people in Ontario, based on age and eye health. Here is who is covered, and what to expect if you are not.
OHIP coverage at a glance
- Age 19 and under
- OHIP covers 1 major eye exam every 12 months, plus any minor assessments needed.
- Age 20 or older with an eligible condition
- OHIP covers 1 major eye exam every 12 months, plus 2 follow-up minor assessments.
- Age 65 and over
- OHIP covers 1 major eye exam every 18 months, plus 2 follow-up minor assessments (every 12 months with an eligible condition).
- Age 20 to 64 without an eligible condition
- Eye exams are not covered by OHIP. You pay for the exam, or your insurance plan may.
- Glasses and contact lenses
- Not covered by OHIP.
OHIP coverage in detail
The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) covers some eye exams, based on your age and your eye health. Please bring your health card to every visit.
Eligible medical conditions (age 20 and older)
OHIP covers a major eye exam every 12 months for adults with one of these conditions:
- Diabetes
- Glaucoma that is being treated, or has been treated, with medication, laser (other than preventive laser peripheral iridotomy) or surgery
- Cataracts or posterior capsular opacification, when vision in your better eye with glasses or contact lenses is 20/40 or worse, or when you are referred for surgery
- Retinal disease that is sudden (acute) or getting worse over time (chronically progressive)
- Corneal disease that is acute or chronically progressive
- Uveitis, during episodes of active inflammation
- Optic pathway disease that is acute or chronically progressive
- An acquired cranial nerve palsy causing strabismus (an eye turn), during the acute phase or until it resolves or stabilizes
- Screening for eye effects of the medicines hydroxychloroquine, chloroquine, ethambutol or tamoxifen
Since September 1, 2023, a referral from a family doctor no longer makes an eye exam OHIP-insured for adults aged 20 to 64.
Source: Ontario Ministry of Health, What OHIP covers (page updated April 22, 2026). OHIP rules can change, and the rules in force on the day of your visit apply.
If OHIP does not cover your exam
You pay the clinic for the exam. Please ask about our current fees when you book. We will tell you the fee for any service that OHIP does not cover before we provide it.
Private or workplace insurance
Private and workplace health insurance plans often cover part of the cost of eye exams, glasses or contact lenses. What is covered depends on your plan, so check with your insurance company.
Bring your insurance details to your visit, and ask us whether we can bill your insurance company directly.
Other programs
You may be eligible for more eye care coverage if you receive support from the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) or Ontario Works. Federal programs, such as Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) for First Nations and Inuit and the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP), may also help. Ask us, or your program worker, what is covered.
Information: Not sure if you are covered?
Call us at (519) 663-9292 before your visit. We can explain what OHIP covers and our fees for services that it does not cover.
Book an eye exam
Choose a time online and we will confirm it with you, or call (519) 663-9292.