Eye exams - how much?

[dsu]

Now that OHIP doesn't cover eye exams, just wondering how much other people have paid for eye exams?

I called my optomertrist (whom i've been going to for close to 14 years) and found out that he is charging $105. I called around and have been quoted lower prices ($70-80). Why the big difference? Does my optomertist do something extra than the other optometrists?

[dr.rosenrosen]

$40 at walmart here in London.

[ItzMe]

105 sounds high for an optometrist...

My opthamologist does 'em for about 90$ in Vancouver, BC...not sure what the differential would be to Ontario though ... (BC eliminated coverage for the routine exams a couple years ago as well...)

I wasn't 100% sure on the difference between opthamologist & optometrist (other than the opthamologist has an MD)...but google turned this up interestingly enough...


What is the difference between opthamologist, optician, and optometrist?
An Opthalmologist is a medical doctor (MD) who specializes in eyes.

An Optometrist is someone who has been trained to figure out prescriptions for glasses. Optometrists are not physicians and cannot prescribe medications or do eye surgery, etc. However, they do have a doctorate degree (Doctor of Optometry, OD).

An Optician is a technician who fills the prescription for your glasses. They can also fix your glasses should they break.



I'd assume that an opthamologist's rate would be higher because of the MD and then the sub-specialty and the like ... so yeah...105 definately sounds high!

[Headhunter]

Should be $40-50, $105 is outrageous...

[Jaytee]

I just got one done, it was $60 total. I think a lot of doctors charge around $50.

[civic6url]

I just called my optometris at Pacific Mall, Markham. If you are at the age between 20 - 60 then is $70, if you are under 20 or over 60 then you are free.

[Gee]

Find an Optician, usually they have an Optometrist on site and the Optician will pay the fee for you if you purchase glasses. I have seen several in the Mississauga area that offer free exams.

Of course they just hide the price in the frames. But who says you can't haggle over the frames? I have a friend that is an optician and she tells me, the frames are marked up 400%

[Topher]

Hakim Optical charges $80 here. If you're near a University with an optometry department, then try through them. I know the U of Waterloo does it, and they take most insurances (my insurance covers both the exam and one set of glasses every 2 years).

[mochachicka]

I just paid $70...sounds like your optometrist is just being greedy :cheesygri

[Arrow]

I pay about $85 for my exams from my ophthamologist.

[nx2k]

i paid $98 for mine in late december

[Jbently]

I paid $70 for my exam about three weeks ago.

[blackhawk]

50 bucks last week, place only does exams, no glasses!

[cOmAtOaSt]

Find an Optician, usually they have an Optometrist on site and the Optician will pay the fee for you if you purchase glasses. I have seen several in the Mississauga area that offer free exams.

Of course they just hide the price in the frames. But who says you can't haggle over the frames? I have a friend that is an optician and she tells me, the frames are marked up 400%
Places like this will make a killing once people find them. I have eye glass coverage so I'll be seeking these places out; I'd rather the insurance company pay for the exam than me! Are any of the ones you mentioned located in other cities?

[eh^]

paid 70.00 last yr

[Arrow]

I would go to an opthomologist because they sound like they could identify any disease associated with your eyes.

I have never had a physical check up since i was a kid. I have a doctor but he has never suggested it. He's not senile. It seems like they are too busy. I'd rather just go to a nurse. Family physician are overeducated for what they do.

I disagree with that, actually :)
You might be young and healthy now, but when you're older and have 5 different disease states, you'd be grateful for the education s/he has under his/her belt.

[surreybc]

more doctors.

[ferkel]

I just paid $85 for my eye exam.. i thought thas obscene.. especially when it only took about 7 miniutes...

For everyone that is paying $70+ does that include dilation of the eyes, etc? I feel ripped off still even tho my exam was last week :D

[Topher]

I paid $65 at the U of Waterloo Optometry department to have a 3rd year optometry hottie (http://cclr.uwaterloo.ca/Public/ppl_KyverisA.asp) do the exam. One of the professors came in throughout the entire exam and checked all her work. I have never had such a thorough exam in my life. It lasted 2 hours!! They even mapped my retinas. I learned that it is possible to have freckles on your retina (I apparently do), and that I must have had some injury to my retina that I never knew about, but they found it. I had a headache the rest of the day from that part, but I have never had any type of physical exam last that long.

[Wildfire]

I paid $65 at the U of Waterloo Optometry department to have a 3rd year optometry hottie (http://cclr.uwaterloo.ca/Public/ppl_KyverisA.asp) do the exam. One of the professors came in throughout the entire exam and checked all her work. I have never had such a thorough exam in my life. It lasted 2 hours!! They even mapped my retinas. I learned that it is possible to have freckles on your retina (I apparently do), and that I must have had some injury to my retina that I never knew about, but they found it. I had a headache the rest of the day from that part, but I have never had any type of physical exam last that long.
Woah two hours? What the heck, did she finish you off afterwards too?
Nudge, nudge, wink, wink. Say no more?

FYI I paid $75 @ Yorkdale a couple of few weeks ago in T.O.

[gman]

Now that OHIP doesn't cover eye exams, just wondering how much other people have paid for eye exams?

I called my optomertrist (whom i've been going to for close to 14 years) and found out that he is charging $105. I called around and have been quoted lower prices ($70-80). Why the big difference? Does my optomertist do something extra than the other optometrists?

Yes. Some optomertist may do more.

My optomertist charges $85 but then he found potential problem in my eyes. I need to do ultra sound to measure something in my eyes and take photos for future reference (to compare if they become worse next year). The final bill $150.

[SirAlain]

105 sounds high for an optometrist...

My opthamologist does 'em for about 90$ in Vancouver, BC...not sure what the differential would be to Ontario though ... (BC eliminated coverage for the routine exams a couple years ago as well...)

I wasn't 100% sure on the difference between opthamologist & optometrist (other than the opthamologist has an MD)...but google turned this up interestingly enough...



I'd assume that an opthamologist's rate would be higher because of the MD and then the sub-specialty and the like ... so yeah...105 definately sounds high!

Is it true that if your eyes get checked by an opthamologist (if he/she does eye exams) - it is covered by your insurance?

I have $250 for vision and it would be nice if I dont have to subtract the $80-90ish optometrist eye exam from that... so I can have the full $250 to spend on my Rx eyeglasses.

Is this possible in Canada? I know it is in US.

[Thundercloud]

I paid $65 at the U of Waterloo Optometry department to have a 3rd year optometry hottie (http://cclr.uwaterloo.ca/Public/ppl_KyverisA.asp) do the exam. One of the professors came in throughout the entire exam and checked all her work. I have never had such a thorough exam in my life. It lasted 2 hours!! They even mapped my retinas. I learned that it is possible to have freckles on your retina (I apparently do), and that I must have had some injury to my retina that I never knew about, but they found it. I had a headache the rest of the day from that part, but I have never had any type of physical exam last that long.I've been to UW 3 times. And every single time, grade A hottie.

I don't know what kind of business they're running there.

[Jucius Maximus]

I pay $80, but it is a "real" eye exam where they examine the inside of your eyeball and test you for a variety of vision problems.

[Nikita]

If you suffer from diabetes, eye exams are free yearly. I believe there are other conditions that qualify for free exams as well, but don't know what they are. If you have any medical conditions at all, you might want to check into whether they give you free exams. If you have diabetes, just let the eye doctor know, automatic free eye exams. And it includes everything including the retinol imaging.

[Sgt_Strider]

I think my exam cost me about $70, but UBC covered part of the cost so it end up costing a bit less than that. I forgot how much, but the test was really quick. It took about 15 minutes for her to conclude that I need glasses.

[aquariaguy]

Is it true that if your eyes get checked by an opthamologist (if he/she does eye exams) - it is covered by your insurance?

I have $250 for vision and it would be nice if I dont have to subtract the $80-90ish optometrist eye exam from that... so I can have the full $250 to spend on my Rx eyeglasses.

Is this possible in Canada? I know it is in US.


No, if you see an OMD it's charged to OHIP. But you can't go see an OMD for an eye exam, they won't accept that. They are way too busy to be doing eye exams.

I don't think insurance's in the US pay for eye exams in OMD, actually I'll be surprised if an OMD does eye exams because its not worth his time. Usually he passes it to the OD, I think thats what you're referring to, at a OD/OMD practice.

[aquariaguy]

If you suffer from diabetes, eye exams are free yearly. I believe there are other conditions that qualify for free exams as well, but don't know what they are. If you have any medical conditions at all, you might want to check into whether they give you free exams. If you have diabetes, just let the eye doctor know, automatic free eye exams. And it includes everything including the retinol imaging.

Diabetes, glaucoma, AMD, etc...

BTW, retinal imaging is NOT free and NOT covered by OHIP. It runs around $50.

[huangpu]

I paid $65 at the U of Waterloo Optometry department to have a 3rd year optometry hottie (http://cclr.uwaterloo.ca/Public/ppl_KyverisA.asp) do the exam. One of the professors came in throughout the entire exam and checked all her work. I have never had such a thorough exam in my life. It lasted 2 hours!! They even mapped my retinas. I learned that it is possible to have freckles on your retina (I apparently do), and that I must have had some injury to my retina that I never knew about, but they found it. I had a headache the rest of the day from that part, but I have never had any type of physical exam last that long.

Nice:lol: , I want to go there too. Is this the website and phone number I should call?

http://www.optometry.uwaterloo.ca/clinic/pc.html

[blue mountain raider]

when did ohip stop covering eye exams?

[CSK'sMom]

I'll echo aquariaguy, there isn't an ophthalmologist who will take you as a patient for just eye exams. Because they treat eye diseases and do surgeries they are like most specialists and there is a wait time involved to even get into one (non-emergency) by referral only. But with that said, if you're already seeing one because of eye disease they can and will do eye exams. Our 16 yr old is just now being referred to an optometrist as he's been followed since he has strabismus surgery (knock on wood no revisions needed since initial correction).

[sillysimms]

I paid $60 at an optometrist at Square One.

Is it true that if your eyes get checked by an opthamologist (if he/she does eye exams) - it is covered by your insurance?

An initial eye exam by an opthamologist is not covered by OHIP. It is often better to go to an optometrist as they (generally) charge a lower fee for an eye exam than an ophthalmologist as an ophthalmologist is a medical doctor. If a problem is detected that requires further medical investigation that would be covered by OHIP. My friend had her eyes checked at an optometrist and they detected a problem that needed further investigation. She was referred to an ophthalmologist and that treatment was covered by OHIP.

If that is what you're referring to by insurance. If you're actually referring to insurance/benefits coverage it depends on your plan. Mine covers a certain amount for glasses every 2 years and will pay up to $80 every 2 years for eye exams.

[aquariaguy]

I paid $60 at an optometrist at Square One.



An initial eye exam by an opthamologist is not covered by OHIP. It is often better to go to an optometrist as they (generally) charge a lower fee for an eye exam than an ophthalmologist as an ophthalmologist is a medical doctor.


That's not really the reason you would go to an OD, just because we're cheaper. Matter of fact, I don't think any OMD's in the city will do an eye exam. It's VERY rare to see an OMD without a speciality. OD's are the primary eye care providers. You come to us first, and if we find something we refer. It's like going to your family doctor first, and than seeing a dermatologist after ... you need that referral to be able to go to an OMD. OD's are here for a reason.

Sadly, the laws in Ontario are very backwards, but will be changing soon. We have the WORST scope of practice in North America because of what the law allows us to do. Most of the states in the US allow OD's to do what we're trained to do!! Nope not in Ontario, we're always behind...by decades.

[sillysimms]

That's not really the reason you would go to an OD, just because we're cheaper. Matter of fact, I don't think any OMD's in the city will do an eye exam. It's VERY rare to see an OMD without a speciality.

My apologies. I didn't know that. My father went to an ophthalmologist recently for his eye exam without any medical conditions so I didn't know they don't generally do that. He was charged $110.

[aquariaguy]

My apologies. I didn't know that. My father went to an ophthalmologist recently for his eye exam without any medical conditions so I didn't know they don't generally do that. He was charged $110.

No need to apologise?? lol Oh thats interesting, must've been a VERY slow day for him. Which OMD was this? Was an OD working with him that did it?

[Error916]

I got mine for free if you get a referral from your family Doctor. But I am 18, does this have to do with it?

[Sgt_Strider]

I got mine for free if you get a referral from your family Doctor. But I am 18, does this have to do with it?

I don't know if this is a Canada wide thing, but I had free eye exams until I was 19. Since then, I've had to pay for everyone of my eye exams.

[aquariaguy]

I got mine for free if you get a referral from your family Doctor. But I am 18, does this have to do with it?


Yup it's because you were 18 and still covered under OHIP. WHen you're older, your parents insurance plan might cover you. OHIP stopped cover people after 18 (or was it 19) not sure, anyways they stopped covering everyone a few years ago. Only under 19 and over 64 now. (maybe 18 and 65 not really sure)

[champlinD]

Effective November 1, 2004 (http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/public/pub/ohip/eyecare.html)

Routine eye examinations provided by either an optometrist or physician, for patients aged 20 to 64 are no longer covered by OHIP. These individuals pay for this service or have the cost of examinations covered by private insurance.

[Nikita]

Diabetes, glaucoma, AMD, etc...

BTW, retinal imaging is NOT free and NOT covered by OHIP. It runs around $50.

I just had my eye exam last month including retinal imaging. I'm diabetic and I wasn't charged for it. Same last year, wasn't charged.

[Psenical]

I usually pay 70-80 but insurance covers it every two years.

[tigger03]

$60 cash (they insisted on this) at the Square One Wal-Mart in Mississauga.

[sillysimms]

No need to apologise?? lol Oh thats interesting, must've been a VERY slow day for him. Which OMD was this? Was an OD working with him that did it?

I'm not sure who the ophthalmologist was, I'd have to call and ask him, but it was in Mississauga. As far as I know, there wasn't an optometrist there. We had an optometrist that was great, but he retired. We were there for at least 1.5 hours during each appointment. I can't see that it was worth his time, but he's retired now. The rest of us found another optometrist for our eye exams, but my father decided to go to an ophthalmologist for his eye exam.

[SirAlain]

Ok, thanks for all the clarification everyone!

[aquariaguy]

I just had my eye exam last month including retinal imaging. I'm diabetic and I wasn't charged for it. Same last year, wasn't charged.

Wow that's news. Interesting. And OHIP paid it for you? Or private insurance? Gotta look into this.

[sillysimms]

I just had my eye exam last month including retinal imaging. I'm diabetic and I wasn't charged for it. Same last year, wasn't charged.

Patients with specific conditions still receive eye exams covered by OHIP and are able to have an OHIP covered eye exam once a year. Other conditions not listed may also be covered. These conditions include:

Diabetes mellitus
Glaucoma
Cataracts
Retinal disease
Amblyopia
Visual field defects
Corneal disease
Strabismus

http://72.14.205.104/search?q=cache:Bh31w_VDoCUJ:www.health.gov.on.ca/english/providers/program/ohip/resources/fs_eyecare_110104.pdf+ohip+diabetic+eye+exam&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=1&gl=ca

Edited to add: I have one of the conditions that allows eye exams covered by OHIP. My optometrist told me that yes it is covered under OHIP, but since my group benefit insurance will pay 100% for the eye exam, he would prefer that I put it through my insurance rather than OHIP. I don't know how much OHIP pays, but he said it was much less than the $60 he was charging me. Since I could submit it to my insurance plan for 100%, he said that would work better for him and wouldn't cause me problems since I'd get the full amount back.

[spamblockers]

My GF ended up going to this one place in Scarborough for $80 :|

[Nikita]

Wow that's news. Interesting. And OHIP paid it for you? Or private insurance? Gotta look into this.

OHIP paid for it, I don't have private insurance.

[Piccolo]

Now that OHIP doesn't cover eye exams, just wondering how much other people have paid for eye exams?

I called my optomertrist (whom i've been going to for close to 14 years) and found out that he is charging $105. I called around and have been quoted lower prices ($70-80). Why the big difference? Does my optomertist do something extra than the other optometrists?

I paid $80 and was reimburst $50 from work. The place beside Lenscrafters in Scarborough Town Centre. This was over a year ago.

[spawn582]

i paid $88 at yorkdale. i get $60 reimbursement from work. they are quite thorough and have going there for 6-8 years.