Do I Need an Optometrist?
Answer 3 quick questions to find the right eye care near you
Question 1 of 3
What brings you in?
Types of Eye Care
👁️Comprehensive Eye ExamsFull vision and eye health assessment, prescription updates🔍Contact Lens FittingContact lens prescriptions, fittings, specialty lenses👶Pediatric Eye CareChildren's vision screening, lazy eye, learning-related vision issues💧Dry Eye TreatmentChronic dry eye diagnosis and management, meibomian gland treatment🔬Glaucoma ManagementGlaucoma screening, monitoring, and co-management🩺Diabetic Eye CareDiabetic retinopathy screening and monitoring🚨Emergency Eye CareRed eyes, foreign bodies, sudden vision changes, eye injuries📏Myopia ControlSlowing nearsightedness progression in children and teens🦯Low Vision ServicesSpecialized care for significant vision loss, assistive devices👓General OptometryRoutine eye care, glasses prescriptions, eye health monitoring
Find an Optometrist Near You
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Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I get an eye exam?▾
Adults aged 20-64 should have an eye exam every 2 years. Children, seniors (65+), and people with diabetes or a family history of eye disease should go annually. Many eye conditions have no symptoms in early stages.
How much does an eye exam cost in Canada?▾
A comprehensive eye exam typically costs $75-$150. Many provinces cover eye exams for children and seniors through provincial health plans. Check your province's coverage — you may not need to pay anything.
What's the difference between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist?▾
Optometrists are primary eye care providers who do eye exams, prescribe glasses and contacts, and diagnose/treat many eye conditions. Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who perform eye surgery and treat complex eye diseases. Your optometrist will refer you to an ophthalmologist if needed.
Are eye exams covered by provincial health insurance?▾
Coverage varies by province. Ontario covers annual exams for those under 20 and 65+. BC covers exams for children and seniors. Alberta covers annual exams for all ages. Quebec covers exams for those under 18 and 65+. Check your province's specific coverage.
Can an optometrist detect health problems beyond eye issues?▾
Yes! Eye exams can reveal early signs of diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, autoimmune diseases, and even some cancers. Your optometrist examines blood vessels and nerve tissue that can indicate systemic health conditions.