How Much Does an Eye Exam Cost?
Taking care of your eyesight is essential, and knowing exactly where your eyes stand matters. An eye exam — or vision test — not only tells you whether you need new glasses, it also lets you check that your eyes are healthy and that you’re not at risk.
What do eye exams cost in Quebec (for those not covered)?
In Quebec, depending on the eyewear store where you get your eye exam with retinal imaging included, prices generally range between $130 and $150. In Montreal, this amount is often even higher.
A complete eye exam in Montreal costs $135 (with retinal imaging) at Art d’y Voir, on Saint-Laurent Boulevard.
Your eye exam is free if you meet certain conditions:
Eye exams (with retinal imaging) are covered by public health insurance in Quebec for people who are:
- under eighteen years old
- over 65 years old
- social assistance recipients
When should you get an eye exam?
For adults ages 19 to 64, an eye exam every two years is recommended.
However, people with diabetes should get a vision test once a year instead.
Cost of an eye exam for seniors 65+ in Montreal
In Quebec, eye exams for seniors are covered by RAMQ (the provincial health plan). However, certain additional tests aren’t covered and require a $40 supplement.
Cost breakdown
| Type of exam | Covered by RAMQ | Additional fees |
|---|---|---|
| Annual optometric exam | ✅ Yes | ❌ None |
| Retinal photo + OCT | ❌ No | $40 |
The $40 supplement for retinal photography and OCT is strongly recommended, as it helps detect diseases like AMD or glaucoma early.
What RAMQ covers for seniors 65+
RAMQ (Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec) covers one complete optometric exam per year for people 65 and older.
📌 What’s included in coverage:
✔️ Visual acuity assessment
✔️ Intraocular pressure check (glaucoma screening)
✔️ Refraction test to determine the correction needed
✔️ Detection of common eye diseases
⚠️ Not included: retinal photography and OCT, which require an additional fee.
