If you have recently moved to Toronto or are visiting from another country, this page explains how to get an eye exam here, what is different about eye care in Canada, and how payment works whether or not you have OHIP.
New to Toronto: how to get an eye exam
You can book directly with an optometry clinic in Ontario – you do not need a referral from a family doctor to have your eyes examined. At Spadina Optometry in downtown Toronto, you can book online or by phone, and our optometrists complete a comprehensive eye exam.
To make the most of your visit, bring your current glasses or contact lenses, a list of any medications you take, and your Ontario health card or insurance details if you have them.
What is different about an eye exam in Canada
An optometric eye exam in Canada is a comprehensive eye-health assessment, not only a vision or glasses check. Alongside measuring your prescription, our optometrists assess the health of your eyes and look for early signs of conditions such as glaucoma, diabetic changes, and high blood pressure that can first show up in the eye.
If you are used to a quick refraction at an optical shop, this health focus is the main difference. Learn more about what an eye exam can reveal about your health and what to expect at your first eye exam.
Do I need OHIP, and what does it cover?
You do not need OHIP to be seen – but if you have it, some exams are covered. OHIP covers routine eye exams for children under 20 and adults 65 and older, and for adults aged 20 to 64 with certain qualifying medical conditions. Most working-age adults pay out of pocket or through private insurance.
If you have just moved to Ontario, you may be eligible for OHIP – check whether you qualify and how to apply on the official Ontario OHIP page, and see our OHIP eligibility and coverage guide for what is covered. Until your OHIP is active, an exam is self-pay.
Using private or employer insurance
Many workplace and private health plans include vision benefits that help cover eye exams, glasses, or contact lenses. Spadina Optometry direct-bills a number of major insurers, so you may not need to pay upfront and submit a claim yourself. See our list of supported insurance plans and how vision insurance works, and contact us before your appointment if you are unsure what your plan covers.
Visiting Toronto without OHIP or Canadian insurance
If you are visiting from another country and do not have OHIP or Canadian insurance, you can still be seen – we bill you directly for the services provided. We give you an itemized receipt that you can submit to travel or out-of-country insurance for possible reimbursement, depending on your policy.
What an eye exam costs without insurance
Spadina Optometry offers competitive, transparent pricing for patients paying out of pocket. A comprehensive adult eye exam is $198, with fees for children and seniors depending on age and OHIP eligibility. All fees are explained upfront – see our fees and pricing page and eye exam prices for full details.
Related
- OHIP eligibility and eye exam coverage – who OHIP covers in Ontario
- Vision insurance and eye exams – benefits and direct billing
- Fees and pricing – self-pay costs and what to expect
- What your eye exam reveals about your health – the health focus explained
New to Toronto or just visiting?
Whether you have OHIP, private insurance, or are paying out of pocket, our optometrists can complete a comprehensive eye exam. Contact us before booking if you have any questions about the process or coverage.
Prefer to talk first? Call or text us at 416-703-2797.
Last reviewed: July 8, 2026