Did you know that 68% of adult Canadians wear corrective lenses? Corrective lenses refers to optical devices that are used to correct conditions such as astigmatism, myopia and hypermetropia. At the time this article was updated in November of 2022 those numbers are reported to be the same.
With the use of electronic devices, our vision is even more at risk. Using laptops or tables for work and school, followed by watching television or playing video games for fun, we end up straining our eyes constantly. Even reading for fun is done using a smartphone.
If you’re considering prescriptive lenses, it can feel overwhelming given all the options and choices available for you. The cost of prescription lenses in Canada can vary depending on the type of lenses and your specific needs. Keep on reading for a complete guide to the cost of prescription lenses.
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Update on the Former Canadian Optometrist Strike
At the time of the original posting of this article, Ontario optometrists voted to withdraw their services under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) starting September 2021. This came because of concerns raised the Canadian optometrists regarding years of underfunding. Thankfully, this strike came to an official end on Monday, November 23, 2021. While they are still in formal negotiations with the government, they are now seeing children and seniors covered under OHIP.
OHIP covers one eye exam per year. An eye exam costs $98 for an optometrist, whereas the Ontario government only paid them $44.65 for conducting the eye exam under OHIP. This meant that Ontario optometrists had to take 45% of the cost on their dime.
Following this announcement, the Ontario government agreed to pay $39 million to Ontario optometrists for retroactive application of the increase in cost for service. They will continue negotiations on future funding and fee increases.
There was a backlog of service because of this strike. This announcement by the Ontario government was expected to result in Ontario optometrists continuing to provide services.
What Are Prescription Lenses?
Prescription lenses are typically made from plastic but are considered "organic glass". They are not as heavy as traditional glass resulting in far more comfort for both the backs of the ears and nose. The plastic nature of them make them much more impact resistant. The four types of plastic used to make prescription lenses are: Plastic, High-Index Plastics, Trivex and Polycarbonate.
How Do Prescription Lenses Work?
Prescription lenses basically work as a diversion for light. Your unique prescription is designed specifically so that the light which would normally be absorbed by your eyes, is deflected to decrease your focus on it. It allows the rays of light to evenly be distributed to your retina where they belong.
When you go to an optometrist, they provide you with a prescription. You can use the prescription to get eyeglasses or prescription lenses. The prescription lenses can help correct your vision based on your degree of farsightedness, nearsightedness, or astigmatism.
Farsightedness means you can see distant objects clearly, but objects nearby may be clear. Nearsightedness is the opposite. In this condition, you can see objects near you clearly, but objects far away will be clear.
Astigmatism generally involves issues with the curvature of your eye that causes blurry vision for near and distance.
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There are many different types of prescription lenses. As technology improves, so does the type of prescription lenses available for you.
In the past, you would have been stuck with inch-thick prescription lenses depending on how high your prescription went. They would also have been made out of glass making them fragile and heavy.
Today, there are thinner, lighter, and scratch-resistant prescription lenses, each offering a unique technology to support your daily vision needs.
Tinted Lenses
Tinted lenses, as the name suggests, have a tint to the lens. These can be tinted prescription eyeglasses or tinted prescription sunglasses. If you’re sensitive to light, then tinted lenses may be right for you.
Tinted Lenses can also help with migraines as they filter out certain types of light. Fluorescent lights can cause eye strain and trouble concentrating for some people. Some tinted lenses can lessen the effect of fluorescent light.
You could have standard tinted glasses with one solid colour from top to bottom. You can even have gradient-tinted glasses that get lighter from top to bottom.
If you drive at night, the glare from the car headlights can make it difficult to concentrate and cause more eye strain. The right tinted lenses can help you feel more confident during nighttime driving.
Photochromic Lenses
Photochromic lenses are also called “transition lenses”. These lenses change from clear to dark when you go from inside to outside. They adapt to your environment.
The molecules in the photochromic lenses that cause the lenses to darken are activated by the sun’s ultraviolet rays. This means that your lenses will darken even on a cloudy day because of UV rays.
By getting a photochromic lens, your eyes are always protected without carrying around a second pair of sunglasses. These lenses protect your eyes from UV rays. Long-term exposure to sunlight and UV rays can lead to cataracts later in life.
Wavefront Technology - Abberometry
Wavefront technology was first developed for LASIK vision correction surgery. This technology is now used to perform better eye exams. It is an objective analysis. This technology allows for better prescriptions by automatically determining how light travels through and interacts with the eye.
Traditionally, the optometrist will keep showing you different lenses and you get to decide which one allows you to see better. It is a subjective approach to eye exams.
Progressive Lenses - Multi-focal Lenses
As you age, your vision can deteriorate. It becomes more difficult to focus between something close like a book and then something far like your television. If you’re having trouble focusing both near and far, then progressive lenses might be right for you.
Progressive lenses increase magnification from the top to the bottom of the lens. This helps you see clearly at all distances with a single pair of eyeglasses. They contain three separate prescriptions in one, allowing you to to read close up (such as reading an ingredient listing), perform mid-range distance tasks (such as computer work) and viewing objects from a distance (such as enjoying a mountainous view).
If you look through the bottom of the lenses, you can see closeup. The top part of the lenses allows you to see far-away objects.
Progressive lenses are different then bifocals or trifocals, which have a clear dividing line between the magnification. Progressive lenses, on the other hand, have a seamless transition between far and near. These can require some training and getting used to, to be able to know which part of the lenses you should look through at the right time.
Cost of Eye Lenses per Province
The cost of eye lenses can be different per province and depends on the particular Canadian optometrist or vision centre. With all eyeglasses now available online, this difference may not be as relevant anymore. The more important concern would be the cost of shipping.
PROVINCES
COSTS
NOTES
Ontario
$150 - For basic lenses and frames $150 to $300 - Higher and thinner lenses $400 to $1,300 - Progressive lenses
OHIP covers eye exams, but not the cost of prescription eyeglasses
Alberta
$100 to $300 - For basic lenses and frames $300 to $600 - Higher and thinner lenses
British Columbia
$150 - For basic lenses and frames $150 to $300 - Higher and thinner lenses $400 to $1,300 - Progressive lenses
If you’re on social assistance, you can get an eye exam every two years and new glasses up to a max. set by the province
New Brunswick
$150 - For basic lenses and frames $150 to $300 - Higher and thinner lenses $400 to $1,300 - Progressive lenses
The province does not have free health care for vision but children under the age of four can get one free eye exam
Newfoundland
$150 - For basic lenses and frames $150 to $300 - Higher and thinner lenses $400 to $1,300 - Progressive lenses
The province offers $125 towards single vision lenses and $175 for bifocals. This is offered to those people who receive income support.
Prince Edward Island
$150 - For basic lenses and frames $150 to $300 - Higher and thinner lenses $400 to $1,300 - Progressive lenses
All children in kindergarten get a free eye exam
Quebec
$79 - For basic lenses and frames around $180 - Higher and thinner lenses
If eligible for a social assistance program, you can get a reimbursement of $250 towards the cost of your prescription lenses
Saskatchewan
from $100 and up
Cost of Lenses in Ontario
Basic lenses in Ontario can average about $150 for basic frames. Stronger prescription and thinner lenses can cost around $150 to $300. Progressive lenses can range from $400 to $1300, depending on the type of range.
OHIP covers eye exams, but not the cost of prescription eyeglasses.
Cost of Lenses in Alberta
Basic lenses can cost anywhere from $100 to $300 in Calgary, Alberta. For higher prescriptions, the cost can increase from $300 to $600. Progressive lenses will end up costing you more.
Cost of Lenses in BC
The cost of lenses in BC can cost around the same as in other provinces. If you’re on social assistance, you can get an eye exam every two years and new glasses up to a maximum set by the government of B.C.
Cost of Lenses in Saskatchewan
The cost of lenses in Saskatchewan varies depending on the type of frames and lenses. It appears to be in the same range as the average prices in Ontario, from $100 upwards.
Cost of Lenses in PEI
The cost of lenses in PEI also appears to be in the same range as Ontario prices. PEI government is more interested in helping with healthy vision. All children in kindergarten get a free eye exam. The earlier you can get an eye exam, the greater your chances of dealing with vision problems. It can prevent vision problems in the long term.
Cost of Lenses in New Brunswick
The cost of lenses in New Brunswick also appears to be in the same range as Ontario prices.
Similar to Ontario, New Brunswick does not have free health care for vision. All children under the age of four can get one free eye exam.
Cost of Lenses in Quebec
The cost of lenses in Quebec can run from as low as $79 for the frame and basic lenses, to around $180 for progressive lenses. If you’re eligible for a social assistance program, you can get a reimbursement of $250 towards the cost of your prescription lenses.
Cost of Lenses in Newfoundland
The cost of lenses in Newfoundland varies depending on the type of lenses but seems to be the same as in other provinces. Newfoundland government offers $125 towards single vision lenses and $175 for bifocals as a contribution towards prescription lenses. This is offered to those people who receive income support.
Average Cost of Prescription Sunglasses
Rather than having transition lenses or tinted lenses, many people opt for a separate pair of prescription sunglasses. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, then prescription sunglasses are right for you.
On average, prescription sunglasses can cost you anywhere from $50 to $600. The increased cost can also be because of the brand name of the sunglasses. You can get cheaper sunglasses if they are a generic brand.
Protecting your eyes from the sun can save you from a lot of damage in the future including an increased risk of cataracts. The cost of prescription sunglasses should not stand in the way of healthy eyes.
Your provincial health care insurance may not cover eye care. For example, Ontario’s OHIP covers one eye exam per year but does not cover the cost of lenses. Check out Insurdinary for more information on government health plans.
Why Are Prescription Lenses and Glasses So Expensive?
Prescription lenses and eyeglasses can be expensive. The cost of lenses alone can range from $500 to $1,000, depending on how high your prescription is. The higher the prescription, the higher the cost of the lenses.
If you want to add a brand name frame that can increase your cost for your prescription eyeglasses even further. Since you will be using your eyeglasses daily, most people tend to splurge on high-quality, brand-name frames that will last you a long time.
The cost of lenses will increase depending on the type of lens you’re choosing. Adding a UV filter, blue light protection, or tints can also increase the cost. If your prescription is higher, then you will also want to pay extra for thinner lenses.
As you can see, prescription lenses can get very expensive. The right insurance can help with the cost of prescription lenses.
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How to Cover the Costs of Prescription Lenses in Canada
Government health plans don’t cover prescription lenses. The high cost of prescription lenses should not deter you from buying the right pair of prescription frames and lenses for strong vision.
Getting the right health insurance can help you cover the cost of your prescription lenses. Paying a higher premium may also allow you to get a better vision care plan that allows you to get the best lenses for you.
You can easily compare quotes on health insurance online with Insurdinary. A custom health insurance plan can cover eye care.
Best Places to Buy Prescription Frames and Lenses
You can either go to a brick-or-mortar store and work with experts to get the right fit. If you are an eyeglass veteran and you know your prescription, you can buy them online as well.
You can buy your eyeglasses at your doctor’s, but they can have a limited section. A retail vision store can offer more selection and a wide range of options. Warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam’s Club can also be your store for cheap prescription frames and lenses.
Of course, the easier place to buy prescription frames and lenses are online. These online stores can offer you better rates because they don’t need to pay rent for a storefront. Many online stores offer free returns and exchanges if you’re not happy with your purchase.
Don’t Let the Cost of Prescription Lenses Get in Your Way
Your vision is an essential part of your health. You need the right prescription lenses to live a comfortable life. The cost of prescription lenses in Canada should never stand in the way of managing your eye health. Check the nearest FYIdoctors location today to book an appointment with an Optometrist.
Check out Insurdinary for the most affordable quote for the best health insurance in Canada so you can get your prescription lenses right away.
