Les soins oculaires au Québec sont généralement hors couverture RAMQ pour les adultes.
1. Eye care in Quebec: who does what
In Quebec, two professionals handle eye health:
- Optometrist: performs vision exams, prescribes glasses and contact lenses, can diagnose some eye conditions. For routine vision exams and getting a glasses or contacts prescription, you see an optometrist.
- Ophthalmologist: a medical eye specialist — treats eye diseases, performs surgeries, can also prescribe glasses. For medical issues (cataracts, glaucoma, retina problems), you need an ophthalmologist, usually on referral from your family doctor.
- Optician: the professional who makes and sells glasses and lenses on prescription — does not prescribe, only fulfills the prescription.
2. What RAMQ covers for eye care
RAMQ covers eye care in a very limited way for adults:
- Adults 18–64: RAMQ does not cover routine optometrist vision exams — you pay out of pocket.
- Children under 18 and adults 65+: RAMQ covers one optometrist vision exam every two years.
- Medical eye emergencies and ophthalmologist consultations when medically necessary and on referral are covered.
For the vast majority of working adults, vision exams and glasses or contacts are entirely self-funded unless they have private or group insurance.
3. How much does it cost
Realistic price ranges for eye care in Quebec:
| Service/Product | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Optometrist vision exam | $80–120 |
| Basic frames + single-vision lenses | $100–200 |
| Progressive or anti-reflective lenses (full pair) | $300–600 |
| Costco Optical (progressive glasses) | $150–250 |
| Daily disposable contacts (annual) | $200–500 |
| Contacts ordered online (Clearly.ca) | 30–50% less than in-store |
4. Affordable options
For those without vision insurance, several options help reduce costs:
- Costco Optical (with Costco membership): best province-wide prices for progressive and anti-reflective glasses, with on-site optometrists for the exam.
- Discount optical chains like Clearly Vision or optical counters in some pharmacies — competitive prices.
- Online contacts from Clearly.ca or 1-800-Contacts: 30–50% savings vs. clinic prices.
- Social assistance recipients: RAMQ may cover one pair of glasses every three years.
- Lions Clubs and community organizations: sometimes organize free or reduced-cost vision clinics in some regions.
5. Frequently asked questions
Common questions about eye care in Quebec.
Is a vision exam covered by RAMQ?
It depends on your age. For children under 18 and adults 65 and over, RAMQ generally covers one optometrist exam every two years. For adults between 18 and 64, the routine vision exam is not covered by RAMQ — you pay out of pocket, typically $80–120. For a medical eye problem (injury, sudden vision loss), a consultation with an ophthalmologist on referral is covered at any age. If you are unsure about your specific situation, check ramq.gouv.qc.ca or call RAMQ directly.
Do I need a prescription to buy glasses or contact lenses?
Yes. In Quebec, glasses and contact lenses are dispensed on prescription only. After your vision exam, the optometrist is required to give you your written prescription — you have the right to ask for it at no extra charge. You can then fill that prescription at any licensed optician, optical chain, or authorized online retailer. You are never obligated to buy your glasses from the clinic where you had the exam. Keep your prescription handy: it is valid for a period that may vary, generally around one to two years, and lets you order replacement contacts online without another exam.
Does my group or private insurance cover glasses?
Many employer group insurance plans include a vision care benefit — check your plan booklet or ask your HR department. Coverage varies widely: some plans reimburse $150–300 toward glasses or contacts every one or two years; others include the exam as well. If you are self-employed or your employer does not offer group insurance, private vision insurance is available but often costs nearly as much as simply paying for glasses out of pocket — compare carefully before purchasing. Keep your receipts: most insurance claims require the original optician receipt and a copy of your prescription.
Can I see an optometrist in English in Quebec?
Yes. While French is the official language of Quebec, many optometrists in the Montreal area and other urban centres offer consultations in English. When booking your appointment, simply mention that you prefer to be seen in English. In smaller cities or rural areas, English-speaking optometrists may be less available, but you can often describe your symptoms with a few key words — the exam itself (reading the eye chart, looking at the light) requires very little language. The Ordre des optométristes du Québec directory at ooq.org lets you search for practitioners by region.
6. See also
These related guides may be useful:
- Dental health in Quebec — costs and options for dental care.
- RAMQ — your basic medical coverage — understanding provincial health insurance.
- Walk-in clinics and CLSCs — for other health care needs.
7. Official sources
- To find an optometrist in Quebec: Ordre des optométristes du Québec — ooq.org
- For glasses reimbursement for social assistance recipients: ramq.gouv.qc.ca
Author's Note: if you wear glasses or contacts, bring your most recent prescription from your home country to Quebec. This will let you order contacts online immediately in an emergency and approach a vision exam with context. Prescription validity varies between opticians but is generally one to two years.
