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. 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.
6. 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.
