Eye Care Services Not Covered

Routine eye examinations provided by either an optometrist or physician, for patients aged 20 to 64, are not covered by OHIP. These individuals are responsible for payment for these examinations or have the cost covered by private insurance.

Then Why Do You Need My OHIP Card?

Most Optometrists ask for your OHIP card for two reasons:

1. To create your profile in their systems to comply with Electronic Medical Records Act;
2. To ensure that your clinical records are streamlined and are readily available to your physician in case of a health related emergency.

How Do I Check If A Health Care Professional Charged My OHIP Card?

If you have any questions regarding eye care services that you have been charged for please contact: Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care at 613 536-3103 (collect calls are accepted) or toll-free at 1 888 662-6613.

Eye Care Services Covered 

• People 65 years and older and those younger than 20, are covered by OHIP for a routine eye examination provided by either an optometrist or physician once every 12 months plus any follow-up assessments that may be required.
• Specified ophthalmology services for patients of any age with specified medical conditions or diseases affecting the eyes are insured.
• Insured persons aged 20 to 64 years with specified medical conditions affecting the eye can receive an OHIP insured regular eye examination once every 12 months.
• Insured persons aged 20 to 64 with any of the following conditions can go directly to their optometrist or physician to receive an OHIP insured eye examination: diabetes mellitus, glaucoma, cataract, retinal disease, amblyopia, visual field defects, corneal disease, strabismus, recurrent uveitis or optic pathway disease.
• Insured persons aged 20 to 64 who have certain medical conditions not listed above may also be covered for regular eye examinations. They should discuss this with their primary health care provider.