Are Eye Exams Free in Alberta (2025)?
24-05-2025
Alberta Health Eye Care Coverage
Eye exams are never free, but depending on your age and the type of exam, Alberta Health Services may cover the cost of exam (See Child Eye Exams, Adult Eye Exams, Senior Eye Exams) services. All medically necessary optometry exams and check-ups are covered by Alberta Health Services for Albertans who can produce a valid Alberta Health ID. Medically necessary optometry exams includes:- Eye Infections
- Eye Injuries
- Eye and eyelid inflammation
- Foreign Body Removal
- Dry Eye
- Styes
- Sudden Change in Vision
- Monitoring Eye Diseases Like Glaucoma
Changes to ACHIP Eye Care Coverage
Note: Due to Changes to AHCIP eye care service coverage, effective February 1, 2025, some eye care services, like partial eye exams, retinal imaging and photography, and visual field assessments may require patient co-pay. More information can be found on the Alberta Association of Optometrists website.Individuals Aged 0-18 (Children)
Annual Pediatric Eye Exams Covered
Alberta Health Care covers one complete eye exam (See Child Eye Exam) per year. Additional exams and/or treatments may be covered based on medical needs. Ask your doctor of optometry for information about coverage and potential costs for specific visual conditions. Alberta Health Care covers medically necessary services.Individuals Aged 19-64 (Adults)
Alberta Health Care does not cover eye exams, however many Albertans have insurance coverage through their employer or their own medical plan. Alberta Health Care does cover medically necessary services.Adult Eye Exam CostThe cost of adult (i.e., ages 19-64) comprehensive eye exams (i.e., non-essential exams) in Edmonton range from $90-$160. Prices vary by location, the number and type of tests and scans performed, the diagnostic technologies used, and the duration of the exam. Not all eye exams are created and/or performed equally. Accordingly, consult clinics to find out what is, and what is not included in their advertised standard adult eye exam.
Individuals Aged 65+ (Seniors)
Annual Senior Eye Exams Covered
Alberta Health Care covers one complete eye exam per year. Additional exams and/or treatments may be covered based on medical needs, such as glaucoma, diabetes (See Diabetic Eye Exams) or cataract follow-up or monitoring. Ask your doctor of optometry for information about coverage and potential costs for specific visual conditions. Alberta Health Care covers medically necessary services.Trusted Edmonton Optometrists
Advanced Eye Care
Ready to take the next step in protecting your vision? If you're looking to book a comprehensive eye exam in the Edmonton area, trust the team at Eye-deology Vision Care. Our North Schedule An AppointmentFYEyes Blog Posts
How much does an eye exam cost in Edmonton (2025)?
Eye exam coverage and costs varies among children, adults and seniors.
How much is a kids eye exam in Alberta?
Learn what eye care services the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan covers.
Do Seniors Pay For Eye Exams in Alberta in 2025?
Seniors over 65 years of age are still eligible for one annual eye exam partially covered by Alberta Health.
Are There Out-Of-Pocket Fees For Child Eye Exams in Alberta in 2025?
Kids under 19 years of age are still eligible for one annual eye exam partially covered by Alberta Health.
Adult Eye Exams
Our advanced eye exams consist of 25+ modern tests and digital scans to assess eye health, function, and visual acuity.
Child Eye Exams
Give your child a clear future with an annual eye exam from our experienced Edmonton optometrists.
Senior Eye Exams
Maintain your vision through your golden years with gold standard eye care from the optometrists at our Edmonton eye clinic.
Contact Lens Eye Exams
Our eye exams for contact lens wearers include test and digital scans to assess eye health, function, visual acuity, and lens fit.
Diabetic Eye Exams
Managing diabetes requires regular eye exams to ensure that diabetes is not causing irreversible vision loss.
Dilated Eye Exams
Dilating the eyes enables our Edmonton optometrists to see more of the eye so that you many never see less.
Our Edmonton Eye Exams Are Comprised Of 4 Phases Of Evaluation
1. Eye Exam Pre-Testing
Corneal Thickness | Intraocular Pressures | Visual Field
Pre-testing is a detailed process that gathers all necessary information for the optometrist in advance of the optometrist-administered eye examination. This process involves completing a detailed patient history, as well as a series of standard tests. Pre-testing is an essential part of the comprehensive eye exam process, providing valuable information and visuals for both the optometrist and the patient.
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2. Advanced Diagnostic Testing
Retinal Photography, OCT, Topography
eye-deology Vision Care differentiates itself from other clinics by having the most advanced modern diagnostic specialty testing equipment. Specialty equipment, such as a wide-angle high-resolution retinal imager, Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), Humphrey Visual Field Analyzer and corneal topographer, ensures that patients receive the best comprehensive eye care.
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3. Optometrist Examination
Health Assessment & Disease Diagnosis
eye-deology Vision Care Edmonton optometrists perform a multitude of tests and assessments to evaluate ocular health, eye coordination, and visual acuity. In addition, they also evaluate the results of the tests and scans performed during pre-testing. As part of patient education, our optometrists also take the time to show and explain results to patients.
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4. Eye Glass Consult
Prescription | Lens Selection | Digital Fitting
If you require corrective lenses to improve your vision, our licensed opticians will customize their fit to your unique attributes, needs, lifestyle, and budget. Our opticians are happy to provide you with information about the latest eyeglass frame and lens technologies available so you can make informed decisions and begin seeing and looking your best.
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