OT - How much are eye exams now in Ontario?

[4orm]

I haven't been to the eye doctor in years (should have gone before OHIP stopped) and today I realized I could barely read street signs & billboards while walking around, so I walked into a local Optometrist and made an appointment. I was quoted $93 which seems alright, but wanted to know if this is an average rate now. The optometrist is in Yorkville so I expect it to be a little more then the norm. Thanks!

 

[highland3]

$95... yikes!!! They should be around $65.00 and you can find some outlets, where the optician is attached to the glasses outlet, where you will be credited at least part of the cost of the eye exam toward the cost of your new glasses.

 

[bunnyfoo]

Yikes $95 is expensive! Do you have health insurance through your work? They might cover all or part of the exam fee. I was able to get my exam before coverage ended. The two year anniversary of my exam was one day after coverage stopped.

 

[4orm]

I called around to Lenscrafters and Hakim - MUCH better prices (around $75 including dilation) and Hakim will deduct $50 from the exam cost on any glasses purchase.
I'm an at home wife, and my husband owns a small corporation so we have no coverage, but I think (I might be totally wrong here) we can write off medical expenses. I'll have to look into that.

Thanks so much guys for not letting me pay an exorbanant eye exam rate!

 

[bunnyfoo]

I'm an at home wife, and my husband owns a small corporation so we have no coverage, but I think (I might be totally wrong here) we can write off medical expenses. I'll have to look into that.

I think there's a section somewhere on the tax form for that but there's a minimum amount. I know my parents use to claim some of their own medication/dental services back. They're both self-employed so they don't have health insurance either.

Thanks for posting about the eye exam rates! Now I'll have an idea of what to expect when I call for mine The government better be using that money they're saving on eye exams and physiotherapy services for something good

 

[highland3]

You can deduct medical expenses.... IF it your receipts exceed a set percentage of your annual income. At work, we're hoping to add the cost of eye exams into our benefits package.

 

[CdnDisneyNut]

I got my tested just before the fee started. While there I asked my doctor what the fees would be and he said there were going to be in the $80 ball park. Medical expensed not covered by insurance can be claimed on your income taxes. However they must in excess of a certain percentage (3% I think) of income.

 

[Yzma and Kronk]

WWWHHHHHHHHHAAAAATTTTTTT???????????

When did this happen? You have to pay for eye appointment now???

I don't think we'll move back after all....

I don't want to get flamed, or start a debate, but socialized medicine, HA!....what happened??? I guess I better get my eyes tested before we moved back to Canada.

Could you imagine if I posted that on the old debate board??? Get your medical appointment done in the land of $$$$ medicine, instead of the land of free health care (or so they all think )

Anyway, I'll get over it. We are coming home and we're glad. Looking forward to my first Toronto DIS meet someone soon.

Sorry for hijacking this thread......back to the OT

 

[highland3]

Yes, the provincial government, in a cost cutting move, decided to stop covering eye exams, chiropractors and physiotherapy. They also started charging everyone a new health "surtax", adding it to your income tax. It can range from $200 - $600 per family. Welcome back to Canada, where things are going downhill fast!

No... it's not really all that bad... I hope you don't smoke!!! Tobacco taxes are sky high (which is okay by me).

 

[mom_rules]

Ours charges $60 for full exam, $30 for partial, Under age 21 and over age 65 are still free.

 

[chasbos]

Paid $42 for mine. I have a very good optometrist and they are just sick over the new government rules. I will be going about 6 times in the next year so he did not charge me the last time I went!! I am glad that the kids are still covered - I would take mine regardless of the cost but I know a lot of people would not (it would be just like the dentist). I think the goverment missed the boat on this one!