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September 1, 2023 OHIP Updates For Eye Examinations

Starting September 1, 2023, there are some changes to how OHIP covers eye exams in Ontario.

These adjustments are the result of thoughtful discussions between the Ontario Ministry of Health and the Ontario Association of Optometrists and are based on sound clinical evidence and expert advice. The shared goal is to ensure all Ontarians have access to the best, up-to-date eye care available and that patients at greatest risk of vision loss are publicly funded by OHIP.

To discover more about how these changes might impact you or your family members, select one of the tabs below. They provide more detailed information about OHIP’s coverage for eye exams across different age groups.

On March 24, 2023, the Ontario Government issued a media release about these changes, which you can read here.

Scratch Resistant

There’s no such thing as scratch-proof lenses. (Even glass lenses can be scratched!) Scratches, while not likely to affect your lens performance, are an annoyance that can interfere with clear vision. That’s why you should always request scratch resistant lenses (treatment) for your eyeglass lenses.

Many of today’s lens products have hard scratch-resistant protection built into the lens—a hard surface treatment that is specifically designed to resist scratches. But it’s not an automatic feature! Be sure to discuss scratch resistant glasses options with your eye care professional.

We put our glasses through a lot from day to day—and our children, even more so. Scratch resistant lenses can go a long way toward minimizing the everyday wear and tear we put on our eyewear.

Lens care for scratch-resistant glasses

Don’t forget, no treatment can completely protect eyeglass lenses from scratches. But you can help out! Remember to keep your glasses in a cushioned, sturdy case when not wearing them. Clean them regularly with warm, soapy water and dry them with a clean, soft cloth. With scratches as with life, a little extra care goes a long, long way.