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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.

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Home » Eyeglasses & Contacts » Eyeglasses » Prescription Eyeglasses » Polycarbonate Lenses

Polycarbonate Lenses

Polycarbonate lenses are high index lenses that are known primarily for their exceptional impact resistance and anti-scratch coating. If you or your children are always bumping, scratching or dropping your eyeglasses, this is the material for you. Up to 10 times more impact resistant than standard plastic eyeglass lenses, polycarbonate is a first-rate option for people with an active lifestyle. Developed in the 1970s, polycarbonate has been protecting eyes for quite a while.

Superb Eye Safety

If you regularly engage in sports or physical activity, these tough, durable lenses provide an extra degree of safety for your eyes. In fact, most protective eye gear and sports goggles are made from polycarbonate lenses, even when no vision prescription is needed. In addition, polycarbonate boasts built-in protection from the sun’s UV rays, making this an ideal lens material for time spent outdoors.

Lightweight

The refractive index of polycarbonate lenses is 1.59, which results in a lens that’s 20% to 25% thinner than common plastic lenses. Weighing in at 30% lighter than regular lenses, polycarbonate takes a load off the bridge of your nose!

Trivex Lenses

Developed in 2001, Trivex lenses are constructed from a newer plastic that shares many properties with polycarbonate. While also thin, scratch-resistant, highly impact-resistant and lightweight, Trivex lenses may be slightly thicker than polycarbonate lenses. For some vision prescriptions, they may provide a better visual clarity and more scratch resistance than polycarbonate lenses.