How Much is an Eye Exam in Calgary? Everything You Need to Know
The cost of an eye exam in Calgary can vary greatly, typically ranging from $80 to $200. But why such a wide range? The difference largely comes down to the type of exam and the professional performing it. While a basic vision test performed by a licensed optician may give you a prescription for glasses, it won’t reveal underlying eye health issues or undiagnosed diseases. A comprehensive eye exam performed by an optometrist, however, can do so much more.
Why Do Eye Exam Costs Vary?
Basic sight tests, which are often limited to vision correction, involve minimal tests such as auto-refraction ("look at the hot air balloon") and a quick refraction ("which is better, 1 or 2?"). These quick exams don’t assess your overall eye health.
Optometrists, on the other hand, provide more in-depth examinations that can detect early signs of eye disease, monitor eye health, and even diagnose other health conditions. Their scope of practice includes diagnosing and managing eye conditions, prescribing oral medications, ordering lab tests and ultrasounds, and performing advanced imaging. This added value often reflects in the cost.
At Respect Eyecare, we go beyond the ordinary with our eye exams. We use cutting-edge technology, such as Optomap scans for ultra-wide field retinal imaging, which captures more than 80% of the retina—compared to the 15% captured by older technology. Plus, our doctors guide you through your results in real-time, explaining your eye health using 3D animations. We also measure your eye pressure without using the dreaded air puff.
Factors Affecting Eye Exam Costs
Several factors can influence the price of an eye exam, including:
Type of testing and technology used (e.g., advanced imaging)
Location of the practice (higher-income areas may charge more)
Practice reputation and how established the clinic is
Just like dentists or physiotherapists, optometrists set their own prices based on the services they offer. Comprehensive eye exams often include multiple tests that assess not only vision but also eye muscle function, pressure, and retinal health.
Are eye exams covered by Alberta Health?
For children ages 0-18, Alberta Health Care covers one complete children's eye exam per year. Likewise, Seniors in Alberta ages 65+ receive one free complete senior's eye exam per year. Any specialty imaging may have additional hard costs on top of the exam fee that would be considered out-of-pocket, however many company or private health insurances can cover the additional cost so make sure you check your vision plan details.
For adults ages 19-64, comprehensive eye exams are not covered by Alberta Health Care. Many Optometrists offer direct billing to private insurance companies if vision coverage is included in your insurance plan.
What is covered by Alberta Health Care are medically necessary or urgent eye care, which all Alberta residents are eligible for. Conditions that qualify include
eye infections or injuries,
foreign objects in the eye,
sudden changes in vision,
post-operative care following cataract surgery, and
monitoring for diabetes, glaucoma and retinal disease.
Many people mistakenly visit their family doctor or go the Emergency Department at their nearest hospital for things like eye infections and eye allergies, but Optometrists are especially qualified for eye-related care and typically have same-day scheduling availability. Calgary Optometrists are trained and equipped to diagnose, treat or refer to a specialist if needed.
What’s Included in a Comprehensive Eye Exam?
A comprehensive eye exam goes far beyond basic vision tests. It checks for vision problems, eye muscle function, and signs of disease. Here’s what a typical comprehensive exam includes:
Refraction and visual acuity testing
Eye muscle function evaluation
Tonometry (eye pressure measurement)
Retinal and corneal assessment
Diagnostic imaging
Medical history review
Binocular vision testing (to ensure both eyes work together properly)
Visual field testing
If you're experiencing specific issues such as dry eyes or considering laser vision correction, your optometrist may include additional tests during your exam.
Why Do I Need an Eye Exam if I Can See Clearly?
You might think an eye exam is unnecessary if your vision is fine, but regular check-ups can catch problems early. Many eye diseases, such as glaucoma or retinal conditions, don’t show symptoms until damage is irreversible. Early detection and treatment can prevent vision loss.
Are Eye Exams Worth the Cost?
Absolutely. Investing in your vision is one of the best things you can do for your overall health. Vision is vital to your quality of life, and less than $200 for an exam is a small price to pay to protect one of your most important senses.
Think about it—people often spend hundreds on haircuts, physiotherapy, or other services that need frequent maintenance. An eye exam, in contrast, is typically required only once a year or every two years for healthy individuals.
Eye Exam FAQs
How Much Does an Eye Exam Cost in Calgary?
Eye exam prices in Calgary range from $80 to $200, depending on the optometrist and the scope of the exam.
Are Eye Exams Covered by Alberta Health Care?
Yes, for children (ages 0-18) and seniors (65+), Alberta Health covers one full eye exam per year. However, adults aged 19-64 must pay out-of-pocket unless they have vision coverage through their insurance.
What’s the Difference Between a Basic Sight Test and a Comprehensive Eye Exam?
A basic sight test only checks for vision correction needs, while a comprehensive eye exam assesses overall eye health and can detect early signs of diseases like glaucoma and diabetes.
How Often Should I Get an Eye Exam?
Even if you have good vision, it’s recommended to have an eye exam every year for adults, or more frequently if advised by your optometrist. Don't let your health insurance dictate how best to care for your eyes.
Love your eyes and book your appointment today.
About Dr. Steven Hoang
Dr. Steven Hoang, a licensed optometrist with over 10 years of experience, specializes in comprehensive eye care, including the diagnosis and management of conditions such as dry eye, corneal dystrophies, and other vision-related health issues. His extensive knowledge in ocular health, coupled with his patient-first approach, ensures that you receive the highest level of care. Dr. Hoang is committed to staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in eye care technology and treatment options. He is an active member of Alberta College of Optometrist. Learn more about Dr. Steven Hoang here and his professional background by visiting his LinkedIn profile.
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