How to Get Glasses in Canada: Eye Exams, Lenses, and Where to Buy (2026)
Getting glasses in Canada is a two-step process: first get an eye exam from an optometrist to obtain a prescription, then take that prescription to a local optical store or an online retailer. A comprehensive exam typically costs C$100–150 out of pocket if you have no insurance. This guide walks through each step.
Get your prescription: the eye exam
An optometrist (O.D.) is the professional who performs eye exams and writes prescriptions in Canada. You can book at an independent optometry clinic or at an optical store with an in-house optometrist, such as LensCrafters, Specsavers, Pearle Vision, or Costco Optical.
A comprehensive exam without insurance typically costs C$100–150, though prices range from about C$75 to C$200 depending on the province and clinic — always ask what is included before you book. Most optical stores accept both appointments and walk-ins, but calling ahead to confirm the price and availability is the safe move.
Your prescription is typically valid for 1–2 years [to verify — expiry rules vary by province and clinic]; an expired prescription cannot be used to order glasses or contacts online. Ask the optometrist for a written copy of your prescription — you will need it for online orders.
Eyeglasses: lenses and frames
Lens types:
- Single vision: one prescription across the whole lens, for nearsightedness or farsightedness.
- Progressive: multiple strengths in one lens with no visible line, for people who need both distance and reading correction.
- Blue light filtering: coated lenses marketed for heavy screen use.
- Photochromic (e.g. Transitions): lenses that darken in sunlight, doubling as sunglasses.
If your prescription is strong, consider high-index lenses (1.67 or 1.74) — thinner and lighter than standard 1.50/1.56 lenses.
Frame materials:
- Titanium: light and durable, usually the priciest option.
- Acetate: colourful and sturdy, slightly heavier.
- TR90: flexible, lightweight plastic — popular for sports and kids' frames.
Contact lenses
- Daily disposable vs monthly: dailies are more convenient and hygienic; monthlies cost less per lens but need daily cleaning and care.
- Toric lenses are designed for astigmatism — standard spherical lenses will not correct it properly.
In Canada, contact lenses are regulated medical devices and you need a valid prescription to buy them. Unlike the US, Canada has no federal law forcing online sellers to verify every prescription, so retailers such as Clearly and KITS typically ask you to certify that your prescription is valid rather than calling your optometrist. Note that a contact lens prescription is separate from a glasses prescription — it requires an additional fitting with measurements like base curve and diameter.
Brands and where to buy
Local optical stores — LensCrafters, Pearle Vision, Specsavers (260+ locations across Canada), and Costco Optical. You get in-person fitting and adjustments, and the store usually handles insurance paperwork for you.
Online retailers (names only):
- Clearly — Vancouver-based, frames from C$9, 30-day free returns, direct insurance billing to major Canadian insurers.
- KITS — Vancouver-based with its own lab, 30-day free returns, and a recurring first-pair-free promotion on KITS-brand frames.
- BonLook — Canadian brand based in Montreal.
- Warby Parker — starting around US$125 a pair, 30-day returns, ships from the US.
- Zenni Optical — budget prices from about US$10, ships from overseas; 30-day returns as store credit, 14 days for a refund.
- Firmoo — another budget online option.
To order online you need your prescription plus your PD (pupillary distance) in millimetres. You can measure it at home with a millimetre ruler and a mirror (or a friend's help) — Clearly publishes a step-by-step PD measuring guide on its site. Expect about 1–2 weeks for delivery from Canadian retailers; overseas shippers can take longer.
Anti-slip accessories
If your glasses slide down your nose, try silicone anti-slip nose pads, a glasses chain, a sports strap for exercise, or an anti-fog cloth for winter. All are sold on Amazon.ca.
Insurance: what OHIP and employer benefits cover
- OHIP (Ontario): covers one comprehensive eye exam every 12 months for ages 19 and under; every 18 months for ages 65 and over (every 12 months with a qualifying eye condition such as diabetes, glaucoma, cataracts, or retinal disease); ages 20–64 are covered only with a qualifying medical condition. OHIP never covers the cost of glasses or contacts themselves. Other provinces follow a similar age-based pattern but with different details [to verify — check your provincial health ministry].
- Employer group benefits: most plans include a vision allowance, often C$200–350 every 1–2 years, usable for the exam and/or eyewear. Clearly and KITS both support direct billing to major Canadian insurers at checkout.
Anything beyond the allowance is out of pocket — which is why online prices matter.
Get a backup pair
Glasses break at the worst time. A cheap backup pair from a budget online retailer such as Zenni Optical or Firmoo can cost less than a tank of gas, so you are never stuck squinting for a week while your main pair is repaired.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use an eye prescription brought from China (or another country) in Canada?
Often yes as a reference, but Canadian retailers usually want a Canadian-format prescription, and foreign prescriptions frequently omit the PD. If your prescription is recent and you know all the values, some online retailers will accept it — but the safest route is a fresh exam in Canada, since your vision may have changed.
Is it reliable to order glasses online — will the prescription be accurate?
For single-vision lenses, yes, as long as your prescription and PD are correct. Online ordering is weakest at the fitting stage: nobody adjusts the frames to your face. For progressive lenses, an in-store fitting is strongly recommended because the lens zones must align precisely with your pupils.
Is a contact lens prescription the same as a glasses prescription?
No. Contacts sit directly on your eyes, so the prescription includes extra measurements (base curve, diameter, brand) and requires a separate contact lens fitting with the optometrist.
Do I need an appointment for an eye exam?
Most optical stores take walk-ins, but appointments are recommended — and some locations are appointment-only during busy periods. Call ahead.
Does the eye exam include the contact lens fitting?
Usually not — a contact lens fitting is a separate appointment with an additional fee, typically C$50–150 on top of the exam.
Sources
- Ontario Ministry of Health, What OHIP covers: https://www.ontario.ca/page/what-ohip-covers#section-6
- Clearly, How to measure pupillary distance (PD): https://www.clearly.ca/en-ca/c/how-to-measure-pupillary-distance-pd
- KITS: https://www.kits.ca
- Clearly: https://clearly.ca