According to the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB), 75% of vision loss can be treated or prevented if detected early. Unfortunately, many Canadians do not take the time to get regular eye exams, either out of fear of the cost or because they believe there is nothing wrong with their vision.
Many eye diseases have no symptoms, or very few, and it is only during an eye exam that they can be detected and treatment can begin. Furthermore, the more advanced an eye disease is, the more difficult it is to reverse or treat it, and it is often at this point that patients experience significant financial difficulties. Preventive care and follow-up are by far the least expensive and safest option for your eyes!
Most Canadian provinces have a healthcare system that offers vision care assistance programs, which helps to better manage the stress of covering eye exams and prescription glasses. These programs aim to make vision care expenses affordable, including the purchase of glasses for children, men, and women. Eye exams without insurance are topics covered and discussed below as part of eye care in Canada.