For a senior living in Ontario, proper eye care and access to prescription eyeglasses is crucial. As we age, the quality of our vision falls, with conditions like presbyopia, cataracts, and macular degeneration contributing to the issue. With the cost of eyeglasses growing, many seniors wonder whether Ontario’s Provincial Health Plan (OHIP) offers free eyeglasses for Ontario residents over 65.

As an insurance brokerage in Ontario, HealthQuotes has spent decades informing others about what health expenses OHIP does and does not cover. In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive outlook on government-funded programs, eligibility criteria, and other financial assistance for eyeglasses as a senior in Ontario.

Understanding the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) Coverage for Seniors

The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) offers vital healthcare coverage for seniors. While OHIP covers routine eye examinations once every 12 months for people 19 years old or younger, it does not cover the cost of eyeglasses. However, OHIP does financially support eye-health related hospital visits and certain necessary procedures, which could reduce overall ocular expenses for seniors.

Does Ontario Offer Free Eyeglasses for Seniors?

No. As of February 2025, OHIP does not offer free eyeglasses for seniors. If you are 65 years and older and do not have an eligible medical condition affecting your eyes, OHIP will cover 1 major eye exam for you once every 18 months and 2 additional minor follow-up assessments.

If you do need prescription glasses or reading glasses, OHIP will not cover the costs. They will have to be paid for out of pocket or covered by your insurance.

If you have an eligible medical condition, OHIP will cover additional medically-necessary eye exams. Eligible medical conditions affecting your vision include severe cases of:

• Presbyopia
• Cataracts
• Macular degeneration
• Diabetes mellitus
• Corneal disease
• Retinal disease
• See More

Ask your doctor if your medical condition is eligible for coverage. They’ll be able to clarify your level of severity and if it qualifies for coverage.

Existing Government-Funded Programs for Eye Care for Seniors in Ontario

Several welfare programs offer financial assistance for eyewear in Ontario.

The Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)

As of 2025, the Ontario disability support program offers

• Money to cover you and your eligible family members’ living expenses, such as food and rent.
• Health benefits, prescription drugs and vision care being included.
• Employment support to help you advance in your career and/or secure and keep a job.

If you are eligible and are accepted into the program, consider using the money to purchase prescription eyeglasses. Keep in mind that this program is aimed at adults with disabilities and isn’t restricted to seniors.

Ontario Works

As of 2025, the Ontario works program offers

• Financial support for you and your eligible family members to cover necessary living expenses like food and rent.
• Health benefits for you and other eligible family members.
• Employment support to assist you in finding and keeping a job. (For example: resume writing workshops, job counselling, job-specific training.etc)

If you are eligible for Ontario Works, the amount of money you receive will depend on your specific situation. In most cases, you must participate in employment-related activities to receive financial help.

Individual Health Plans that Covers Eyeglasses

As a senior you have a couple of options in terms of choosing which insurance plan works for you

Manulife FlexCare

As of 2025, Manulife Flexcare covers the costs of prescription lenses and grames, contact lenses and laser eye surgery. This benefit does not include industrial safety glasses.

Depending on the plan you choose you will get different levels of coverage

• Manulife Flexcare ComboPlus Starter – $150 maximum per 2 consecutive benefit years. $70 maximum for optometrist visit per 2 consecutive benefit years
• Manulife Flexcare ComboPlus Basic and Enhanced – $250 maximum and $70 maximum for optometrist visit per 2 consecutive benefit years

Manulife Guaranteed Issue Enhanced Plan

• Plan maximum of $200 per 2 consecutive benefit years to cover costs towards prescription eyewear, including lenses and frames, contact lenses, and laser eye surgery (3 month waiting period)
• Plan maximum of $60 for optometrist fees per 2 consecutive benefit years. This benefit is only available where optometrist visits are not covered by a government health insurance plan.

Conclusion

While OHIP does not cover free eyeglasses for seniors, various programs have been established to help cover and reduce the overall cost of eyewear. By understanding what each of these programs offer and how to qualify, seniors in Ontario are able to make the most of the financial assistance available. Remember to get your regular OHIP-covered eye examinations, as they’ll be key in maintaining your visual health. It’ll also help you detect any potential vision issues early. Even if the pathway isn’t straightforward, various resources exist in Ontario to help make eyewear affordable for seniors.