OHIP and LASIK: What’s the Deal?

Unfortunately, OHIP doesn’t cover a lot of other eye care services. These services are generally elective ones that are advantageous to the patient but not urgent. Some of these services include: 

• eyeglasses, contacts, low vision aids, eye coordination exercises 
• contact lens progress checks
• second opinions
• eye exams required by potential employers
• laser refractive surgery (LASIK) 

The fact that these eye care services are not covered poses a problem. Private insurance can vary by plan, and oftentimes only covers a small portion of eye care products and services. Eye care can be expensive, and the longer you live with a vision problem, the more expensive it gets. The good news is that programs exist to offer financial help, like the Ontario Disability Support Program. The program covers routine eye exams, prescription glasses, and the cost of repairs. You just have to apply by filling out a Vision Care benefit authorization form. 

The problem of expensive eye care compounds itself when you consider the amount of money you invest each year in glasses and/or contact lenses. Your vision problems inevitably get worse over the years, requiring new glasses/contacts, forking out more money on expensive frames. Rinse, repeat. You might want to consider LASIK to climb out of this money pit.