Eye Exam Cost & Coverage in Edmonton
Honest pricing for a comprehensive eye exam in Edmonton: $99 for adults (19–64), and $0 for kids and seniors — even after Alberta's 2025 co-pay change, because Charm covers the co-pay for you. Book online or call us; same-day appointments available when our doctor is in.
How much does an eye exam cost in Edmonton in 2026?
A comprehensive eye exam at Charm Optical costs $99 for adults aged 19 to 64. Children under 18 and seniors 65+ pay $0 — AHCIP funds one annual exam for them, and since February 2025 Charm Optical covers the roughly $30 co-pay Alberta now requires at most clinics. There are no hidden fees, and most adult exams are covered in full by insurance.
| Who | Cost to you | What's included | Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adults 19–64Most common | $99Insurance often covers it in full | Full comprehensive exam, glasses & contact lens prescription, eye-pressure and retinal check, digital imaging. Direct billing available. | Book |
| Children under 18 | $0Charm covers the 2025 co-pay | One exam per year, no referral needed. Vision-development screening plus myopia & learning assessments. Bring their Alberta Health card. | Book |
| Seniors 65+ | $0Charm covers the 2025 co-pay | One exam per year, no referral needed. Cataract, glaucoma & macular degeneration screening. Bring your Alberta Health card. | Book |
What's Included in Your Eye Exam
Every eye exam at Charm Optical is a complete, thorough assessment — not a quick screen. Here's what our optometrist checks during your visit.
Vision Assessment
Distance and near vision testing to determine your exact prescription for glasses or contact lenses.
Eye Pressure Test
Intraocular pressure measurement to screen for glaucoma — one of the leading causes of vision loss.
Retinal Examination
Detailed look at the back of your eye to check for signs of diabetes, macular degeneration, and other conditions.
Digital Imaging
High-resolution photos of your retina for baseline tracking. We compare images year over year to catch changes early.
Your Prescription
You leave with a written prescription that's yours to use anywhere — glasses, contacts, or both.
Consultation
One-on-one time with the optometrist to discuss your results, ask questions, and plan next steps.
Who Should Get an Eye Exam?
Eye exams aren't just for people who wear glasses. Regular checkups catch problems before they become serious — and many conditions have no symptoms until it's too late.
Children & Teens
$0 at Charm Optical — one exam every year. AHCIP funds an annual exam for under-18s, and since February 2025 Alberta requires a ~$30 co-pay for it at most clinics; Charm covers that co-pay so the exam stays free for you. The Canadian Association of Optometrists recommends a first eye exam at 6 months, again at age 3, and then annually once school starts. Early detection of amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (crossed eyes), and myopia can prevent learning difficulties and permanent vision loss. Just bring their Alberta Health card — no referral needed.
Adults 19-64
Healthy adults should have an eye exam at least every two years. If you wear glasses or contacts, have a family history of eye disease, or spend long hours on screens, annual exams are recommended. A comprehensive exam checks far more than your prescription — it screens for glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, and signs of diabetes or high blood pressure.
Seniors 65+
$0 at Charm Optical — one exam every year. AHCIP funds an annual exam for 65+, and since February 2025 Alberta requires a ~$30 co-pay for it at most clinics; Charm covers that co-pay so the exam stays free for you. Age-related conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration become more common after 60. Annual exams catch these early, when treatment is most effective. Bring your Alberta Health card — no referral needed.
Contact Lens Wearers
Contact lenses sit directly on your cornea, so annual exams are essential to monitor corneal health and update your lens fit. Your contact lens prescription is separate from your glasses prescription — we check both during the same visit.
People with Diabetes
Annual diabetic eye exams are medically essential. Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in working-age Canadians. Our optometrist examines the blood vessels in your retina for early signs of damage. Diabetic patients may qualify for coverage through Alberta Health — ask us for details.
Three Ways to Book Your Eye Exam
Book Online
Pick a date and time that works for you. Our online booking takes 30 seconds — no account needed. You'll get a confirmation email right away.
Same-Day Appointment
Need to be seen today? Call (780) 490-0090 to check if our doctor is available. On days with openings, we can often fit you in the same day.
Call Us
Prefer to talk to someone? Call (780) 490-0090 and our team will book your appointment over the phone. We're here Monday to Friday 11am-7pm, Saturday 11am-5pm.
Who qualifies for a covered eye exam in Alberta?
In Alberta, AHCIP funds one annual eye exam for children under 18 and seniors 65+, plus medically necessary exams for diabetic patients, eye emergencies, and people on AISH or Alberta Works. Since February 2025 the kids' and seniors' benefit carries a roughly $30 co-pay at most clinics — but at Charm Optical those exams stay $0 because Charm covers the co-pay for you. Healthy adults 19–64 pay $99 and are not covered by AHCIP.
| Who you are | Cost at Charm | Coverage details |
|---|---|---|
| Children under 18 | $0Charm covers the 2025 co-pay | One comprehensive exam per year via AHCIP. Since February 2025 Alberta requires a ~$30 co-pay at most clinics; Charm covers it for you. Just bring their Alberta Health card — no referral needed. |
| Seniors 65+ | $0Charm covers the 2025 co-pay | One comprehensive exam per year via AHCIP, including cataract, glaucoma and macular degeneration screening. Since February 2025 Alberta requires a ~$30 co-pay at most clinics; Charm covers it for you. |
| Diabetic patients (any age) | $0Alberta Health | Annual diabetic retinal exam. Screens for diabetic retinopathy — the leading cause of blindness in working-age Canadians. |
| Eye emergencies | $0Alberta Health | Foreign-body removal, sudden vision loss, flashes or floaters — covered when medically necessary. |
| AISH & Alberta Works | $0Check eligibility | Eye exams and glasses may be fully covered. Bring your benefit card and we'll check your eligibility on the spot. |
| Adults 19–64 (routine) | $99Insurance may cover | Not covered by Alberta Health. Most employer insurance plans cover all or part of the cost — we direct bill 30+ providers. |
Have employer insurance? We direct bill Alberta Blue Cross, Canada Life, Desjardins, AISH, Alberta Works, and 25+ more. Bring your card — you may pay $0 out of pocket. Not sure what you're covered for? Call (780) 490-0090 and we'll check before your appointment.
2025 Alberta eye-exam coverage update — and what it means at Charm
On February 1, 2025, Alberta changed how AHCIP funds insured eye exams for children under 18 and seniors 65+. These exams are no longer paid in full: most Alberta clinics now charge patients a ~$30 co-pay, and government-funded retinal imaging was reduced to twice per benefit year. At Charm Optical, your exam stays $0 — we cover the co-pay for you.
| What changed | Before Feb 2025 | Since Feb 2025 (most clinics) | At Charm Optical |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exam co-pay (kids & seniors) | $0 — fully funded by AHCIP | ~$30 co-pay charged to the patient | $0Charm absorbs the co-pay |
| Government-funded retinal imaging | As clinically indicated | Limited to 2 per benefit year | Digital imaging is part of every Charm exam |
Bottom line: kids' and seniors' eye exams are still completely free at Charm Optical. Just bring your Alberta Health card — no referral and nothing to pay at the desk.
Eye Exams in Edmonton — What You Need to Know
Looking for an eye exam in Edmonton? Whether you're searching for an eye doctor, an optometrist in Edmonton, or an eye exam near me — Charm Optical provides comprehensive eye examinations for adults, children, and seniors at our eye clinic on Ellerslie Road in south Edmonton. Whether you need a routine eye checkup, a new glasses prescription, a contact lens fitting, or a medical eye exam — we've got you covered.
Our eye exam costs $99 for adults, which is among the most affordable in Edmonton. That includes everything — vision testing, eye pressure measurement, retinal examination, digital imaging, and a full consultation with our optometrist. There are no hidden fees, no upsells, and no pressure to buy glasses from us (though we'd love to help you find the perfect pair).
Kids under 18 and seniors 65+ get their annual eye exam for $0 at Charm Optical. AHCIP still funds one exam per year for them, but since February 2025 it no longer covers the full cost — most Alberta clinics now charge a roughly $30 co-pay. Charm covers that co-pay for you, so the exam stays free. No referral is needed — just bring your Alberta Health card. We strongly recommend annual exams for children, as early detection of conditions like myopia, amblyopia, and strabismus can prevent long-term vision problems and learning difficulties.
Eye exams are by appointment — book online in 30 seconds or call us at (780) 490-0090. Need a same-day eye exam in Edmonton? Call ahead to check — on days our doctor is in, we can often fit you in. Your Edmonton eye exam takes about 20 to 30 minutes, and you'll leave with a written prescription you can use anywhere.
Looking for a cheap eye exam in Edmonton or the cheapest eye exam in Edmonton? At $99, we're already one of the most affordable options — and if you have insurance, your out-of-pocket cost may be $0. We direct bill Alberta Blue Cross, Canada Life, Desjardins, AISH, Alberta Works, and 25+ more providers. Bring your insurance card and we handle the paperwork.
Diabetic patients should get an annual diabetic eye exam regardless of age. Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in working-age Canadians, and our optometrist screens for early signs of retinal damage during every diabetic eye exam. These exams may be covered by Alberta Health — ask us about your eligibility.
Charm Optical is a family-owned eye clinic in Edmonton that's been serving south Edmonton families since 2017. Our optometrist in Edmonton performs thorough, unhurried exams in a warm, welcoming environment. We're located at 5035 Ellerslie Road SW, inside the Harvest Pointe shopping center — easy access from Anthony Henday Drive, Calgary Trail, and Gateway Boulevard. We're open Monday to Friday 11am to 7pm and Saturday 11am to 5pm.
After your eye exam, browse our collection of 500+ frames from brands like Ray-Ban, Oakley, Gucci, Prada, and Burberry. Single vision lenses can be ready the same day. We also carry contact lenses from Acuvue, Dailies, Air Optix, and Biofinity — available for pickup or delivery.
Reviewed for accuracy by the optometry team at Charm Optical · Coverage details current as of , reflecting Alberta's February 2025 AHCIP changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an eye exam cost in Edmonton in 2026?
A comprehensive eye exam at Charm Optical costs $99 for adults (19-64). Children under 18 and seniors 65+ pay $0: AHCIP funds their annual exam, and since February 2025 Charm covers the roughly $30 co-pay Alberta now requires at most clinics so it stays free. Most insurance plans cover part or all of the adult fee — we direct bill 30+ providers.
Are eye exams free in Alberta?
Partly. AHCIP still funds one annual exam for children under 18 and seniors 65+, but since February 2025 it no longer covers the full cost — most Alberta clinics now charge a roughly $30 co-pay. At Charm Optical the exam stays completely free because we cover that co-pay for you. Patients with diabetes and certain medical conditions also qualify. Adults 19-64 without medical conditions pay $99.
Do I need an appointment for an eye exam?
Yes, eye exams are by appointment. Book online or call (780) 490-0090. On days when our doctor is available, same-day appointments may be possible — call ahead to check availability.
How long does an eye exam take?
About 20 to 30 minutes. This includes vision testing, eye pressure check, retinal examination, digital imaging, and a consultation with the optometrist to discuss your results and prescription.
Do you do children's and pediatric eye exams?
Yes. We examine children of all ages. Kids under 18 pay $0 at Charm — AHCIP funds the exam and we cover the ~$30 co-pay Alberta has required at most clinics since February 2025, so it stays free. Just bring their health card. Early exams catch issues like myopia, amblyopia, and strabismus before they affect learning.
What insurance do you accept?
We direct bill Alberta Blue Cross, Canada Life (formerly Great-West Life), Desjardins, AISH, Alberta Works, NIHB, and 25+ other providers. Bring your insurance card — you may pay nothing out of pocket for your eye exam.
How often should I get an eye exam?
Annual exams are recommended for children, seniors 65+, contact lens wearers, and anyone with diabetes or family history of eye disease. Healthy adults 19-64 should have an exam every two years at minimum.
Where is Charm Optical located?
5035 Ellerslie Road SW, Edmonton, AB T6X 1X2 — inside Harvest Pointe shopping center. Easy access from Ellerslie Road, Anthony Henday Drive, and Calgary Trail. Open Monday-Friday 11am-7pm, Saturday 11am-5pm.
Find Us on Ellerslie Road
5035 Ellerslie Road SW, Edmonton, AB T6X 1X2
Mon-Fri 11am-7pm · Sat 11am-5pm · Sun Closed
Ready to Book Your Eye Exam?
Book online in 30 seconds or give us a call. Same-day appointments available when our doctor is in.