How to Find an Optometrist

Seeing a licensed optometrist is an important part of maintaining good vision health for children, youth, and adults. Optometrists are primary eye care providers who assess vision, detect eye conditions, and prescribe treatments such as glasses or contact lenses.

In Ontario, optometrists are regulated health professionals. This means they must meet professional standards and be licensed to practise.

Find a licensed optometrist

You can search for an optometrist in your community using one of the following trusted directories:

• The College of Optometrists of Ontario maintains a public register of licensed optometrists practising in Ontario. This is the best place to confirm that an eye doctor is licensed and in good standing.
• The Ontario Association of Optometrists offers a “Find an Optometrist” tool to help you locate eye doctors by city or postal code.

Before booking an appointment

When choosing an optometrist, you may wish to ask:

• if they provide care for children or youth
• what services are included in a comprehensive eye exam
• whether they accept Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) for eligible eye exams
• if appointments are required or if walk-ins are accepted

If you do not have a regular eye doctor, these directories can help you find one close to home.