Additional fees may apply for tests recommended by your optometrist in addition to the standard eye exam, such as:
- a detailed retinal exam (using drops that dilate the pupil)
- a cycloplegic exam (using drops to reduce the eye’s focusing ability)
Eye Exam at Bar a Lunettes — Your Vision, Our Expertise
Since 1992, Bar a Lunettes by Marie-Sophie Dion has combined rigorous optometry with exceptional eyewear. Our affiliated optometrists welcome you by appointment at select locations across our six Quebec boutiques — Montreal, Laval, Saint-Lambert, and Bromont — for a complete and personalized eye exam.
Whether you need a new prescription, a follow-up on your ocular health, or a first exam, our approach combines clinical expertise and attentive service in a one-of-a-kind environment.
What is an eye exam?
An eye exam is a comprehensive evaluation of your vision and eye health performed by a licensed optometrist. This appointment-based exam typically lasts between 30 and 40 minutes and includes several tests to assess both visual performance and ocular health.
During the exam, the optometrist measures visual acuity, determines your prescription through refraction testing, evaluates ocular muscle coordination, screens for colour vision deficiencies, measures intraocular pressure, and examines the retina to detect potential eye diseases. Regular optometric eye exams are recommended for both adults and children to maintain optimal vision and detect problems early.
Why an Eye Exam is Essential
An eye exam goes well beyond a simple check of your visual acuity. It allows the optometrist to detect ocular conditions early — such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, or cataracts — as well as general health issues such as diabetes or hypertension.
The exam generally lasts 30 to 40 minutes, depending on the tests required. If everything is normal, your diagnostic results will look like this:
- Vision of approximately 20/20 without correction
- No signs of strabismus or amblyopia
- Normal focusing ability
- Normal general ocular health
- No signs of glaucoma or cataracts
- Good quality and quantity of tears
In the event of an abnormality, the optometrist may prescribe eyeglasses, contact lenses, or, if necessary, refer you to an ophthalmologist for specialized treatment.
Book your eye exam appointment
Choose your boutique to book an appointment:
Montréal
(514)-843-3466
|
mtl@baralunettes.com
Laval
(450) 505-8020
|
laval@baralunettes.com
Saint-Lambert
(450) 812-5552
|
stl@baralunettes.com
Bromont
(450) 726-3466
|
bromont@baralunettes.com
What to Expect During Your Optometry Exam
From the moment you arrive at the boutique, our team welcomes you and prepares your file. The opticians review your previous eyewear and the team of assistants performs a series of tests using high-technology equipment. The optometrist then conducts a complete eye exam combining objective tests (performed by equipment) and subjective tests (based on your responses).
This combined approach provides a precise and thorough evaluation of your vision and eye health.
Steps of Your Visit During the Eye Exam
1
Welcome and visual history
Our team welcomes you and discusses your visual habits and concerns.
2
Preliminary visual tests
Initial tests to measure your visual acuity and the coordination of your eyes.
3
Refraction
The optometrist determines your exact prescription.
4
Ocular health examination
Observation of the cornea, retina, and measurement of intraocular pressure.
5
Discussion of results
The optometrist explains the results and answers your questions.
6
Frame selection with a stylist
After the exam, our team of opticians guides you in finding the perfect frames and lenses to meet your needs in every situation.
Tests Performed During Your Eye Exam
Each eye exam at a Bar a Lunettes location includes a series of complementary tests, performed by our optometrist using specialized equipment. These tests assess both visual performance and the overall health of your eyes — going well beyond a simple letter chart reading.
The sharpness of your near and distance vision — the starting point of every exam.
The coordination and alignment of your eye muscles, essential for comfortable binocular vision.
Your ability to distinguish colours and detect any colour perception deficiency.
Your exact prescription: myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia.
The health of the external structures of the eye, examined for irregularities or signs of disease.
The extent and integrity of your peripheral vision, essential for detecting glaucoma and certain neurological conditions.
Measurement of intraocular pressure (tonometry), the primary glaucoma screening test.
Direct observation of the retina and optic nerve to detect AMD, diabetes-related changes, and other ocular conditions.
Advanced Imaging Technology — Laval, Saint-Lambert, and Bromont
Our Laval, Saint-Lambert, and Bromont boutiques are equipped with advanced imaging technologies for a more detailed analysis of ocular health:
OCT Maestro 2 (Topcon) and color retinography
3D scan allowing a detailed analysis of the macula, optic disc, and anterior segment. Early detection of retinal diseases, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.
Octopus Haag-Streit — automated perimeter
precise measurement of central and peripheral visual fields for early glaucoma detection and longitudinal monitoring.
FDT Humphrey — visual field
detection of visual field anomalies, available in all our boutiques including Montreal.
These technologies enable earlier diagnosis and more precise monitoring, which is reflected in the $154 fee at these three boutiques. The Montreal exam ($120) includes the full set of basic refraction and ocular health tests.
What Signs or Symptoms Warrant an Eye Exam?
The recommended frequency depends on your age and risk factors. Here are the guidelines from the Association of Optometrists:
Certain symptoms may indicate a visual or ocular problem requiring an optometric consultation. Schedule an eye exam if you notice:
Blurry or hazy vision, near or far
Frequent headaches related to visual effort or reading
Eye fatigue or difficulty maintaining visual concentration
Increased sensitivity to light (photophobia)
Double vision or difficulty seeing in relief (depth perception)
Difficulty seeing at night or driving in the dark
Chronically dry, irritated, or watery eyes
Squinting to see clearly (in children or adults)
Regular optometric exams allow for early detection and resolution of these issues and help obtain the appropriate visual correction before symptoms worsen.
Conditions Detected During an Eye Exam
One of the greatest advantages of a comprehensive eye exam is its ability to detect ocular and systemic conditions that are often asymptomatic in their early stages. With a regular optometric exam, your optometrist can detect:
Glaucoma: increased intraocular pressure that can lead to irreversible vision loss if left untreated
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD): the leading cause of blindness in people over 50
Cataracts: progressive clouding of the lens causing blurred vision
Diabetic retinopathy: an ocular complication of diabetes detectable during retinal examination
Retinal detachment: an ocular emergency requiring prompt intervention
Keratoconus: progressive deformation of the cornea
Chronic dry eye: a frequently under-diagnosed condition
Strabismus and amblyopia: conditions particularly important to detect early in children
Early detection of these conditions through regular eye exams is essential to preserving your long-term visual health and avoiding serious complications.
Refractive Errors (Ametropia) Detected
The eye exam also diagnoses and corrects ametropia — refractive errors affecting the clarity of vision:
Myopia: difficulty seeing distant objects clearly. Detected through automated refraction, phoropter, and visual acuity tests. Corrected with eyeglasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery.
Hyperopia: blurry vision at near range and sometimes at distance. Correction tailored to age and degree of hyperopia.
Astigmatism: distorted or blurry vision at all distances. Precisely measured with a keratometer and phoropter.
Presbyopia: age-related difficulty seeing up close. Corrected with progressive lenses, reading glasses, or multifocals.
Anisometropia: difference in prescription between the two eyes. Detected through complete refraction and binocular vision testing.
Combined refractive errors: combination of myopia + astigmatism or hyperopia + astigmatism. Precisely evaluated with complete refraction and phoropter.
Eye Exams for Children
Undetected vision problems can affect a child's learning and development. The Association of Optometrists recommends a first eye exam as early as 6 months of age, then at age 3 before starting school. The RAMQ covers annual eye exams for children ages 0 to 17.
Signs of a Possible Vision Problem in Children
- The child squints to see at a distance
- They complain of headaches or fatigue after reading
- They have school difficulties related to reading or writing
- They hold objects or books very close to their eyes
- They avoid activities requiring sustained visual attention
Our optometrists perform eye exams for all ages, adapted to each stage of development. An optometric exam for your child is covered by the RAMQ — at no cost to Quebec families.
Book your eye exam appointment
Choose your boutique to book an appointment:
Montréal
(514)-843-3466
|
mtl@baralunettes.com
Laval
(450) 505-8020
|
laval@baralunettes.com
Saint-Lambert
(450) 812-5552
|
stl@baralunettes.com
Bromont
(450) 726-3466
|
bromont@baralunettes.com
How Often Should You Get an Eye Exam
The Ordre des optométristes du Québec (OOQ) and the Association des optométristes du Québec (AOQ) recommend the following eye exam frequencies:
| Age Group | Recommended Frequency | Covered by RAMQ? |
|---|---|---|
| Infants (6 to 9 months) | First eye exam between 6 and 9 months | Yes ✓ |
| Preschool-age children (2 to 5 years) | At least one eye exam before starting school | Yes ✓ |
| School-age children (6 to 17 years) | Every year | Yes ✓ |
| Adults (18 to 39 years) | Every 2 to 3 years | No ✗ |
| Adults (40 to 64 years) | Every 2 years | No ✗ |
| Seniors (65 years and older) | Every year | Yes ✓ |
| Contact lens wearers | Every year | No ✗ |
| People with diabetes or at risk | Every year or as recommended by your optometrist | Case by case |
Most adults should have an eye exam every two years, and every year after age 65. People who wear contact lenses and those with diabetes or a family history of eye disease should schedule annual eye exams, regardless of age.
How Much Does an Eye Exam Cost?
Exam fees vary depending on the services required and your personal situation. At Bar a Lunettes, a regular eye exam costs between $120 and $159, depending on the boutique and available technologies.
•
Montreal — $120: complete eye exam including refraction and ocular health assessment using basic technologies (FDT Humphrey, keratometer, phoropter, auto-refractometer, slit lamp, tonometer).
•
Laval, Saint-Lambert, and Bromont — $149 to $154: complete exam additionally including OCT imaging, colour retinal photography, and Octopus automated perimeter for more advanced ocular health analysis.
Note: These fees apply to adults not covered by the RAMQ. See below for categories covered at no cost.
Is the Eye Exam Covered by the RAMQ?
It is important to understand that RAMQ covers a portion of the eye exam, but not 3D retinal scan tests (which cost between $29 and $59). Here is an overview of what Quebec’s public health insurance covers:
| Category | RAMQ Coverage |
|---|---|
| Children under 18 years | Free eye exam + $250 allowance for eyeglasses or contact lenses |
| Persons 65 years and older | Free annual eye exam |
| Recipients of last-resort financial assistance (12 months or more) | Free eye exam |
| Persons aged 60 to 64 receiving spousal allowance | Free eye exam |
| Adults aged 18 to 64 (no qualifying condition) | Not covered — private insurance if applicable |
To benefit from RAMQ coverage, you must be enrolled in Quebec's health insurance plan and present a valid health insurance card at your appointment.
Additional Tests
Additional Fees for Reports
Optometrists at Bar à Lunettes can complete forms required for obtaining a driver’s license with the SAAQ or for applications to police or firefighter training programs. Additional fees between $50 and $80 are charged for preparing a report when requested by an institution.
Is the Eye Exam Covered by Private Insurance?
Even if your exam is not covered by the RAMQ, most private insurance plans offer partial — and very often full — reimbursement for an eye exam performed every 2 years. At Bar a Lunettes, we provide an invoice to submit to your private insurer (Desjardins, Manuvie, Blue Cross, Sun Life, etc.).
Bring your valid health insurance card and, if applicable, your private insurance card; otherwise you will be required to pay for your exam.
When to Seek Emergency Care for an Eye Problem
Certain situations require prompt consultation with a healthcare professional. Go to a hospital emergency department immediately if you experience:
- Sudden vision loss
- Severe eye pain
- Flashes of light or numerous floaters
- An eye injury or foreign object in the eye
- Sudden double vision
In these situations, it is recommended to go to a hospital emergency department or an optometrist offering urgent care — a service that Bar a Lunettes optometrists do not provide.
Why Choose Bar a Lunettes for Your Eye Exam?
Since 1992, Bar a Lunettes by Marie-Sophie Dion has been an independent Quebec business where clinical expertise and a true sense of style come together — from your eye exam to the selection of your next favourite pair of glasses.
Here's what makes the experience unique:
- Over 35 years of independent expertise: Founded in 1992, Bar a Lunettes has built a strong reputation in Quebec by combining rigorous optometric care with an exceptional selection of frames — in boutiques designed to offer an atmosphere quite unlike a traditional clinic.
- Made-in-Quebec frames: Marie-Sophie Dion designs and manufactures unique frames under her own label — available ready-to-wear or fully custom-made. No optical chain in Quebec offers a comparable approach.
- A carefully curated international selection: In addition to Marie-Sophie Dion's own creations, each boutique features exclusive collections from renowned independent designers, including Anne & Valentin, Theo, Mykita, Blake Kuwahara, and more.
- Stylists, opticians, and optometrists under one roof: Our teams bring together three complementary areas of expertise — clinical, technical, and aesthetic — so that both your eye exam and your frame selection receive the same level of attention and precision.
- An appointment-only service: Every visit is entirely dedicated to you. No crowded waiting room, no pressure to buy. Your optometrist and your stylist give you their full attention from the moment you arrive to the end of your visit.
From your eye exam to your final frame choice, every step is designed to provide you with expert care and personalized attention.
Our Optometrists and Boutiques
Each Bar a Lunettes boutique offers a warm environment and personalized service. Our affiliated optometrists are professionals dedicated to your visual health.
Eyewear Bar Montreal — Old Port
Optométriste : Dre Marie-Andrée Deschamps, O.D.
Address : 401 McGill Street, Montréal, QC H2Y 2G2
Téléphone : 514-843-3466
Courriel : mtl@baralunettes.com
Schedule : Mon–Fri: 10am to 6pm · Sat: 10am to 5pm
Price : $120 (non-RAMQ)
Equipment : Comprehensive refraction, FDT Humphrey (visual field), keratometer, phoropter, slit lamp, tonometer
À noter : This boutique is not equipped with OCT or Octopus Haag-Streit technology, which are available in our other locations.
Eyewear Bar Laval — West Laval
Optométriste : Dre Amal Hakim, O.D.
Address : 3240 Boul. du Curé-Labelle, Laval, QC H7P 0H9
Téléphone : (450) 505-8020
Courriel : laval@baralunettes.com
Schedule : Mon–Fri: 10am to 6pm · Sat: 10am to 5pm
Price : $149 - $154 (non-RAMQ)
Equipment : OCT Maestro2 + colour retinal photography, Octopus Haag-Streit (visual field), FDT Humphrey, keratometer, phoropter, slit lamp, tonometer.
Eyewear Bar Saint-Lambert
Optométriste : Dr. Amal Hakim, O.D.
Address : 402 Victoria Avenue, Saint-Lambert, QC J4P 2H9
Téléphone : (450) 812-5552
Courriel : stl@baralunettes.com
Schedule : Mon–Fri: 10am to 6pm · Sat: 10am to 5pm
Price : $149 to $154 (non-RAMQ)
Equipment : OCT Maestro2 + colour retinal photography, Octopus Haag-Streit (visual field), FDT Humphrey, keratometer, phoropter, slit lamp, tonometer.
Eyewear Bar Bromont
Optométriste : Dr Abe Atri, O.D.
Address : 201 Champlain Street, Bromont, QC J2L 3B2
Téléphone : (450) 726-3466
Courriel : bromont@baralunettes.com
Schedule : Mon–Fri: 10am to 6pm · Sat–Sun: Closed
Price : $149 to $154 (non-RAMQ)
Equipment : OCT Maestro2 + colour retinal photography, Octopus Haag-Streit (visual field), FDT Humphrey, keratometer, phoropter, slit lamp, tonometer.
More Than an Exam: A Complete Experience
At Bar a Lunettes, your eye exam is part of a holistic approach. After your optometry consultation, our style consultants guide you in choosing the ideal frame from our ready-to-wear collections by international designers — Anne & Valentin, Theo, Blake Kuwahara, etc. — or from our ready-to-wear or custom-made collection signed by Quebec optician and designer Marie-Sophie Dion.
Every frame is hand-adjusted for perfect comfort. Our opticians take the time to fully understand your lifestyle, visual needs, and personal style in order to recommend lenses and a frame that complement your daily life and serve you in every activity.
Client Testimonials
Frequently Asked Questions About Eye Exams
-
Do I need an appointment for an eye exam?
Yes, our eye exams are by appointment only. You can book online, by phone, or directly in-store.
-
How much does an eye exam cost at Bar a Lunettes?
Exam fees vary depending on the services required, ranging from $120 to $159. Certain patient categories are covered by the RAMQ (children ages 0 to 17, persons 65 and older, individuals with diabetes). For others, most private insurance plans reimburse part or all of the cost. Contact your local boutique for more details.
-
How long does the exam take?
A complete eye exam lasts approximately 30 to 40 minutes, depending on the tests required.
-
Do I need to bring anything to my appointment?
Please bring your Quebec health insurance card (RAMQ), your private insurance card (if applicable), your current eyeglasses or contact lenses, and a list of your medications.
-
Does the RAMQ cover my exam?
The RAMQ covers annual exams for children (0–17 years), persons 65 and older, individuals with diabetes, and social assistance recipients. Adults aged 18 to 64 without an eligible condition should check their private insurance coverage.
-
Can I bring a prescription from another provider?
Absolutely. We accept prescriptions issued by any optometrist or ophthalmologist. You are not required to have your exam with us in order to benefit from our services.
-
Do your boutiques offer eye exams for children?
Yes, our optometrists perform eye exams for patients of all ages, including children. The exam is adapted according to the patient's age.
-
What vision problems can be detected during an exam?
The exam can detect myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, presbyopia, anisometropia, combined refractive errors, glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, keratoconus, and other ocular or systemic conditions.
-
What are your hours of operation?
All our boutiques are open Monday to Friday from 10 am to 6 pm and Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm, with the exception of Bromont, which is closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
-
In which cities do you offer eye exams?
We offer eye exams in four of our six boutiques: Montreal (Vieux-Port), Laval (Centropolis), Saint-Lambert, and Bromont.
-
How often should I have an eye exam?
It is strongly recommended to have an eye exam by an optometrist every two years if your situation is normal.
Take Care of Your Vision Today
Your visual health deserves the expertise of an attentive optometrist and a service that meets your expectations. Book your appointment now at the Bar a Lunettes boutique nearest you.
Book your eye exam appointment
Choose your boutique to book an appointment:
Montréal
(514)-843-3466
|
mtl@baralunettes.com
Laval
(450) 505-8020
|
laval@baralunettes.com
Saint-Lambert
(450) 812-5552
|
stl@baralunettes.com
Bromont
(450) 726-3466
|
bromont@baralunettes.com