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direct
billing
Your Vision Benefits, Put to Work
At Eyelike + Saigon Optical, we’ve processed insurance claims for Toronto patients since 1989. We partner with 15+ major Canadian insurers and offer seamless direct billing at all two locations.
15+
Insurance Partners
35+
Years of Claims Experience
2
Toronto Locations
Use Your Vision Benefits
Vision Plans included in most insurance policies are a form of eyecare coverage. Depending on your plan, this means that you are entitled to one full comprehensive eye exam every 1 or 2 years and any associated prescription eyewear to help improve your vision.
We understand how important routine eyecare services can be to many, which is why at Eyelike + Saigon Optical, we have partnered up with over 25 major insurance providers in Canada to help you make the most of your vision care benefits. With over 35 years of experience, we have helped thousands of customers put through their vision benefit claims, and we now also offer Direct Billing services to reduce your our of pocket expenses and eliminate any unnecessary paperwork for your eyecare needs. Can’t find your insurance company below? Feel free to give us a call and we’ll gladly assist you with any questions!
Overview
We Handle the Paperwork. You Keep the Benefits.
We submit your insurance claim directly to your provider, in real time. You pay only your portion — if there is one. No forms, no receipts, no waiting weeks for a reimbursement. This service is available at 340 Spadina Ave in Chinatown, 1619 Wilson Ave in North York Downsview.
What Your Vision Plan Typically Covers
Coverage varies by plan, but most employer-sponsored group benefit plans in Canada include some combination of the following. Bring your insurance card and our team will confirm your exact entitlements before anything is confirmed.
Comprehensive Eye Exams
Most plans cover a full exam every 1–2 years for adults. In Ontario, OHIP also covers exams for patients under 19 and over 65 — we accommodate both at all two locations.
Eyeglass Frames & Lenses
An annual or biennial allowance toward prescription glasses — often extendable to lens upgrades including progressives, anti-reflective coatings, high-index, and blue light filters.
Contact Lenses & Fitting Fees
Many plans include a contact lens allowance and cover the fitting fee — a benefit patients regularly forget to claim. We apply both automatically where covered.
Specialty Services
Some plans extend to retinal imaging and dry eye treatment, both available at our North York Downsview location. Ask us about your plan’s coverage for these services.
Canadian Insurance Providers We Work With
How Direct Billing Works
We’ve processed thousands of direct billing claims across our Toronto locations. The process is straightforward — and our team handles every step.
1
Book your appointment
Online or by phone at any of our two Toronto locations — Downtown Spadina,
North York Downsview.
2
Bring your insurance card
Or have your group plan number and policy ID ready. That's all we need — no
pre-authorization, no contacting your insurer in advance.
3
We verify your coverage
Before your exam or purchase begins, we confirm what's covered, your limits, and
whether any co-pay applies. You'll know exactly where you stand before we start.
4
We submit the claim directly
To your insurance provider, in real time, at point of sale. No paperwork on your
end — not a single form.
5
You pay only your portion
We'll always communicate any remaining balance clearly before finalizing. No
surprises at the counter. Ever.
Frequently Asked Questions About Direct Billing
Which insurance providers do you direct bill?
We work with 25+ major Canadian insurers. Call or visit any of our two Toronto locations and our team will confirm whether your specific provider is in our network — just have your insurance card or plan number ready. We’re continually expanding our network, so even if your provider wasn’t covered previously, it’s worth checking again.
Do I need to contact my insurance company before my appointment?
No. You don’t need to pre-authorize anything or contact your insurer in advance. Simply bring your insurance card or have your group/policy number on hand. Our front desk team handles the verification and submission entirely from our end before and after your appointment.
What if my plan doesn't cover the full cost?
We’ll confirm your coverage and communicate your estimated out-of-pocket balance clearly before proceeding with any exam or purchase. You’ll know exactly what you’ll be paying before anything is finalized — no surprises at the counter. If the remaining balance is more than you expected, we can help you find the right products within your budget.
Can I use my benefits for both glasses and contact lenses?
It depends on how your specific plan is structured. Some plans offer a single annual allowance that can be applied to either glasses or contacts, while others have separate allocations for each. Some plans also allow unused eyewear benefits to roll toward contact lenses. Our team reviews the specifics of your plan at your appointment so you can make the most informed decision.
I've already used some of my benefits elsewhere this year — can I use the rest here?
Yes, absolutely. We can check your remaining benefit balance before your visit and apply whatever is left. This is very common with patients who had an eye exam elsewhere and want to use their remaining frame or lens allowance here. We see this regularly at all two Toronto locations.
Are my children covered under my vision plan?
Most group benefit plans in Canada extend vision coverage to dependants. In Ontario, children under 19 also receive OHIP-covered eye exams, regardless of whether they’re on your plan. We offer comprehensive eye exams for children at all two of our Toronto locations, and direct billing applies to patients of all ages.
What if I don't have group insurance?
All patients are welcome at every location, with or without insurance. Our team can walk you through exam fees and eyewear pricing clearly upfront. We always aim to find the right balance of quality and value for every patient regardless of coverage, and we’re transparent about costs at every stage.
When do my vision benefits reset?
This varies by plan. Most group plans reset on January 1st each year, though some reset on a policy anniversary date or fiscal year. If you’re not sure when your benefits reset, bring your insurance card to your visit and our team will check. We regularly help patients time their purchases to maximize benefits before a reset date.
Guidelines & Articles
Understanding Your Vision Benefits
Practical guides to help Toronto patients get the most out of their vision care coverage — written to demystify insurance, OHIP, and what you’re actually entitled to.
Insurance Guide
What Does Vision Insurance Actually Cover in Canada?
A plain-language breakdown of Canadian vision care benefits — what’s typically included under group plans, how allowances work, what “direct billing” actually means, and what to ask HR about your coverage.
OHIP Guide
OHIP and Eye Exams in Ontario: Who Is Covered and What to Expect
A clear guide to OHIP eye exam eligibility in Ontario — who qualifies, how often, what the exam includes, and how OHIP coverage interacts with your employer’s vision plan.
See Our Related Services
Retinal Imaging
At our North York office, we use the Optomap Retinal Scan (OPTOS), a high-resolution imaging device that captures a wide-field photo of the retina. Unlike traditional exams that show only 15–30% of the retina, OPTOS provides an 80% view in just one second.
Comprehensive
Eye Exams
Routine comprehensive eye exams help maintain both clear vision and overall eye health, and should be done every 1–2 years for adults, seniors, and children. During the exam, your eye doctor checks vision, eye function, and screens for systemic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure that can first appear in the eyes.
Dry Eye Treatment Toronto