Lucas CloutierThat holiday online glasses deal looked like a no-brainer—at first. But my headaches from a guesstimated prescription quickly proved that trying to cut corners on an eye exam wasn’t the best idea. Within an hour of screen time, my vision blurred and digital eye strain hit hard.
I paid a visit to the local eye clinic, hoping for a checkup and some answers. But instead of a clear diagnosis, what I got was a sales pitch for expensive upgrades. I left feeling just as lost as when I walked in.
So, after two not-so-great experiences with eye care, I asked my colleagues on the Waterview Vancouver writing team to help me find some better options. Here are the eye care clinics that made it onto our list.
How much does it cost to get treated at an eye care clinic in Vancouver?
It costs at least 75 CAD to get treated at an eye care clinic in Vancouver.
This price will vary depending on your insurance provider, the tests you get, treatments, glasses and more.
1. Wesbrook Eyecare Optometry
Address: 3339 Wesbrook Mall
Contact Details: +1 604-558-3937
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 10:30 AM to 6 PM
- Saturday – 11 AM to 5 PM
We love how Wesbrook Eyecare doesn’t rush you through your eye exams. We like how if you’re in between prescriptions, they ask questions and help you figure out which one would be better for you in the long run.
We also appreciate that they handle various vision issues. We like that they offer practical advice about managing your eyesight if you have computer vision issues or even dry eye.
When it comes to picking out eyeglasses, we love that the staff are helpful without being pushy. Many value that they are knowledgeable about the different brands they carry, like Tom Ford and Versace.
Now, while they have a good selection of designer brands, their “free frame collection” is quite limited. So, if you’re hoping for a stylish free option, you might be a little disappointed with the choices available.
That said, we like that they offer the option to reuse existing frames. However, they clearly state they cannot be held responsible if your existing frames get damaged during the process.
While we understand this from their perspective, it does make us a little nervous handing over our favourite frames.
Helped me find the perfect pair of glasses that fit comfortably
“I had an excellent experience at Westbrook Eyecare. Dr. Li and her staff were incredibly polite and provided outstanding assistance throughout my visit. They helped me find the perfect pair of glasses that fit comfortably and significantly improved my vision. I highly recommend Westbrook Eyecare for a top-notch experience!”
–Elizabeth Cheung, Google Reviews
Hands down the best optometrist office
“Hands down the best optometrist office in the lower mainland! Dr. Li is amazing, you can tell she really cares about her patients and she is so knowledgeable when it comes to the eyes! My whole family goes to her, and we refuse to see any other eye doctor! Their glasses and sunglasses options are endless too, they have the best styles of frames and very affordable too. Would highly recommend coming!”
–Cherie Lee, Google Reviews
2. FYidoctors – Vancouver – Broadway – Doctors of Optometry
Address: 1333 W Broadway #110
Contact Details: +1 604-733-1611
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 8 AM to 5 PM
- Friday – 9 AM to 5 PM
- Saturday – 10 AM to 4 PM
FYI Doctors impressed us with their use of Spectralis HRA+OCT—it takes really detailed 10-layer retinal and optic nerve scans. We like how they are able to really look at every part of your eyes and catch any potential issues early.
Many appreciated that they took the time to explain what each scan was for and what the results meant.
We value that they take the initiative to help patients improve their eye health—no matter what the issue is. For example, we like how they have specialty glasses that are designed to help focus light and slow down the progression of nearsightedness.
Furthermore, we appreciate that the staff at FYI Doctors take the time to answer any questions about tests and the different lens options.
That said, because of all the advanced technology they use, many did tell us that the eye exam took a bit long—like 40 minutes. While we appreciate the thoroughness, if you’re really pressed for time, this might be something to consider.
Especially helpful with getting me set up with my new frames
“Had a really wonderful experience from the check up to purchasing of my new glasses. Dr. Short helped my adjust my prescription which has made reading more comfortable and Annette was especially helpful with getting me set up with my new frames and even remembered me when I came in to pick them up. The frames were also ready quickly and their communication from appointment to pick up was excellent. Thank you all so much!”
–Ken Glass, Google Reviews
Has helped me understand my eye health care better
“Reception & staff are very friendly and knowledgeable. Dr. Leung has helped me understand my eye health care better. It’s allowed me to keep on top of my health, I appreciate it. My family now all go to their office on Broadway.”
–Rav Bagri, Google Reviews
3. Avenue Eyecare
Address: 2041 W 41st Ave
Contact Details: +1 604-558-1133
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9:30 AM to 1PM & 2 PM to 5:30 PM
- Saturday – 9:30 AM to 1 PM & 2 PM to 4:30 PM
Avenue Eye Care Optometry’s dry eye management program caught our eye. Many were impressed by how thorough their program is.
We love that they try to pinpoint the exact cause of the problem. They do this by doing tests, like meibography to look at the oil glands in your eye and osmolarity testing to check the salt concentration in your tears.
What we especially liked was that they don’t just give you some eye drops and send you on your way.
We love that they create a personalized treatment plan and offer in-office treatments like Blephex for deep cleaning the eyelids and lashes—many who tried this said it made a noticeable difference in how their eyes felt.
Many also appreciate the personalized starter kit and easy schedule follow-up appointments to track their progress.
Another thing we love is their convenient emergency eye care. Many told us when they had red eye and other issues that they could come in and be treated without having to wait long.
But if you come in solely wanting some new eyeglass frames, they don’t have many designer brands. Some customers informed us that the frames they carry are not always flattering.
Guided us every step of the way
“Dawson and Avenue Eyecare helped us to get a pair of glasses remotely. Before talking to Dawson, I don’t even know that it is possible! But Dawson gave us very detailed steps to follow and guided us every step of the way. The entire process is very smooth and Dawson acts so quickly. The glasses are also very high quality. I highly recommend them!”
–Yingxi Liu, Google Reviews
Extremely helpful, patient, and thoughtful
“Avenue Eyecare is absolutely incredible! Dawson (the optician) was extremely helpful, patient, and thoughtful when consulting us on Miyosmart lenses. The entire process was extremely smooth, and we felt that we had all the right information to make a decision on what types of lenses to get for myopia control. Thank you to Dawson and the whole team for a great experience!”
–Monique Im, Google Reviews
4. False Creek Eye Care Optometry
Address: 805 W Broadway Unit 104
Contact Details: +16048724411
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 9:30 AM–5:30 PM
We love that False Creek Eye Care Optometry uses an OPTIKAM system.
We like that they are hands-on with resourceful treatments, using an iPad and the OPTIKAM to take accurate measurements for your lenses. It gets over 10 data points—the exact distance between your pupils and how the frames sit on your face.
And if you want frames, they have a huge selection of eyeglasses—we heard over 700 styles and colours!
We love that they carry brands like Eco eyewear, which is great if you’re looking for something sustainable. They also have Tokado and Nano Vista, which are more stylish brands.
Lens-wise, for people who spend a lot of time on the computer like us, their Hoya Sync lenses are awesome. We like how it helps relax your eye muscles and reduces eyestrain.
Now, the only thing people weren’t too crazy about was their contact lenses. Several people new to them complained about how they wished they could have had more instructions on how to put them in and care for them.
Great experience and customer service
“It was my first time to have my eye exam here, great experience and customer service I’ve ever had. Dr Najafi was really helpful, the staff was too. I’m also very satisfied with my new glasses after getting help from the staff 👍 …”
–Irene_ee, Google Reviews
Knowledgeable and attentive, providing excellent assistance
“Great professional and friendly service. Dr. Najafi was very knowledgeable and attentive, providing excellent assistance and answering all my curiosities and concerns on my eyes. All the other staff was equally warm and welcoming. Will definitely be coming back!”
–Ryan Peterson, Google Reviews
5. Integra Eyecare Centre Vancouver
Address: 2415 Kingsway, Vancouver
Contact Details: +1 604-525-2042
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 6 PM
- Monday to Saturday – 9 AM to 5 PM
Integra Eye Care Center got on our radar for their virtual reality vision training. We love that they are one of the first in Canada to offer this high-tech eye care treatment.
They use the Vivid Vision Clinical System to help people with lazy eye, eye coordination problems, and double vision. We love how fun it is—you get to exercise your eyes while playing VR games like Tetris and more.
We also appreciate that they keep up-to-date with treatments for myopia control. Many value their corneal reshaping therapy (special contact lenses that reshape the cornea) and the option of getting anti-myopia eyeglass lenses.
We also really like their patient portal. We love that you could easily book and reschedule appointments online. Being able to view prescriptions and past exam notes online is also super convenient.
When it comes to eyeglasses, we like that the staff help guide you through their many options, like their Internal Freeform Lenses that are customized for your eyes or Blue Light filter lenses.
The only thing is, with all their advanced technology, this eye care clinic isn’t cheap.
Offer a comprehensive range of services
“We were warmly greeted as we stepped into the clinic. It’s an impeccably tidy and incredibly welcoming environment. Unlike other clinics, they offer a comprehensive range of services, from selecting glass frames to scheduling doctor appointments. My little one was efficiently checked in, and Dr. Jenny Tsui took exceptional care of him, conducting all the checkups in a playful and engaging manner, ensuring he had fun while receiving the necessary care.”
–Jennifer Santos, Google Reviews
Very patient with my many questions
“The staff were very helpful and friendly. The equipment there was very up-to-date. Dr. Annie Huang is awesome. She’s very patient with my many questions and her explanation was very clear and easy to understand.”
–Janis Chiu, Google Reviews
