We provide a full range of eye health services in Gatineau, including comprehensive eye exams, emergency eye care, eyeglasses and sunglasses sales, and contact lens services. Book your eye appointment in Gatineau today with our qualified optometrists."

You can easily book an eye appointment online through our website or call us directly at 819-485-1085. We welcome new patients and offer appointments within 10 days or less, because your eye health is our priority."

We have a wide selection of eyeglasses and sunglasses in various styles and brands. It's important to us to provide options for all styles and budgets. Our opticians will help you find the frames that best suit you while meeting your vision needs.

The rates for eye appointments vary based on the patient’s age and the services required:

• Ages 18 to 64: $140

• Children under 18: Covered by RAMQ + $30 for retinal imaging

• Ages 65 and over: Covered by RAMQ + $40 for retinal imaging and OCT (retinal scan)

The cost for an emergency appointment with one of our optometrists is: RAMQ card + $85.

The RAMQ card covers part of the exam fees, and individuals without a Quebec health insurance card will be required to pay additional fees.

Please also note that additional charges may apply if further tests are needed, such as pupil dilation.

At Altitude Optométrie in Gatineau, we offer direct billing to several private insurance companies. This allows you to take advantage of your benefits without having to pay the full amount upfront for your eye exam or eyeglass purchase. We work with insurers such as Medic Construction, Beneva, Canada Life, Coughlin & Associates Ltd, Blue Cross, Desjardins Insurance, Manulife, Equitable Life, and Industrial Alliance. Other companies are also part of our direct billing network. Contact us to learn more about our direct billing for insurance.

The Optometrist (O.D.)
An optometrist holds a doctorate obtained after a five-year university program. They conduct eye exams, detect eye diseases and visual problems, and are qualified to prescribe, sell, and fit corrective lenses, whether glasses or contact lenses. With special permits, they can prescribe and administer medication for eye exams and treat certain eye conditions. If necessary, they refer patients to other healthcare professionals. As primary eye health providers, optometrists are often the first point of contact for vision services. They are members of the Ordre des optométristes du Québec.

The Ophthalmologist (M.D.)
An ophthalmologist has a medical doctorate and completed specialized training in ophthalmology. They diagnose and treat eye diseases, prescribe appropriate medications, and perform necessary surgeries. They are members of the Collège des médecins du Québec.

The Dispensing Optician (O.O.D.)
A dispensing optician has a college diploma from a three-year training program. They are qualified to sell and fit corrective lenses based on prescriptions from optometrists or ophthalmologists. They are members of the Ordre des opticiens d’ordonnances du Québec."

Yes, at Altitude Optométrie in Gatineau, our comprehensive eye exam is specifically designed to detect serious eye health conditions like age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and glaucoma. With our advanced OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) technology, we can examine the detailed layers of the retina and optic nerve. This advanced technology allows for early detection of these diseases, often before symptoms appear. If you have a family history of glaucoma or AMD, regular eye appointments are essential to protect your vision. Schedule an eye appointment at Altitude Optométrie and benefit from personalized, precise eye care."

Buying glasses online may seem economical, but it comes with risks. In Quebec, optometry clinics are regulated by strict laws and quality standards, ensuring the durability and proper fit of glasses. Online, these regulations don’t exist, and anyone can sell mass-produced frames, often made with lower-quality materials.

Additionally, warranties are often nonexistent or limited for glasses purchased online. At Altitude Optométrie, we offer high-quality frames with a one- to two-year warranty, personalized adjustments, and durable materials.

Although contact lenses sold online may seem identical to those offered in clinics, each brand and type of contact lens has specific parameters (such as curvature, diameter, and material). Poorly fitted contact lenses can lead to eye health issues: reduced oxygen to the cornea, blood circulation problems, corneal dryness, and other complications. These issues can cause eye infections, chronic irritation, or even vision loss.

Buying your contact lenses in a clinic ensures a personalized fitting by an eye health professional, who will consider all necessary parameters to protect your eyes. Online, these checks are not possible, increasing the risk of errors.

Additionally, online prices for contact lenses are often not more advantageous. In clinics, you can benefit from promotions or discounts on multiple boxes, which is rarely offered online.

Progressive lenses are complex, designed to correct both distance and near vision for people with presbyopia. These lenses can create blurry zones due to transitions between different viewing distances, and manufacturing quality plays a key role in reducing these distortions.

Basic progressive lenses often have a narrower field of view, which can lead to 'swimming' effects or discomfort when using a computer or reading. Advanced models use modern technology to expand the field of view, reduce distortions, and provide optimal visual comfort at all distances. The more precise and ergonomic the correction, the higher the price may be.

It is essential to choose progressive lenses tailored to your needs and lifestyle. At Altitude Optométrie, we offer a complete range of progressive lenses, from $300 to $1000, and our opticians will help you select the best lenses for you.

Yes, it can lead to serious eye health problems. It's essential to follow the usage guidelines: dispose of monthly lenses after 30 days, daily disposables after each use, and bi-weekly lenses after 2 weeks. The countdown begins once the packaging is opened, not based on the number of uses. Even if lenses don’t appear dirty, they accumulate invisible deposits and lose their ability to properly hydrate and oxygenate the eye, increasing the risk of infection.

Swimming or sleeping with contact lenses is also risky. Water and lack of oxygen can lead to severe eye infections, sometimes causing vision loss. Furthermore, the buildup of deposits and bacteria can cause long-term lens intolerance, preventing future use.

To protect your eye health, always follow contact lens care guidelines and alternate with glasses.

Frame prices depend on the material, craftsmanship, and labor involved. For example, injection-molded plastic frames, often sold online, are less expensive but also less durable. In contrast, handmade acetate, often crafted in Italy, provides better quality and longevity. Titanium, lighter and more durable than stainless steel, is preferred for its lightness. Some frames are even gold-plated or adorned with gemstones, increasing their price.

Rimless frames require more precision, raising their cost. Some frames are mass-produced, while others are crafted by skilled artisans. At Altitude Optométrie, we offer frames for every budget while ensuring superior quality. Our collections are primarily made by artisans, and our lens lab is based in Quebec.