SAAQ vision exam in Montréal
If the Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) has asked you for an eye examination report, the optometrists at PrimeVision in Montréal can examine your vision and complete the form. Book online or call 514-827-7463, and remember to bring the form the SAAQ sent you.
Who needs a SAAQ vision report
The SAAQ decides when a report is needed, and it asks for it in writing. According to the SAAQ, it can happen in these situations:
- Heavy vehicle licences. To obtain a Class 1, 2, 3 or 4B licence, the SAAQ requires the results of a medical assessment and a vision test conducted by a health care professional. Holders of these classes are asked for a medical assessment at ages 45, 55, 60 and 65, then every 2 years; the SAAQ indicates that a vision test is requested only if you have a visual impairment.
- Changes in your health or age. The SAAQ may require a medical assessment following certain changes in your state of health, and at age 80 and every two years after that. Any illness or impairment must be declared to the SAAQ within 30 days of the change or when you renew your licence.
- SAAQ vision screening. The SAAQ guide explains that people who do not meet the minimum requirements on the vision screening at a SAAQ service centre are invited to see the ophthalmologist or optometrist of their choice for a more complete evaluation.
The SAAQ form is called "Eye Examination Report, Ophthalmology/Optometry" (form 6205) and is completed by an ophthalmologist or an optometrist. See the SAAQ page on the state of health of heavy vehicle drivers and the SAAQ eye examination report form.
What the evaluation involves
The optometrist examines the points listed on the SAAQ form:
- Visual acuity of each eye and of both eyes together, with and without correction
- Binocular visual field, tested with the glasses or lenses you wear to drive and both eyes open; if there is an anomaly, the SAAQ asks for a signed copy of the visual field chart
- Colour vision, to check for a severe deficiency in seeing red, green or yellow that could affect recognizing traffic lights
- Double vision (diplopia) within the central 40 degrees
- Eye conditions such as cataract, glaucoma, macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy
The optometrist signs the report and may add recommendations, for example about driving between sunset and sunrise. The decision about your licence is the SAAQ's to make.
What to bring
- The SAAQ form and the letter that came with it
- Your driver's licence
- The glasses or contact lenses you wear to drive
- Your health insurance card
- Any previous eye reports or visual field results you have
Returning the form to the SAAQ
According to the form, the completed report can be uploaded to your SAAQclic account or mailed to the SAAQ address printed on the form. Check the deadline in your SAAQ letter and send it before then. The SAAQ's leaflet on medical assessments says it sends you its decision in writing after analyzing the report, and your licence stays valid in the meantime. If you cannot get an appointment before your deadline, contact the SAAQ at 1-800-361-7620: its guide explains that an extension can be granted when the request is justified.
RAMQ coverage
The RAMQ lists eye examinations to obtain a driver's licence for a bus, taxi, commercial or emergency vehicle among the services covered only for eligible persons, such as people under 18 or 65 or over. It lists examinations to obtain a licence for a passenger vehicle or motorcycle among the services not covered. Details are on the RAMQ optometric services page.
Book your SAAQ vision exam
Book online or call 514-827-7463 and mention that you have a SAAQ form to complete. Our optometrists, Rebecca Neacsu, O.D., Nesrin Kutaich, O.D. and Margot Lichet, O.D., are introduced on our team page. See also our eye exams page, our article on why eye exams matter and our contact page.