Optometrists set their professional fees based on the time, responsibility and resources (technology, staff) required to provide a given service or test. You may expect to find variation in fees optometrists charge, as some may use different testing equipment or structure their fees differently.
As part of Medicare in Manitoba, the Provincial Government insures basic optometric eye exams for children aged 0-18 years and seniors aged 65 years and older every two-year calendar block, starting with odd years. It also insures ocular health exams for Manitobans of any age with diagnosed eye disease or, preventively, for those Manitoba Health has defined as at risk for developing eye disease (eg. if you have diabetes). Ask your optometrist if you are eligible for an insured benefit.
Note that Manitoba Health does not insure all diagnostic tests your optometrist may conduct to ascertain a diagnosis, monitor a condition, or check for eye disease as part of a routine eye examination. So, even if you are eligible for an insured eye exam, there may be services the doctor cannot bill on your behalf to Manitoba Health and, so, may bill to you.
Most people are aware that Manitoba Health also does not insure corrective or therapeutic services (eyeglasses, contact lenses, visual training). However, private insurance group health plans will often pay for at least a portion of these costs. If you have extended health insurance, ask the plan administrator what is covered under your vision benefit.