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Vision care coverage in Canada
According to the Canadian Association of Optometrists, 75% of all vision loss is preventable with early intervention. While it is recommended to get regular eye exams, we understand that many patients put them off due to cost concerns.
Did you know that depending on your province, age and other factors, some members of your family may have their eye exams covered? Here is a guide to navigating provincial vision care coverage. This guide is not comprehensive, which is why we have included the links to helpful government resources. It’s also important to note that you must have a valid and updated provincial healthcare card in order to qualify for coverage.
British Columbia
Note: These benefits are only available for individuals who receive assistance or medical services.
Adults:
MSP provides partial coverage for routine eye exams for seniors 65 and over, and adults 19-64, when medically necessary, up to $48.90 every two years.
New eyeglasses up to the ministry’s maximum rate.
Medically necessary eye exams, covered by MSP, include conditions such as ocular diseases, trauma or injury, systemic diseases that carry significant ocular risks (e.g., diabetes), and medications associated with significant ocular risks.
Children (Under 19):
MSP provides partial coverage for routine eye exams for children under 19 and seniors 65 and over.
New eyeglasses up to the ministry’s maximum rate, with additional support from the Healthy Kids program for children (18 and under) from low-income families annually.
For full details, please visit the province’s health coverage page.
Alberta
Children (18 and under):
Effective February 1, partial eye exams are no longer covered by the province.
Adults (19 – 64):
Full coverage for medically necessary services (e.g., infections, injuries, foreign bodies, sudden vision changes, monitoring for glaucoma and retinal disease, post-operative care for cataracts).
Comprehensive exam testing may incur additional costs depending on individual clinic policies. Clinics are allowed to charge fees beyond what is covered by Alberta Health Care for full eye exams.
65+:
Effective February 1, partial eye exams are no longer covered by the province.
For full details, please visit the province’s health coverage page.
Manitoba
Under 19 and 65+:
Annual eye exam covered.
Coverage for eyeglasses and contact lenses under certain conditions.
19 to 64:
Coverage for eye exams and eyewear for specific medical conditions.
Notable mentions:
The Seniors' Eyeglass Program provides financial assistance toward the purchase of eyeglasses for eligible Manitobans 65 and older. One pair of eyeglasses may be claimed every three years, or more often depending on the vision changes.
The Infant Contact Lens Program pays for contact lenses prescribed to infants born with a congenital eye defect.
The Prosthetic Eye Program will cover part of the cost for artificial eyes or prosthetic shells. The program covers a new device every two years, with a maximum allowable benefit.
The Children's Opti-Care Program helps families eligible for the Manitoba Child Benefit to cover the cost of prescription eyeglasses for their children.
For full details, please visit the province’s health coverage page.
New Brunswick
Children (18 and under):
New Brunswick’s health coverage initiative for low-income families, Healthy Smiles, Clear Vision, provides an annual eye exam and frames for children under 18, covering all 4-year-old children across the province, not just those from low-income families.
Adults (19 and over):
Eligible for an eye exam once every 2 years. Patients diagnosed with diabetes are eligible for coverage for a comprehensive annual exam ONLY applies to those covered under Social Assistance
For full details, please visit the province’s health coverage page.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Children (preparing for kindergarten):
The Eye See Eye Learn program provides a one-time comprehensive eye exam coverage for children ages 4/5 preparing for kindergarten. This is the only provincial coverage mentioned for eye exams at this stage.
For full details, please visit the province’s health coverage page.
Northwest Territories
All Ages:
Coverage for eye exams and eyewear based on specific medical conditions and income criteria.
Under 18:
Eligible for vision care benefits every year.
18+:
Eligible for vision care benefits every two years.
18+ and Seniors:
Eligible for up to $300 for standard prescription eyeglasses or $440 for a high-index. Covered services may include frames, lenses, and contact lenses, but require prior approval.
Major repairs to frames or lenses (up to $125) may be covered.
Minor repairs (up to $25) may be covered.
For full details, please visit the province’s health coverage page.
Nova Scotia
Under 10 and 65+:
Coverage for those with medical conditions, such as diabetes.
19 to 64:
2 years of routine care. Yearly if medically necessary.
For full details, please visit the province’s health coverage page.
Nunavut
Under 19:
The Non-Insured Health Benefit (NIHB) covers eye exams and one pair of eyeglasses annually.
Over 19:
The Non-Insured Health Benefit (NIHB) covers eye exams and one pair of eyeglasses every 2 years.
Seniors:
- The Non-Insured Health Benefit (NIHB) covers one pair of eyeglasses and one eye exam every 2 years.
The Nunavut Health Care Plan does not cover Optometric services.
For full details, please visit the province’s health coverage page.
Ontario
Under 20 and 65+:
OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan) covers children under 20 for yearly full eye exams and unlimited follow-ups.
20 to 64:
OHIP covers adults 20–64 for yearly exams only with certain conditions, and 2 partial exams per year for follow-ups of those specific conditions.
65+:
OHIP covers adults 65 and older every 1.5 years unless there is a specific ocular condition, in which case coverage is yearly. In either case, there are 2 partials in between full exams, regardless of condition.
ODSP (Ontario Disability Support Program) & Ontario Works:
Both programs cover a full eye exam once every 2 years.
ODSP also covers glasses or contacts (frequency depends on age) for those in the program.
For full details, please visit the province’s health coverage page.
Prince Edward Island
Pre-kindergarten and kindergarten:
Full coverage for a free eye exam and a free pair of glasses if required through the province’s Eye See Eye Learn program.
For full details, please visit the province’s health coverage page.
Quebec
Under 18:
One complete eye exam per year, including evaluation of colour vision.
Eyeglasses and contact lenses covered up to $300 with a prescription.
Age 18 to 64:
Eye exams covered for specific medical conditions.
65+:
One complete eye exam per year
For full details, please visit the province’s health coverage page.
Saskatchewan
Children (Under 18):
Annual eye exams are covered. Additionally, partial eye exams are covered up to every 3 months.
Full coverage for basic eyeglasses for children of income-assisted families.
Adults:
Routine eye exams for adults are generally not covered unless they are part of specific programs for example for individuals receiving income assistance through Social Services or the Family Health Benefit Plan; NIHB beneficiaries are covered, and individuals with diabetes have an annual exam.
Full coverage for basic eyeglasses for income-assisted individuals on the Supplementary Health program.
Ocular Emergencies are covered for all age groups.
For full details, please visit the province’s health coverage page.
Yukon
All Ages:
The Yukon Health Care Insurance Plan offers specific vision care benefits under certain programs:
Children’s Drug and Optical Program: Provides eye care costs for children aged 18 and under from low-income families.
Pharmacare and Extended Health Benefits: Available to residents aged 65 and up (or those aged 60 and up married to someone aged 65 and up), covering eye exams and a portion of eyewear costs every two years, with certain limitations.
For full details, visit the province’s health coverage page.
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