Can I Get An Eye Exam Without Private Coverage?
Specific eye care services are covered in British Columbia by the following organizations:
Medical Services Plan (MSP)
MSP will cover medically required eye exams for individuals between 19 and 64. The general criteria for a medically required eye exam includes:
- Ocular trauma, injury, or disease
- Systemic diseases linked to severe ocular risk (such as diabetes)
- Use of medication associated with severe ocular risk
Residents of British Columbia who receive income or disability assistance are also covered for specific eye services. Qualifying adults receive:
- As much as $48.90 for routine eye exams once every 2 years
- New eyeglasses (within the ministry’s maximum limit)
- New lenses if an optometrist confirms that their prescription has changed
- A case to hold new eyeglasses or lenses
- Routine eye exams for seniors (age 65+), covered through MSP
Children who are under 19 years old and in families on income or disability assistance also receive:
- Routine eye exams, covered through MSP
- New eyeglasses (within the ministry’s maximum limit)
Indigenous Services Canada
Indigenous Services Canada provides coverage for the following services for qualifying individuals via the Non-Insured Health Benefits Program:
- General eye exams, single tests, and follow-up appointments (if necessary)
- Corrective eyewear prescribed by a qualified eye doctor
- Repairs for eyeglasses and replacement for lenses
