Medical Services Plan of British Columbia (MSP)
MSP covers partially covers eye exams and eyeglasses & lenses for people between 19 and 64. An eye exam may be considered medically necessary if:
- You are dealing with ocular injury, trauma, or disease.
- You have a systemic disease associated with serious ocular risk(s) (e.g., diabetes).
- You are taking medication that comes with serious ocular risk(s).
B.C. residents receiving disability or income assistance also receive coverage for specific eye services. Adults in this category qualify for:
- Up to $44.83 for comprehensive eye exams once every 2 years
- New eyeglasses once every 3 years (with certain exemptions for lost or broken glasses)
- New lenses when their prescription changes according to a qualified eye doctor
- A case for storing new eyeglasses or lenses
- Regular comprehensive eye exams for seniors (age 65 or older) via MSP (partially)
Children under the age of 19 who are in families receiving disability or income assistance qualify for:
- Regular comprehensive eye exams via MSP
New eyeglasses once every 12 months (with certain exemptions for lost or broken glasses)
Indigenous Services Canada
The following services are partially covered for qualifying individuals under Indigenous Services Canada’s Non-Insured Health Benefits Program:
- Comprehensive eye exams, follow-up visits, and single tests when recommended by a qualified eye doctor
- Corrective eyewear when prescribed by a qualified eye doctor
- Replacement lenses and eyeglass repairs
