When To Get Eyes Checked & What's Covered?

Seeing is a gift that deserves protecting. See your optometrist for an annual eye exam.

eye chart

Coverage for Vision Care

Ages 0-18

Alberta Health partial coverage is available towards one eye exam per year.* Additional exams and/or treatments may be partially covered based on medical needs. Ask your optometrist for information about coverage and potential costs for specific visual conditions. Alberta Health partially covers urgent care and medically necessary services, which are listed below.*

Ages 19-64

Alberta Health does not cover eye exams, however many Albertans have insurance coverage through their employer or their own medical plan. Inquire at the optometrist’s office regarding the cost of the eye exam, and also about direct billing to your insurance company. Alberta Health partially covers urgent care and medically necessary services, which are listed below.*

Ages 65+

Alberta Health partial coverage is available towards eye exams for seniors 65+, renewing every July 1.* Limited coverage for optical (eye glasses) assistance is available through Alberta Health. Additional exams and/or treatments may be covered based on medical needs, such as glaucoma, diabetes or cataract follow-up or monitoring. Ask your optometrist for information about coverage and potential costs for specific visual conditions. Alberta Health partially covers urgent care and medically necessary services, which are listed below.*

Urgent Eye Care, Eye Infections and Medically Necessary Treatment

Doctors of optometry have the proper knowledge, tools and equipment necessary to diagnose, treat or refer to a specialist, if needed. You do not need a referral. Most doctors of optometry keep a few daily appointments available for these urgent care. These appointments are partially covered by Alberta Health Care*. If you are unsure whether your specific issue would be covered, ask your optometrist before the appointment.

Types of care covered:

  • Eye infections.
  • Eye injuries.
  • Eye and eyelid inflammation.
  • Foreign objects in the eyes.
  • Dry eye.
  • Styes.
  • Sudden changes in vision.
  • Monitoring for diabetes issues, glaucoma and retinal disease.
  • Post-operative care for cataract patients.

*Optometrists can charge for insured services that the optometrist deems exceeds the AHCIP benefit and Albertans are responsible for additional costs incurred at the time of treatment. Practitioners are required to discuss fees with their patients before providing the service. More info >

Sight Tests vs Eye Exams

Vision screenings do not tell the whole story. They only check vision. These tests usually use automated equipment and the accuracy and effectiveness of the eyeglass prescription generated is limited.

During an eye exam, your optometrist evaluates both the internal and external health of your eyes. As many common eye diseases have no early symptoms, your health depends on knowing the difference.

Your optometrist examines the tissues and structures inside the eye, looking for eye diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma or macular degeneration, as well as tears in the retina, bleeding and tumours. They also look for early signs of serious medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Even when accessing sophisticated vision screening tools, highly trained screeners can miss up to one-third of children with eye or vision disorders. Plus, it’s not uncommon for parents to believe they would know if their child has a vision problem, because these issues can be hard to spot particularly if there is a problem in only one of the eyes. And, children often don’t know they have a vision problem as they believe what they are seeing is normal.

Your optometrist will help you with an appropriate treatment plan, if necessary. This can include glasses, contact lenses, eye exercises, medical treatment for an eye disease, or possibly a referral for surgery to correct muscle problems. Eye health is complex and deserves the attention of an expert. Doctors of optometry complete a Bachelor of Science degree or higher, followed by a four-year Doctor of Optometry degree from an accredited university. Their education is dedicated to the eye and eye health.

Seeing is a gift that deserves protecting. See your optometrist for an annual eye exam.

eye exam

baby

Infant Eye Care

A child can have their first eye exam between six and nine months of age.

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child

Early Childhood Eye Care

It’s important to check the visual development of toddlers and preschoolers.

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Children and Youth Eye Care

Stay focused on your children’s vision and eye health.

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adult

Adults Eye Care

Don’t get complacent about your vision and eye health in your adult years.

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senior

Seniors Eye Care

Keep active and independent, book your eye exam today.

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family

Family Eye Care

Booking your family’s eye exams helps ensure learning success.

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Find an Optometrist

Looking for trusted eye care? Our directory connects you with licensed optometrists across Alberta who are ready to help you protect and improve your vision. Whether you need a routine exam, specialized care, or advice on eye health, find a local optometrist today.

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