Vision Coverage in Canada

While the Canada Health Act ensures that all medically necessary services are publicly funded, it does not mandate coverage for routine vision care, such as eye exams and prescription eyewear. As a result, provincial coverage is inconsistent and often extends only to specific groups such as seniors, children and individuals with certain medical conditions. Many are left with out-of-pocket costs for primary services.  

The Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program provides federally funded coverage for eye exams and eyewear for eligible First Nations and Inuit individuals; however, the effectiveness of this program is hindered by systemic barriers such as geographic isolation, limited healthcare infrastructure and cultural differences.  

In November 2024, the federal government passed the National Strategy for Eye Care Act. Operation Eyesight is a member of the Canadian Eye Health Coalition, and we are chairing this network of organizations and individuals collaborating to inform the national framework for eye care and advocating for better vision health for everyone in Canada.   

We know that navigating eye care in Canada can be confusing, which is why we have compiled this list of resources for those wanting to learn more about what is covered in their area. Operation Eyesight is not responsible for the content posted at the third-party links below.  

Vision coverage amounts by province or territory
(2024-2025) 

Vision care varies by province/territory and procedure.
Click on a link below to see covered eye health services. 

Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) vision coverage amounts by province or territory (2025) 

NIHB vision coverage varies by province and will change every year (sometimes multiple times per year). The NIHB program provides coverage for eye exams and corrective eyewear benefits not available under provincial, territorial or private health insurance.  

To learn more: 

• Follow this link to the Vision Care Benefits Grids by Express Scripts Canada. (Express Scripts Canada processes all NIHB claims.) 

• Select your province/territory to see what is covered. 

• Click on the PDF (Fee Grid) for the relevant year.  

• Each PDF will list coverage items, eligible claim amounts and benefit renewal frequency for: eye exams, corrective eyewear and minor/major repairs of eyewear. It will also outline guidelines for damage/loss replacement and shipping costs.