FNHA Vision Benefit: Supporting Children’s Vision Care

Healthy vision is essential to a child’s growth, learning, and overall wellness. As children grow, their eyes develop rapidly, and their vision can change more quickly than that of adults. That’s why regular eye exams are vital for maintaining good eye health. They ensure prescriptions are up to date and also help detect potential eye and brain conditions early and before they affect development.

The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) Vision Benefit provides coverage for many medically necessary vision care items and services not covered under the Medical Services Plan (MSP). This includes annual eyewear coverage for clients under 18 to help ensure that children and youth have consistent access to properly prescribed eyewear.

Vision care coverage includes:

• • Routine eye exams:
    • $100 every two years (or annually for children and youth 18 and under)
    • This is in addition to MSP coverage for those over 65 and under 19, which should be accessed first before using FNHA benefits
  • Prescription eyewear:
    • $275 every two years for glasses, contact lenses, frames, lenses, and prescription sunglasses
    • Up to $415 every two years for high-index prescriptions

Clients can choose the optometrist or vision care provider that best meets their needs. If the provider is registered with Pacific Blue Cross, the cost of services can be billed directly to the FNHA Health Benefits plan. This flexibility helps clients to access trusted providers, including those experienced in working with children and youth.

Learn more about the FNHA Vision Care Benefit here.