First Nations Health Authority
May is Vision Health Month, a time to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining healthy eyes. Regular eye exams are key to lifelong vision health. These exams ensure prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses are up to date and play a crucial role in detecting eye conditions or certain brain diseases early on, before they progress.
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 benefit promotes access, choice and culturally safe care, offering flexible coverage that aligns with industry best practices to meet the unique needs of First Nations people living in BC.
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
- Routine eye exams:
Clients have the freedom to choose the optometrist or vision care provider that best meets their needs. Services can be reimbursed or directly billed through Pacific Blue Cross (PBC) if the provider is registered. Learn more about the FNHA Vision Care Benefit here.