FNHA Vision Benefit, Supporting Youth Vision Care

Regular eye exams are vital for maintaining good eye health. They ensure prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses are current and help detect eye and brain conditions early. This is especially important for children as their vision can change more rapidly than adults. Early detection supports healthy development and academic success.

The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) Vision Benefit is designed to provide coverage for medically necessary vision items and services that are not covered under MSP. This includes annual eyewear coverage for clients under 18 to help ensure that children and youth have consistent access to properly prescribed eyewear.

Coverage under the FNHA Vision Benefit includes:

• • $100 annually for a routine eye exam for clients 18 and under.
    • This is in addition to MSP coverage for eye exams for this age group, which should be accessed before using FNHA coverage. FNHA will cover the remaining eligible amounts, up to allowable limits.
  • $275 annually for prescription eyewear ($415 for high-index prescriptions), which includes:
    • Contact lenses, frames, glasses, lenses, and prescription sunglasses.

Clients can access vision care from any optometrist of their choice. They may:

• • Submit receipts for reimbursement, or
  • If the provider is registered with Pacific Blue Cross (PBC), have the provider bill PBC directly.

This flexibility allows clients to choose a provider they trust and, if needed, find optometrists experienced in working with children and youth. Learn more about the FNHA Vision Benefit here.