Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation
Optical Program
Eyeglasses
- The BC Employment and Assistance Program provides prescription eyeglasses coverage between $108 and $179 based on the type of eyeglasses required (e.g. single vision vs. bifocal lenses).
- Coverage is available to all individuals receiving income assistance (children and adults) and also children in low-income families through the Healthy Kids Program.
- Adults receiving income assistance between the ages of 19 and 64 are also eligible for replacement prescription eyeglasses every three years.
- Children under the age of 19 are eligible for replacement eyeglasses every 12 months.
Eye Exams
- The BC Employment and Assistance Program covers the costs of routine eye examinations provided by optometrists and ophthalmologists for people receiving income assistance between the ages of 19 and 64 under the Optical Program.
- Individuals receiving disability assistance, Persons with Persistent Multiple Barriers, Medical Services Only and people receiving Hardship Assistance who are Canadian citizens also receive coverage under this program.
- Rates are as follows: $44.83 to an optometrist and $48.90 to an ophthalmologist. Rates provide for one exam every two years.
- Eye care professionals are paid directly by the ministry for eye exams. This is not a reimbursement program requiring people receiving income and disability assistance to pay up front and submit a claim.
- Pacific Blue Cross administers the program. People receiving income and disability assistance only need to present their CareCards and indicate they are on income assistance for Pacific Blue Cross to verify their eligibility for coverage with the eye exam provider.
- Adults over the age of 65 and children of parents receiving income assistance receive basic eye exam coverage through the Medical Services Plan.
- Medically necessary eye exams are covered through the Medical Services Plan as a basic health benefit for all clients on income assistance.
Ordering eyeglasses
- Individuals receiving income or disability assistance must get an optical prescription from a B.C.-registered optometrist or ophthalmologist.
- People receiving income or disability assistance can get their eyeglasses at any participating store that is qualified to fill eyewear prescriptions.
- If an individual would prefer ordering glasses online, online eyeglass purchase is available through a pilot project
- For both options, our service provider, Pacific Blue Cross, will verify the prescription and invoice the ministry so the individual on assistance doesn’t have to pay out of pocket.
For More Information
Contact the Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation Info Line at: 1 866 866-0800
- If you are receiving Ministry services, input your Person ID and PIN, or your Social Insurance Number, then press option 3, and then press option 6.
- If you are receiving Ministry services and do not have a Person ID or Social Insurance Number, or for all general inquiries, enter your 10 digit phone number, then press option 3, and then press option 7.
see all of it ------> http://www.eia.gov.bc.ca/factsheets/2005/optical.htm
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