Optometry insurance coverage can feel confusing, especially when MSP coverage and extended health plans do not match up. This page explains eye exam insurance coverage in British Columbia, how we handle a direct billing eye exam at our Burnaby clinic, and what to bring so your visit goes smoothly.
Quick answers
- MSP coverage depends on age and medical need.
- We offer direct billing for many extended health plans when available.
- If you are not sure what your plan covers, we can submit the claim, but your provider will confirm the final details.
At a Glance: Insurance and MSP
- Bring your BC Services Card and your benefits card to your eye appointment
- At Real Eyes Optometry, we offer direct billing for many extended health plans (when available).
- MSP coverage is limited and depends on age and medical need.
MSP Coverage: MSP stands for Medical Services Plan. It’s a health insurance program with benefits for people who live in British Columbia.
Children (0 to 18): 1 routine eye exam per year
Adults (19 to 64): routine eye exams are not covered unless medically required
Seniors (65+): 1 routine eye exam per year
MSP contributes a set amount, and you may have a remaining balance depending on the exam and fees
Tip: If you want to speed things up, you can fill out our forms with insurance details and send them to us before your appointment.
What to Bring: Eye exam direct billing
Real Eyes Optometry can directly bill many insurance providers. Please be prepared and arrive 10 minutes before your eye exam, and bring the following to your eye appointment:
- Photo ID
- Your insurance card
- Your policy and member ID details
- BC Services Card
- Your glasses/contact lenses
- A list of medications (if relevant)
- Any eye drops you’re using
Important note: We can submit your claim, but we can’t confirm your exact coverage amount before you call your provider. Coverage varies by employer plan and policy details.
Insurance Provider List: Is my eye exam covered?
Most people are looking for extended health plans that cover additional eye exam fees that are not covered by MSP like the cost of glasses, and contact lenses. Every plan is different, so it helps to check and ask about the following:
- Your annual vision maximum
- Whether your plan covers eye exams, eyewear, or both
- Your reset period (often 12 or 24 months)
The following is a list of insurance coverage providers our office can directly bill:
- Cowan Insurance
- First Canadian Insurance
- Group HEALTH
- Group Source
- Industrial Allianc
- Johnston Group Inc.
- Manion
- Maximum Benefit
- Pacific Blue Cross
- Green Shield Canada
- SSQ Financial Group
- Sun Life Financial
- Great West Life
- Standard Life
- Manulife Financial
- Desjardins Insurance
- Chamber of Commerce Group Insurance
- CINUP
- Industrial Alliance
Not seeing your provider listed? Call us; we can often still help with receipts or claim paperwork.
What to Expect: Paperwork before your Appointment
After booking online, you will receive an email from Real Eyes Optometry with forms that require insurance information. Please fill it out before your appointment to speed up the process. Once you arrive at our office, you can check in with our front desk staff.
- We will ask you for your benefits card and ID
- We submit the claim (when supported by your provider and plan)
- You pay any remaining balance, if there is one
- You leave with a receipt for your records
- Important: We can submit your claim, but we cannot guarantee your exact coverage amount ahead of time. Coverage varies by employer plan, deductibles, and annual limits. If you want certainty, call your provider before your appointment.
If you have a higher prescription or if you’re a senior, there’s a good chance we may dilate your eyes during the exam. Please plan by giving yourself about 3 to 4 hours afterward to relax or go shopping at Metrotown. Your vision can be blurry and light-sensitive, making driving immediately after dangerous. If possible, bring a driver or avoid scheduling anything that needs clear vision right after. Bringing sunglasses is always a good idea.
When an eye exam may be medically required (MSP coverage)
An eye exam may be considered medically required when the visit is related to eye disease, trauma, injury, or other health issues that increase eye risk.
Examples can include:
- Eye disease, trauma, or injury
- Health conditions associated with significant eye risk (example: diabetes)
- Medications associated with a significant eye risk
If you are unsure what type of appointment you need, book an exam, and we will guide you based on your symptoms and history.
Reviewed by Dr. Amit Sahota, Registered Optometrist (BScOD)
Mar 27, 2026
Real Eyes Optometry
Real Eyes Optometry is centrally located in Metrotown Mall. Our convenient location includes free, accessible parking and the ability for parents to complete errands without driving all over the city.
Consider being able to run to a grocery store, make a clothing return, and grab a quick bite, all while your child is having an eye exam. Of course, accompanying your kid during their eye exam is always a good idea. For details on how to find us, click here.
Dr. Sahota has a special interest in dry eye care and advanced in clinic treatments, including radio frequency technology, and is known for providing thorough, personalized dry eye consultations in multiple languages.
Dr. Pati enjoys caring for patients of all ages, with a particular passion for family eye care and pediatric eye health, helping kids build strong visual habits early in life.
Dr. Wang is highly experienced in contact lens fitting, with a special focus on specialty lenses, and has helped many patients who thought they could never wear contacts comfortably.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice
FAQ: Optometry Insurance Coverage in BC
What if I don’t have insurance?
No problem. You can still book an eye exam with us. We’ll provide a receipt you can use for reimbursement if your plan allows it later.
Are medically required eye exams covered for adults 19 to 64?
Sometimes, yes. MSP covers medically required exams when the visit meets MSP medical criteria (not just a prescription update)
Are contact lens evaluations covered by MSP?
Contact lens fittings are typically not covered by MSP. If you have extended health benefits, your plan may help cover some costs.
Can you tell me exactly what my insurance covers before I come in?
We can help you understand what to ask, but only your insurance provider can confirm your exact coverage amounts, deductibles, and annual limits.
Can I stack deals and promos with my insurance coverage?
Often, yes. Many patients use a clinic promo and then apply their insurance benefits to the remaining balance. It depends on your plan rules and annual limits, so if you want to be sure, bring your benefits details, and we will help you understand the best way to apply them.
When is the best time to use my vision benefits in Canada?
For a lot of plans, the best time is near the end of your benefit year if you have unused coverage, or right after your benefits reset if you want a fresh maximum. Your plan’s reset date is usually based on the calendar year or your work benefits year. November and December are normally busy seasons for eye exams.
Is back-to-school a good time to use eye exam insurance coverage?
Yes. Back to school is popular because kids’ prescriptions can change quickly, and many families combine an exam with new lenses before school starts.