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Information on MSP Coverage from Your Optometrist in Victoria

British Columbia’s Medical Services Plan (MSP) extends optometric health coverage to children, adults, and seniors. Children and seniors covered by the MSP may be entitled to one full eye examination every year. Having a comprehensive eye exam performed on an annual basis allows your optometrist to track any change or loss in vision, prescribe glasses or contact lenses, as well as look for any signs of ocular disease.

If it’s been a while since your last checkup, we recommend using our website’s convenient Find an Optometrist feature. This will help narrow down your search for an optometrist in Victoria or its neighbouring cities.

Who is Eligible for an Annual Eye Exam Under MSP?

The government of British Columbia provides the residents with vision care benefits through the Medical Services Plan. The benefits covered for different age brackets include:

Children up to 18 years of age are entitled to a comprehensive annual eye exam per year
Adults between 19-64 years of age are eligible for medically-required eye exams, including suspected trauma, injuries, ocular diseases, and medications or diseases containing high ocular health risks
Seniors 65 years of age and above are also entitled to a comprehensive annual eye exam per year

Do you want to get more details on how your age can impact the MSP coverage? Consult your optometrist.

How Much of My Costs are Covered by MSP?

With a Medical Services Plan coverage, you can get an annual distribution for eye examinations in addition to minor and follow-up exams. The optometrists can opt out of the MSP and devise a separate payment schedule as required.

To get more information on MSP coverage, please visit the Ministry of Health website.

What is Not Covered by MSP?

MSP may not cover all the optometric services. The most common services excluded by an MSP coverage include:

Contact lens fittings
Eyeglasses, low-vision aids, contact lenses,
Treatments such as eye coordination exercises, and eye-related medications
Eye examinations required by potential employers or third parties
Laser refractive eye surgery management (including pre and post-operative visits)

Contact Lens Fittings

Refer to your local optometrist for contact lens coverage under MSP, and other insurance options.

BC’s Healthy Kids Program

The BC Healthy Kids Program aims to extend financial help to low and middle-income families to meet prescription eyewear, basic dental care and hearing aid needs for their children. Children under 19 years of age with an active MSP premium assistance through the Ministry of Health, BC, are eligible for the program.

Contact Your MSP Coverage Provider

To use MSP-paid services, residents of British Columbia must present a valid health card when requesting medical services. If you have a question on your coverage or other MSP-related question, please choose a contact option.

For the security of your personal health information, you should never share account details, personal health number, MSP account number, address, or other personal information via email. A response will not be sent if your originating email contains information that could compromise your security.