Eye examinations
Eligible routine eye exams when they are not covered, or are only partly covered, by the applicable public plan.
Employee health benefits
Group Vision Benefits for Canadian Employees
Vision benefits can help employees and their families manage the recurring cost of eye care, prescription glasses and contact lenses.
Talk to a benefits advisorGroup vision coverage is usually part of an extended health plan. It may reimburse eligible eye examinations and vision devices, with separate limits or benefit cycles for each category.
Because vision claims are generally predictable, the best design depends on workforce needs, employee expectations and the total benefits budget. Clear communication is especially important when limits renew less often than annually.
Understanding the benefit
What vision benefits may include
Depending on the policy, vision coverage may include:
Glasses and contacts
Prescription lenses, frames and contact lenses up to the plan maximum and within the stated benefit cycle.
Additional services
Some plans include laser eye surgery or other expenses, but eligibility and limits must be confirmed in the contract.
Plan design
What employers should compare
Separate the eye-exam benefit from the allowance for glasses or contacts. Compare maximums, reimbursement percentages, benefit cycles, dependant eligibility and any exclusions rather than relying on a single coverage amount.
Three questions to ask
- 1 Are eye exams and vision devices subject to separate maximums and renewal cycles?
- 2 Does the allowance provide useful value for employees and eligible dependants?
- 3 Could a health spending account complement the insured benefit without replacing more important protection?
Explore related employee benefits
Build the right plan
Turn benefit options into a workable plan.
A NextGen advisor can help you compare coverage, understand the trade-offs and build a sustainable benefits program for your organization.
Talk to an advisor