Keeping your eyes healthy becomes even more important as you age. From monitoring for conditions like cataracts or glaucoma to staying ahead of changes in vision, regular eye exams are a key part of maintaining your overall wellness.
But many people aren’t sure what’s actually covered when it comes to their eye care, especially under British Columbia’s Medical Services Plan (MSP). MSP provides coverage towards eye exams for adults 65 and older, but coverage depends on the type of exam.
If you’re living in B.C., it’s helpful to know exactly how MSP supports your eye health, including what exams are covered and how to access them.
What Is MSP?
The Medical Services Plan (MSP) is B.C.’s publicly funded health insurance program. It helps residents access essential medical services, including physician visits, diagnostic testing, and some eye care. To qualify, you must be a resident of British Columbia and meet specific eligibility criteria.
While MSP doesn’t cover all vision-related appointments, it does offer important support for seniors who need medically necessary eye exams. Whether you’re managing a long-term condition or noticing something has changed in your vision.
How Do I Apply for MSP?
To enrol in MSP, you’ll need to complete an application form. This can be done online or by mail. Once approved, your coverage begins after a short waiting period, and you’ll receive a BC Services Card, which acts as your personal health ID.
Your Services Card should be presented whenever you visit a healthcare provider, including your optometrist. This helps determine which services may be billed directly to MSP, depending on your exam needs and eligibility.
What Types of Eye Exams Are Covered?
MSP provides coverage for several types of eye exams for seniors, each based on specific circumstances:
Routine Exams
Kids 18 years old or younger, and seniors aged 65 and older are eligible to receive compensation towards the cost of an annual eye exam to monitor changes in vision and screen for age-related eye conditions. This regular check-up helps your optometrist detect early signs of issues such as cataracts, glaucoma, or macular degeneration.
Kids ages 11 years and younger can have their eyes examined for FREE once per year at Orchard Park Optometry. We know how important visual development is during this critical period in life, and we want to reduce any barriers that parents might have in getting their children assessed properly.
Medically Required Exams
If you have a chronic health condition like diabetes or are experiencing eye discomfort or vision loss, your exam may be considered medically necessary. These exams also receive some compensation by MSP and allow your optometrist to track the progression of a condition and adjust care plans accordingly.
Emergency Exams
Sudden changes in vision, such as seeing flashes of light, floaters, or experiencing eye pain, may require urgent assessment. MSP provides some compensation of emergency eye exams when they are deemed medically necessary to prevent further complications or damage to your eyes.
Understanding the type of exam you need can help you plan your visit and give your optometrist the information they need to apply your MSP coverage appropriately.
What Types of Eye Exams Are NOT Covered?
One of the more common reasons that people have their eyes tested annually or bi-annually is to check their prescription for glasses or contact lenses. These types of services are unfortunately not reimbursed by MSP or any government subsidy, and require a co-payment. This type of fee can be paid by cash, credit card, or billed to any third-party private health insurance.
Many private insurance plans can be billed directly from the eye clinic, meaning that there may be little-to-no out of pocket expense at the time of your eye exam. Always check your private insurance coverage prior to your exam time to ensure you know how much coverage you have and when it was last used, so that there are no surprise costs.
At Orchard Park Optometry, we are always transparent about any expected fees at the time your appointment is booked or before any services are rendered.
Support for Extra Eye Care Services
Some seniors may qualify for additional support through government programs or income assistance supplements. These benefits can help cover the cost of prescription eyewear or follow-up treatments that aren’t included in routine coverage.
To learn more about these options, you can speak with your optometrist’s office or review eligibility through provincial support programs. It’s always worth asking if you think you might qualify for help beyond MSP coverage.
Why Eye Exams Matter More as You Age
As you get older, your risk of developing certain eye diseases increases. Some of the most common age-related issues include:
- Cataracts: Clouding of the lens that can lead to blurry or dim vision
- Glaucoma: A group of conditions that damage the optic nerve, often without symptoms in early stages
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD): A progressive disease affecting central vision
- Diabetic retinopathy: Vision damage caused by changes in blood vessels due to diabetes
Even if your vision feels stable, these conditions can develop slowly and without obvious symptoms. Regular eye exams help catch them early when they’re more manageable. That’s why, even with MSP support, seniors should prioritize their yearly checkups.
How Often Should Seniors Get Eye Exams?
Most adults over the age of 65 should have a comprehensive eye exam every year. This helps your optometrist regularly:
- Track any gradual changes in your vision
- Screen for common age-related eye conditions
- Update your prescription as needed
- Monitor the impact of other health conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure
Book Your Eye Exam
Understanding what’s covered through B.C.’s Medical Services Plan and using those benefits can help you stay on top of your eye health.
At Orchard Park Optometry, eye exams are customized based on your health, medical history, and vision needs. If ongoing attention is needed, we’ll recommend returning sooner. Open 7 days a week, it’s easy to fit care into your schedule.
And if you have questions about MSP coverage or insurance, contact us. Our team is happy to walk you through the process to help make it as straightforward as possible.
