Vision Coverage: What is Covered by Alberta Health?

Posted on November 21, 2018 (May 1, 2023) by Dr. Brent Hopfauf

Here is a brief overview of Alberta Health’s vision coverage.

Children

Alberta Health covers one complete eye exam for children and teens under the age of 19 every benefit year (a benefit year is July 1 – June 30). They will also cover one partial exam and one diagnostic procedure. Please note that Alberta Health doesn’t cover retinal photos, so that will be an added fee. Alberta Health will also cover medically necessary exams and eye health emergencies.

Adults

Alberta Health does not cover eye exams for adults between the ages of 19 and 64, with the exception of medically necessary exams and eye health emergencies.

Seniors

Like with children, Alberta Health covers one complete eye exam, one partial exam, and one diagnostic procedure for seniors over the age of 65. Again, Alberta Health will not cover retinal photos. Alberta Health will also cover medically necessary exams and eye health emergencies.

Medically necessary exams/eye health emergencies

Alberta Health will cover exams for issues such as:

eye infections
eye injuries
objects in eyes
sudden changes in vision
sudden flashes/floaters
monitoring for diabetes, glaucoma, retinal disease

Please note: Alberta Health does not cover eye exams, procedures, or other Optometry services that are received from outside of Alberta, regardless of age or eye health issue.

If you are unsure if your specific situation/issue will be covered by Alberta Health, make sure to check with your Optometrist’s office when you are booking your exam.

Written by
Dr. Brent Hopfauf

Dr. Hopfauf is a born-and-raised Calgarian and one of the proud owners of Calgary Family Eye Doctors. After earning his Bachelor of Science degree with distinction from the University of Calgary, he headed to Ontario for the Optometry Program at the University of Waterloo. Upon graduation, Dr. Hopfauf was named Class Valedictorian. He has had the unique opportunity to further his training in ocular diseases in Houston, Texas and has studied specific conditions that include glaucoma, cataracts, dry eyes, and uveitis.

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Vision Coverage: What is Covered by Alberta Health?

Children

Adults

Seniors

Medically necessary exams/eye health emergencies

Written by Dr. Brent Hopfauf

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What Does Retinal Imaging Show?

How Often Should Glaucoma Patients Be Checked?

How To Tell if a Baby Needs Glasses

Can an Optometrist Tell if You Have Diabetes?

Do Contact Lenses Expire?

Are Floaters in the Eye Dangerous

Does My Child Need Glasses?

What Happens If I Wear My Contacts Too Long?

How Do Optometrists Test for Glaucoma?

How Too Much Screen Time Impacts Kid’s Eye Health

COVID-19 Update – Our promise to you.

COVID 19 and Eye Emergencies

Options for elective corrective eye surgery

10 things to remember when wearing contact lenses

Presbyopia: an overview

May is Vision Health Month

Eye See You education program launch

Written by
Dr. Brent Hopfauf

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