The Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) covers the cost of annual eye exams for Albertans 65 years of age and greater. Check with your optometrist prior to your appointment to determine if there are any additional costs.
It covers one complete eye exam per year, renewing every July 1st. Additional exams and/or treatments may be covered based on medical needs, such as glaucoma, diabetes or cataract follow-up or monitoring.
Ask your optometrist for information about coverage and potential costs for specific visual conditions. Alberta Health Care* covers urgent care and medically necessary services, which are listed below.
- Eye infections
- Eye injuries
- Eye and eyelid inflammation
- Foreign objects in the eyes
- Dry eyes
- Styes
- Sudden changes in vision
- Monitoring for diabetes issues, glaucoma and retinal disease
- Post-operative care for cataract patients
Please note that Alberta Health made changes to the coverage of optometry services on February 1, 2025. As a result, some visits may require patient payment and that particular services, previously fully covered, may now require a copay.