Alberta Health Care will cover your basic eye exam if you’re under 19 or over 65 years old. Additionally, Albertans are entitled to medically necessary optometry visits under Alberta Health Care.

Alberta Health Care also covers a routine Dilation Exam on a separate day, an exam that should be completed every 3 years before the age of 19 and every year after the age of 65.

Completing retinal imaging at each eye exam is strongly recommended to detect changes in your ocular health. The details are crucial in diagnosing eye conditions, including glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, macular degeneration, or retinal problems.

Some optometry services are covered under the AHCIP, but not outside Alberta:

• eye exams
• children 18 years old and under, and seniors 65 years and older are eligible for one complete eye exam, one partial exam and one diagnostic procedure per benefit year (July 1 to June 30)
• full coverage for some specific medical conditions treated by optometrists
  • optometrists cannot charge you for services covered by AHCIP, but you are responsible for additional costs incurred at the time of treatment
• full coverage, if you are 19 to 65 years old, for an eye exam your optometrist deems is medically necessary as a result of trauma, a medical condition or an episode of illness

Seniors with low to moderate incomes may be eligible for some benefits under the Dental and Optical Assistance for Seniors Program.