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Does Alberta Blue Cross Cover for Optometrist Cost?

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A trip to your optometrist can cover a variety of vision care needs. You could be going in for a routine eye exam, or you may need more specialized vision care such as eye disease diagnosis and management

Whatever your vision care needs are, your optometrist has you covered. 

However, you may be wondering if Alberta Blue Cross covers your visual needs and optometrist costs. Let’s explore some of the procedures you may need and if your optometrist costs are covered.

Exploring Your Visual Needs

When considering a trip to your optometrist, it’s inevitable to start thinking about your coverage options and what type of vision care you may need. 

A trip to the optometrist involves a comprehensive eye examination to determine your unique visual needs. Your eye exam will consist of tests such as: 

  • A visual acuity test
  • Eye chart test
  • Depth perception
  • Ocular motility
  • Colour blindness
  • Binocular vision

These tests are designed to help determine your prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses. Your prescription will allow you to get new eyeglasses or specialty contacts that help correct your vision and deal with vision issues such as myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia.

From there, your optometrist can also check for developing eye disease issues such as:

Early detection and treatment are essential for managing eye disease, and frequent eye exams can help your optometrist stay up-to-date on your eye health. Your optometrist uses diagnostic technology to help you understand your vision and develop a treatment plan.

Eye disease can appear in many different forms so consistent eye exams are crucial, even if you don’t notice anything wrong. Many forms of eye disease develop without any symptoms—consistency is key!

Children’s Eye Exams in Alberta

Comprehensive eye exams aren’t just for adults—you also need to keep your children in mind when it comes to consistent vision care.. 

Early eye exams are essential for Alberta children as this is a crucial time in their visual development. Vision plays a critical role in learning. Around 80 percent of what children learn comes from their visual system, so their visual health must be preserved.

Vision care starts from a young age, and those habits are carried throughout adulthood. 

Image of an Alberta Blue Cross ID card showing the different parts with explanations.

Alberta Blue Cross & Optometrists

Your optometrist will be able to provide flexible payment options and partner with various insurance providers to fulfill your visual needs.

You may be wondering if Alberta Blue Cross covers vision care. The answer is that Alberta Blue Cross offers many different types of vision packages

Finding the right vision coverage for your needs comes down to meeting with an Alberta Blue Cross representative and discussing your treatment needs and coverage options. 

In general, Alberta Blue Cross covers

  • Eye examinations
  • Purchase or repair of eyeglasses
  • Contact lenses or intraocular lenses

Choosing your personalized plan comes down to your unique visual needs. While Alberta Health Care covers one complete eye examination annually, additional exams or treatments may require a different plan. 

Alberta Blue Cross is based in Alberta, so you’ll get the added benefit of quick adaptation to any provincial health policy changes that could affect your coverage. 

However, it’s vital to speak with your optometrist’s office to see what insurance providers they partner with and if Alberta Blue Cross is viable for you. 

Your optometrist’s office will work together with you to help you enjoy a seamless eyecare experience. 

Comprehensive Vision Care

Vision care is a lifelong process that involves consistency and good habits. Navigating coverage can get tricky, so knowing your options is essential. Alberta Blue Cross has various vision care plans to help you navigate vision care.

Book an appointment with your Eye Care Group in Edmonton and St. Albert today to see if your vision care needs are covered. 

Written by Kristiena Bobocel

Kristiena joined the Eye Care Group family business shortly after graduation while working on a degree in ophthalmics from NAIT. Over the years, Kristiena has worked in every aspect of the family business, from dispensing glasses and instructing contacts, to cutting and edging glasses and eventually taking on administrative duties.
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