MSP Information
Many optometric services are covered as a benefit by the Medical Services Plan (MSP). Below is a guide to basic information on:
Routine eye examinations are an MSP benefit for persons age 65 and older, or age 18 and younger. Routine examinations are not a benefit for people between 19 and 64 years old. However, all eye examinations that are medically required are a benefit for all age groups.
In general, the criteria for medically required includes:
Children 0 – 18 years
One full eye examination annually.
Adults 19 – 64 years
Routine eye examinations are not a MSP benefit for individuals aged 19 to 64 years.
Mature Adults 65+ years
One full eye examination annually.
Patients are encouraged to consult with their Doctor of Optometry about coverage. Your Doctor of Optometry will be able to evaluate and comment on your specific needs and coverage levels.
A resident of British Columbia must have a health card to show that he or she is entitled to health care services paid for by MSP.
For more information on MSP and coverage, please refer to the information below:
Toll-Free Telephone Service is available from anywhere in North America. A customer service representative will be available to assist you between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Pacific time, Monday to Friday.
Mailing Address is:
Medical Services Plan PO Box 9035 Stn Prov Govt Victoria, B.C. V8W 9E3
Fax: 250 405-3595
An automated service is also available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to provide limited information about your MSP account, and general information about MSP benefits and services.
Vancouver: 604 683-7151
Other: 1 800 663-7100 (toll-free)
Email for general inquiries only
To ensure the security of your personal information, use of this email address is limited to general enquiries only. Please do not email inquiries about your account or that contain any personal information such as your Personal Health Number, MSP Account Number, address etc., as a response will not be sent.
Please email general inquiries to: mspenquiries@hibc.gov.bc.ca
Coverage
Exceptions
Payment for Optometric Services
Healthy Kids program
MSP contact information
Coverage
Routine eye examinations are an MSP benefit for persons age 65 and older, or age 18 and younger. Routine examinations are not a benefit for people between 19 and 64 years old. However, all eye examinations that are medically required are a benefit for all age groups.
In general, the criteria for medically required includes:
- ocular disease, trauma or injury
- systemic diseases associated with significant ocular risk (e.g. diabetes)
- medications associated with significant ocular risk
Children 0 – 18 years
One full eye examination annually.
Adults 19 – 64 years
Routine eye examinations are not a MSP benefit for individuals aged 19 to 64 years.
Mature Adults 65+ years
One full eye examination annually.
Patients are encouraged to consult with their Doctor of Optometry about coverage. Your Doctor of Optometry will be able to evaluate and comment on your specific needs and coverage levels.
Exceptions
Services not covered by MSP include:
Services not covered by MSP include:
- Recommended treatments such as eyeglasses, contact lenses, low vision aids, eye co-ordination exercises, eye medications
- Contact lens fitting
- Eye examinations that are required by potential employers or other third parties
- Laser refractive surgery management (pre- and post-operative visits)
Payment for Optometric Services
The current MSP benefit provided for a full eye examination is $46.17 and for a minor or follow-up examination, $29.35. For more information on the current benefits provided for optometric services by MSP and the Optometry Payment Schedule, please click here.
Doctors of Optometry are eligible to opt out of the Medical Services Plan and to set their own fees for services. Patients are encouraged to review the costs for services with their Doctor of Optometry in advance of their appointment.
Please note that opted-out practitioners, when providing services to patients who are eligible for benefits under the Medical Services Plan are required by legislation to:
The current MSP benefit provided for a full eye examination is $46.17 and for a minor or follow-up examination, $29.35. For more information on the current benefits provided for optometric services by MSP and the Optometry Payment Schedule, please click here.
Doctors of Optometry are eligible to opt out of the Medical Services Plan and to set their own fees for services. Patients are encouraged to review the costs for services with their Doctor of Optometry in advance of their appointment.
Please note that opted-out practitioners, when providing services to patients who are eligible for benefits under the Medical Services Plan are required by legislation to:
- Inform the patient that the Doctor of Optometry is opted-out
- Inform the patient how much they will be reimbursed by MSP
- Inform the patient how much, if any, they will be paying in addition to the MSP fee
Healthy Kids program
The BC Healthy Kids Program helps middle- and low-income families with the costs of basic dental care and prescription eyewear for their children.
Eligible clients include dependent children under 19 years of age who receive MSP premium assistance through the Ministry of Health Services.
Benefits, administered by the Ministry of Employment and Income Assistance. For information, please see Healthy Kids.
The BC Healthy Kids Program helps middle- and low-income families with the costs of basic dental care and prescription eyewear for their children.
Eligible clients include dependent children under 19 years of age who receive MSP premium assistance through the Ministry of Health Services.
Benefits, administered by the Ministry of Employment and Income Assistance. For information, please see Healthy Kids.
A resident of British Columbia must have a health card to show that he or she is entitled to health care services paid for by MSP.
For more information on MSP and coverage, please refer to the information below:
Toll-Free Telephone Service is available from anywhere in North America. A customer service representative will be available to assist you between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Pacific time, Monday to Friday.
Mailing Address is:
Medical Services Plan PO Box 9035 Stn Prov Govt Victoria, B.C. V8W 9E3
Fax: 250 405-3595
An automated service is also available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to provide limited information about your MSP account, and general information about MSP benefits and services.
Vancouver: 604 683-7151
Other: 1 800 663-7100 (toll-free)
Email for general inquiries only
To ensure the security of your personal information, use of this email address is limited to general enquiries only. Please do not email inquiries about your account or that contain any personal information such as your Personal Health Number, MSP Account Number, address etc., as a response will not be sent.
Please email general inquiries to: mspenquiries@hibc.gov.bc.ca
