Seniors Eyeglass Program
Who is eligible?
Manitoba residents who are 65 years of age and over and do not have the costs paid through other provincial or federal programs are eligible.
What is covered?
The Seniors Eyeglass Program provides financial assistance towards the purchase of eyeglasses for eligible Manitoba residents. Benefits are based on a fixed fee schedule, not on the actual amount paid for dispensing fees, frames and lenses.
Is there a deductible?
There is a $50 deductible on eyeglass reimbursements. If two family members 65 and over require glasses between April 1 and March 31, only one $50 deductible is applied.
How many claims can be made?
One pair of eyeglasses may be claimed every three years – or more often if a medical practitioner or optometrist diagnoses a change in vision.
What items are not covered?
The following items are not covered unless medically required: sunglasses, contact lenses and repairs.
The following are examples of amounts that may be approved according to the fixed fee schedule:
- The allowable amount for dispensing fees varies from $17.50 to $45.00
- The allowable amount for frames is $18.00 for standard frames and $28.00 for medically required frames
- The allowable amount for lenses varies from $6.00 to $43.50 per lens depending on the strength of the lens. If the lenses are bifocal or trifocal, $7.50 to $18.50 may be added per lens.
Examples of reimbursements: Total cost of eyeglasses = $250.00
| Manitoba Health Fixed Amounts | |
| Dispensing Fees Lenses Bifocal Flat Segment Frame Total Less Deductible Balance |
$35.50 12.00 24.00 18.00 89.50 -50.00 $39.50 |
| 80% of $39.50 = $31.60 (Manitoba Health pays $31.60) | |
How do I submit a claim?
When you pay for your glasses, get a claim form from your supplier and send the completed form to the address below. You can also ask your supplier to submit the claim on your behalf.
For more information, please contact:
| Manitoba Health Ancillary Programs 300 Carlton Street Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 3M9 Phone: 204-786-7365 or 204-786-7366 Toll free: 1-800-297-8099 ext 7365 or 7366 FAX: 204-786-6634 TTY/TDD Relay Service: 204-774-8618 outside Winnipeg: 711 or 1-800-855-0511 Email: pharmacare@gov.mb.ca |
