The last few months of the year are always a blur—school schedules, holiday planning, and colder weather take up most of our mental bandwidth. But before December slips away, here’s one thing worth adding to your to-do list: checking whether your family has unused vision benefits.
At , we see it every year: patients rushing in late December after realizing they didn’t use their annual eye care coverage. Whether it’s a comprehensive eye exam, a new pair of glasses, or treatment for dry eyes, most vision insurance plans reset at the end of the calendar year. And once those benefits are gone, they’re gone.
For families across Shaughnessy, East Vancouver, and Kitsilano, this is the perfect time to get the most out of your coverage while prioritizing your family's eye health.
Why Vision Benefits Don’t Roll Over
Many people assume their unused benefits will carry into the new year. Unfortunately, most vision plans, including those through major providers and employer-sponsored programs, operate on a "use it or lose it" basis. This applies to services like:
- Annual eye exams for adults and children
- Optical allowances for glasses and contact lenses
- Coverage for medical eye care when prescribed by your optometrist
If you don’t use your benefits before December 31, you forfeit that year’s unused coverage. That could mean missing out on hundreds of dollars in eye care services and products you already paid into through your plan.
Signs It’s Time to Book That Appointment
Has it been more than a year since your last eye exam? Are your child’s glasses scratched or outdated? Is anyone in the house squinting more at screens or complaining of headaches? These are all signs it's time to come in, and your insurance will likely cover it.
Ways to Use Your Vision Benefits
If you're not sure how to use your insurance benefits before they expire, here are a few ideas that can make a real difference, especially for families with school-aged children or aging parents.
1. Book Your Comprehensive Eye Exam
Annual eye exams help detect changes in vision and screen for early signs of eye disease, including conditions that can develop without symptoms. If it’s been more than 12 months since your last exam, this is a smart use of your coverage.
Our eye doctors use advanced diagnostic technology to detect issues like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic eye disease in their earliest stages. These insights allow us to create a more personalized care plan and give you the peace of mind that your eye health is in excellent hands.
2. Refresh Your Glasses or Contact Lenses
Most plans include a frame allowance that resets annually. Even if your prescription hasn’t changed, a second pair of glasses or prescription sunglasses can be incredibly practical. At our optical boutique in Vancouver, we carry styles for all ages, including fashionable frames for teens and children.
3. Use HSA Dollars on Eligible Services
If you have a Health Spending Account (HSA), the deadline is likely the same as your vision plan: December 31. HSAs can often be used for prescription glasses, contact lenses, dry-eye treatments, and more. If you're unsure what’s covered, our front desk team can help you check.
Eye Care for the Whole Family
Families from East Vancouver to Kitsilano trust for eye care that goes beyond the basics. We provide services for all ages, including pediatric exams, dry eye therapy, and medical management for conditions like glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy.
Located in the heart of Shaughnessy, our clinic is easy to reach whether you're heading over from Queen Elizabeth Park, doing errands near Cambie Village, or commuting from downtown.
Request Your Appointment Before It's Too Late
Appointments fill quickly this time of year, especially for after-school or weekend slots. If your family still has unused benefits, now is the time to act. Don’t let that hard-earned coverage go to waste.
Request your appointment with in Vancouver and get the most out of your vision plan while taking care of what matters most.