Your eye exam with Alberta Works.

Alberta Adult Health Benefit, also known as Alberta Works, is a provincial program that provides insurance coverage to Albertans from households with low income. This benefit program is also available if you are pregnant or have specific prescription medication needs for your health condition. Under this program you are able to access coverage for dental care, prescription medications, diabetic care supplies and some essential over-the-counter medications. 

But did you know Alberta Works also covers visits to the optometrist? Alberta Adult Health Benefit will cover the cost of a comprehensive eye examination and the costs associated with obtaining prescription eyeglasses. 

What does Alberta Works cover?

Comprehensive Eye Exams.

Alberta Adult Health Benefit insures the costs for a routine eye examination every 2 years. If you are unsure how long it has been since your last eye examination or if you think you are coming close to that 2 year mark, we are often able to check your eligibility online in our office. Regular eye exams for children 18 years of age and under are still covered by Alberta Health every year. 

Every eye exam at Helio optometry includes a detailed history and a thorough vision and eye health assessment. We always end the visit with a discussion about the results of the visit and answer any questions that may come up. Every eye exam includes retinal photography with our optomap ultra-widefield retina scan. Accessible Eye care is one of our core values. There is no difference between eye exam covered by insurance or paid out of pocket.

If you are having an eye problem, vision or eye health concerns that are medically necessary may be covered by Alberta Health. We always leave space in our schedule for same day appointments if you are having an eye urgency or emergency.

Prescription Glasses.

If prescription glasses are required, Alberta Works cover the cost of a complete pair of glasses every 2 years (24 months). However, eyeglass coverage is available every year for dependants under the age of 18. 

Depending on what is required to best address your specific visual needs, Alberta Adult Health Benefit will cover the cost of prescription single vision, bifocal or trifocal glasses. The type of prescription glasses to get you seeing your best for reading, computer, driving or whatever is required will be determined during your routine eye examination. 

Your new set of glasses will be part of your look and identity. They should not only be well made but also beautiful. All of the eyewear covered by Alberta Works that we dispense at Helio optometry includes anti reflective coating at no additional cost to the patient. Anti-reflective coating reduces glare and makes your glasses easier to look through. We believe this should be standard on all eyeglasses. Our optical dispensary has frame options in many shapes, sizes and colors that we are continuously updating. 

If you need bifocals we are able to upgrade you to our Aperture no line progressive lenses at no additional charge. This will keep you seeing your best up close and far away in a lens design that is clear, comfortable and attractive. 

How do I access my vision coverage?

Eye exams and prescription glasses may be covered if you have active Alberta Works or Alberta Adult Health Benefit insurance. However if you or someone in your household has third party insurance through another provider, that must be used first. Alberta Adult Health Benefit may cover the balance of costs if required. 

The first step is to book your appointment. This can be easily done at heliooptometry.ca. After choosing when it would be most convenient to schedule your eye exam, you can easily select Alberta Adult Health Benefit as your primary active coverage in the drop down menu. 

To use Alberta Works vision and prescription glasses insurance at Helio optometry, you only need to bring your active Alberta Works card and a form of  government issued photo identification to your eye appointment. Our team at Helio optometry is able to handle everything else for you online. No forms or other paperwork is required. 

AISH provides glasses and routine eye exam coverage for eligible clients. You can easily schedule your eye appointment with one of our optometrists by clicking here or calling 780.628.6855 and speaking with one of our team members.