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Non-Insured Health Benefits Program for First Nations and Inuit: Vision Care Benefits Guide - Canada
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Source verified July 9, 2026

Non-Insured Health Benefits Program for First Nations and Inuit: Vision Care Benefits Guide

Vision care coverage for eligible First Nations and Inuit
Offered by
Indigenous Services Canada (ISC)
Official source: sac-isc.gc.ca
Latest source update
Last Update: July 8, 2026
Latest change: The NIHB Vision Care Benefits Guide now reflects updated eligibility guidance and a new effective date tied to the Nicholas decision on June 13, 2026.
View change
NIHB vision care guidance updated
The NIHB Vision Care Benefits Guide now reflects updated eligibility guidance for First Nations and Inuit clients, including new direction tied to the Nicholas decision. The updated material also introduces a future application date of June 13, 2026, which changes the program timing for the affected eligibility rules. The supporting eligibility page for the Non-Insured Health Benefits program for First Nations and Inuit was also revised with clarified wording and expanded related links, while the main benefit terms, funding, and contact details were not materially changed in the visible content.
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Montréal, Canada
Who can apply

First Nations people registered under the Indian Act.

See full eligibility

Overview

The Non-Insured Health Benefits program for First Nations and Inuit: Vision care benefits provides coverage for eligible First Nations and recognized Inuit clients in Canada. It supports eye examinations, corrective eyewear such as glasses or contact lenses, and repairs or replacement of corrective eyewear prescribed by a licensed vision care professional.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals
  • Increase social or community impact
  • Enhance an existing program
Eligible Funding
  • Varies by project
Funds Providers

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries
  • All industries
Location
  • Montréal
Legal structures
  • All legal structures
Annual revenue
  • All revenue ranges
Organisation size
  • All organization sizes
Audience
  • Indigenous Peoples

Next Steps

1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility

Documents Needed

  • Valid prescription from a licensed vision care professional
  • Client identification number
  • Medical justification for exceptions or special tests
  • Supporting documents for other coverage, if applicable
  • Receipt or claim form for reimbursement

Official resources

Official page

Non-Insured Health Benefits Program for First Nations and Inuit: Vision Care Benefits Guide

Program guide

About the Non-Insured Health Benefits program

Appealing a decision under the NIHB program

Inuit client eligibility for non-insured health benefits

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • First Nations people registered under the Indian Act.
  • Inuit recognized by one of the Inuit land claim organizations.
  • Children less than 2 years old whose parent is an NIHB-eligible client.

Who is not eligible

  • Clients whose eye exam or eyewear is already covered by another plan for that service
  • Clients seeking excluded items such as cosmetic eyewear or tele-optometry exams
  • Persons who are not NIHB-eligible First Nations or Inuit clients

Eligible expenses

  • General eye examinations when they are not insured through provincial or territorial health insurance.
  • Corrective eyewear such as glasses or contact lenses, when prescribed by a licensed vision care professional.
  • Repairs or replacement of corrective eyewear.

Ineligible Costs and Activities

  • Non-prescription or cosmetic eyewear
  • Online or non-Canadian eyewear purchases
  • Tele-optometry eye exams
  • Eyeglass cleaning kits and contact lens solution
  • Repairs or replacements caused by adult misuse or negligence

Eligible geographic areas

  • Canada
  • Nunavut
  • Northwest Territories
  • Quebec, including Nunavik
  • British Columbia
  • All provinces and territories where NIHB coverage applies

How to apply

  • Step 1: Confirm eligibility
    • Verify the client’s NIHB eligibility and identify any other available coverage.
    • Check whether the requested service needs prior approval.
  • Step 2: Obtain the service or item
    • Have the eye exam, eyewear, or other covered service provided by a licensed professional.
    • Ensure the provider uses the correct NIHB billing or reimbursement process.
  • Step 3: Submit the claim
    • Submit the claim through Express Scripts Canada or the regional office, as applicable.
    • Include any required supporting documents for reimbursement or exception requests.

Processing and Agreement

  • Vision care claims are processed by Express Scripts Canada.
  • NIHB enrolled vision care providers can submit claims directly to Express Scripts Canada so that clients do not incur charges at the point of service.
  • If a provider does not bill the NIHB program directly through Express Scripts Canada, eligible clients may submit claims for reimbursement to Express Scripts Canada.

Additional information

  • Coverage is administered through the NIHB program and Express Scripts Canada.
  • Clients must use other available public or private coverage first.
  • Claims can be paid by direct billing or client reimbursement.
  • Some requests may require prior approval from the regional office.

Other components of this program

Explore related funding streams and grants that belong to the same program.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Non-Insured Health Benefits Program for First Nations and Inuit: Vision Care Benefits Guide Program

What is the Non-Insured Health Benefits Program for First Nations and Inuit: Vision Care Benefits Guide?

The Non-Insured Health Benefits program for First Nations and Inuit: Vision care benefits provides coverage for eligible First Nations and recognized Inuit clients in Canada. It supports eye examinations, corrective eyewear such as glasses or contact lenses, and repairs or replacement of corrective eyewear prescribed by a licensed vision care professional.

Who is eligible for the Non-Insured Health Benefits Program for First Nations and Inuit: Vision Care Benefits Guide program?

To be eligible for the Non-Insured Health Benefits Program for First Nations and Inuit: Vision Care Benefits Guide program, you must: Resident of Canada First Nations person registered under the Indian Act Inuk recognized by one of the Inuit land claim organizations, or a child under 2 whose parent is an NIHB-eligible client

Who can I contact for more information about the Non-Insured Health Benefits Program for First Nations and Inuit: Vision Care Benefits Guide?

You can contact Indigenous Services Canada (ISC).

Where is the Non-Insured Health Benefits Program for First Nations and Inuit: Vision Care Benefits Guide available?

The Non-Insured Health Benefits Program for First Nations and Inuit: Vision Care Benefits Guide program is available across Canada.

Is the Non-Insured Health Benefits Program for First Nations and Inuit: Vision Care Benefits Guide a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Non-Insured Health Benefits Program for First Nations and Inuit: Vision Care Benefits Guide is a Grant and Funding

Who are the financial supporters of the Non-Insured Health Benefits Program for First Nations and Inuit: Vision Care Benefits Guide?

Non-Insured Health Benefits Program for First Nations and Inuit: Vision Care Benefits Guide is funded by Indigenous Services Canada (ISC)