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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

Source change captured

Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
Open continuously
Location
Quebec, 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.

At a glance

Funding available

Varies by project

Financing goals
  • Increase social or community impact
  • Enhance an existing program

Eligible candidates

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

Start applying for this program

Take a practical assessment to gain a clear understanding of how well this program aligns with your specific needs and long-term goals.

Availability timeline

2026
Periods: 1

Latest changes

NIHB vision care guide updated

The vision care guide and eligibility page were revised with updated wording on who is eligible and what clients may need to show to confirm eligibility.

See more

The vision care guide was revised mainly for wording and navigation, including updated references to covered eye-care services and linked resources. The separate eligibility page now adds or clarifies rules for children under 2 years of age, including that parents or guardians may need to request status or recognition, and it notes that a client identification number should be presented to the provider to confirm eligibility. A new rule date of 13 June 2026 is now associated with the eligibility update on the separate page, while the guide itself still shows the effective date of 22 April 2026.

Official source: sac-isc.gc.ca
July 8, 2026

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.

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

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.

Official sources

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

Program guide

Appealing a decision under the NIHB programNon-Insured Health Benefits program for First Nations and Inuit: Vision care benefitsWho is eligible for the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program for First Nations and Inuit
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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.

What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

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

What expenses are eligible under Non-Insured Health Benefits Program for First Nations and Inuit: Vision Care Benefits Guide?

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.

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 Montréal, Quebec.

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