Closed
Non-Insured Health Benefits Program for First Nations and Inuit: Vision Care Benefits Guide
Vision care coverage for eligible First Nations and Inuit
Last Update: May 14, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Location
Montréal, Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Yukon
Overview
Provides vision care coverage for eligible First Nations and Inuit clients. Supports eye exams, corrective eyewear, repairs, and approved exceptions, up to the maximum eligible coverage amount.
/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
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Health care and social assistance
Location
- Montréal
- Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Yukon
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
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Registered First Nations clients
- Recognized Inuit clients
- Children under 2 years old of an 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
- Eye examinations and follow-up tests
- Prescription glasses and contact lenses
- Repairs or replacement of corrective eyewear
- Approved shipping costs for eyewear
- Approved exception items such as tints, coatings, and specialty lenses
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
Processing and Agreement
- Claims are reviewed through Express Scripts Canada or the regional office, depending on the benefit.
- Prior approval is required for many services and exceptions.
- If approved, the provider may bill directly or the client may seek reimbursement.
- Denied benefits may be appealed through the NIHB appeal process.
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.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Non-Insured Health Benefits Program for First Nations and Inuit: Vision Care Benefits Guide Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Non-Insured Health Benefits Program for First Nations and Inuit: Vision Care Benefits Guide. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Non-Insured Health Benefits Program for First Nations and Inuit: Vision Care Benefits Guide?
Provides vision care coverage for eligible First Nations and Inuit clients. Supports eye exams, corrective eyewear, repairs, and approved exceptions, up to the maximum eligible coverage amount.
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:
Eligible First Nations or Inuit clients
Resident of Canada
Valid prescription required
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 Government of Canada by email at nihb-ssna@sac-isc.gc.ca or by phone at 1-888-511-4666.
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, Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Yukon.
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 Other Support
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 Government of Canada