The short answer
Parents ask this all the time, online and at our front desk. If your child is 18 or younger and covered by BC MSP, a full comprehensive eye exam is covered yearly. At Guildford Eye Clinic we bill MSP directly and do not add extra fees on top for your child's exam. OCT retinal imaging and fundus photography are part of that exam.
Who is eligible?
Children and teens from birth up to age 18 who are covered by BC MSP. The yearly exam is available whether or not your child has any symptoms, and you do not need a referral to book with an optometrist in BC.
Once your child turns 19, routine eye exams are no longer covered by MSP, although medically necessary exams still are. If your child is not covered by BC MSP, a children's eye exam at our clinic is $50.
How often does MSP cover it?
Yearly. That lines up with what we recommend anyway: a first eye exam around age 3, or sooner if anything seems off, then once a year through childhood. Vision changes quickly as kids grow, and nearsightedness often starts or speeds up during the school years.
Separate from the routine yearly exam, medically necessary visits, such as a red, sore eye or an eye injury, are covered by MSP for all ages. If your child has an urgent eye problem, call us first at (604) 229-9627 so we can triage and fit them in when a doctor is available.
What the MSP-covered exam includes
- How clearly your child sees at distance and near, and whether glasses would help.
- How the eyes work together: eye teaming, focusing, tracking, and checks for a lazy eye or an eye turn.
- Eye health, including OCT retinal imaging and fundus photography at no extra charge.
- Screening for early nearsightedness and whether it is progressing.
- A plain-language explanation of what we found, for you and, where it helps, for your child.
School vision screenings are helpful, but they mainly check whether a child can see the board. They do not replace a full exam, which also checks eye health and how the eyes work together.
What MSP does not cover
MSP coverage applies to the eye exam itself. A few things that often come up after the exam sit outside that coverage:
- Glasses and contact lenses. MSP does not pay for eyewear. If your child needs glasses, you can fill the prescription wherever you like, including the Specsavers dispensary in the same location.
- Contact lens prescription. A $49 add-on at our clinic.
- Required forms, such as school or insurance forms. Also a $49 add-on.
- Myopia control treatment. If your child's nearsightedness is increasing, the MSP-covered exam is where we assess it. The ongoing myopia control program, including repeated eye-length measurements and treatments such as low-dose atropine eye drops, MiyoSmart or Myoeye spectacle lenses, or soft multifocal contact lenses, is a separate program and is not covered by MSP.
You pay at the front desk, and anything that costs extra is explained before it is added, so there is no surprise bill at the end.
Does private insurance help with the rest?
Often, yes. We direct bill most private plans, such as Pacific Blue Cross, Sun Life, and Manulife, so you usually pay only the part your plan does not cover. Bring your plan details and we will check your coverage.
What to bring to your child's eye exam
- Your child's BC Services Card or CareCard, so we can bill MSP.
- Any glasses or contact lenses they wear now, and any previous prescription.
- Your private insurance details, if you would like us to direct bill any extras.
- Notes on anything you have noticed, such as squinting, sitting close to the TV, headaches after school, or frequent eye rubbing.
- Family history: whether parents or siblings are nearsighted or have other eye conditions.
- Any school or activity form that needs to be completed.
Booking a kids eye exam in Surrey
We are inside Specsavers at Guildford Town Centre, Unit 2309, 10355 152 Street, on the second floor near Scotiabank and London Drugs, with easy mall parking. We see children of all ages. Book online any time and note that the appointment is for a child, or call (604) 229-9627. For what the visit is like and how we keep it gentle, see children's eye exams in Surrey.
Kids eye exam and MSP questions
Does MSP cover kids eye exams in BC?
Yes. A full eye exam is covered yearly by MSP for children 18 and under. At Guildford Eye Clinic there are no extra fees on top of MSP for your child's exam, and OCT imaging is included.
Up to what age does MSP cover children's eye exams?
Up to and including age 18. From 19 to 64, routine eye exams are not covered by MSP, though medically necessary exams are.
Does MSP cover glasses for kids in BC?
No. MSP covers the eye exam, not glasses or contact lenses. You can fill your child's prescription wherever you like, and many private insurance plans help with eyewear.
Is myopia control covered by MSP?
The yearly full eye exam, where we assess your child's myopia, is covered by MSP for children 18 and under. The ongoing myopia control program and its treatments are separate and not covered by MSP. We direct bill most insurance plans and explain every cost before starting.
Do I need a referral for my child's eye exam?
No. In BC you can book directly with an optometrist. Book online or call (604) 229-9627.
What should I bring to my child's eye exam?
Your child's BC Services Card or CareCard, any current glasses or contact lenses, your private insurance details, and notes on anything you have noticed about their vision.
Want the full picture for adults and seniors too? Read how much an eye exam costs in BC and what MSP covers.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for a personalized eye examination. Coverage details can change; confirm current MSP rules and fees when you book.