The short answer for seniors and their families
Once you are 65 or older and covered by BC MSP, a full comprehensive eye exam is covered yearly. Adult children often ask this on behalf of a parent, and the answer is the same. At Guildford Eye Clinic there is no balance billing for that yearly exam, meaning no extra fee on top of what MSP pays. OCT retinal imaging and fundus photography are included.
Why a yearly exam matters more after 65
The risk of cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration rises with age, and the early stages are usually quiet. Glaucoma in particular can narrow side vision slowly enough that it goes unnoticed for a long time. A yearly exam is how these changes are found while there are still good options.
It is also a practical check: making sure your glasses still suit driving, reading, and moving around comfortably, and that small changes in comfort or clarity are not being written off as just getting older.
What the covered exam looks at
- Your vision and prescription for distance, reading, and screen use.
- Cataracts. Whether the lens inside the eye is clouding, and how much it affects your day-to-day vision.
- Glaucoma. Eye pressure, plus OCT measurement of the nerve fibre layer around the optic nerve. More on glaucoma testing.
- Macular health. OCT detail of the macula, the centre of the retina, where age-related changes can start without symptoms.
- The front of the eye, including the lids and the tear film, since dryness and irritation are common reasons for discomfort.
- A clear explanation of what we found and when to come back.
If something needs a specialist, for example cataract surgery, we explain the referral and can co-manage your care with your family doctor and ophthalmologist, including care before and after cataract surgery.
Why OCT matters for older eyes
OCT is a quick, painless scan that shows the layers of the retina and optic nerve. For seniors it is particularly useful for tracking glaucoma and macular changes, because each year's scan can be compared with the last. It is part of the covered exam at our clinic, not an add-on. Curious what the scan is like? See Is OCT included in an eye exam?
If you have diabetes or a known eye condition
A diabetic eye exam is a medically necessary exam covered by MSP. More generally, medically necessary visits, for example a red eye, a sudden change in vision, or a referred eye condition, are covered by MSP for all ages, separate from the routine yearly exam. Mention any diagnosis when you book so we set up the right visit. More on the diabetic eye exam.
What to bring to your exam
- Your BC Services Card or CareCard, so we can bill MSP.
- Every pair of glasses you use now: distance, reading, computer, and prescription sunglasses.
- A list of your medications and any eye drops you use. Some medications can affect the eyes, so this helps your optometrist.
- Your family doctor's name, in case results need to be shared.
- Notes on changes you have noticed, such as glare when driving at night, trouble reading, straight lines looking wavy, or new floaters.
- Extended health insurance details, if you have a plan that helps with eyewear.
You are welcome to bring a family member. We also provide care in Mandarin and Punjabi; call ahead to ask which days a doctor in your language is available.
What MSP does not cover
- Glasses and contact lenses. MSP pays for the exam, not eyewear. You can fill your prescription anywhere; the Specsavers dispensary is in the same location if you would like to do it in one trip.
- A contact lens prescription or a required form, such as a driver's form, is a $49 add-on.
- If you are 65 or older but not covered by BC MSP, the exam at our clinic is $140.
You pay at the front desk, and anything extra is explained before it is added.
Visiting us at Guildford Town Centre
We are inside Specsavers at Guildford Town Centre, Unit 2309, 10355 152 Street, Surrey, on the second floor near Scotiabank and London Drugs. Mall parking is free and easy. Hours are Monday to Saturday 10 AM to 7 PM and Sunday 11 AM to 6 PM. Book online or call (604) 229-9627. For sudden vision loss, new flashes or floaters, or a painful red eye, call first. More on senior eye exams in Surrey.
Senior eye exam and MSP questions
Does MSP cover eye exams for seniors in BC?
Yes. For people 65 and over who are covered by BC MSP, a full eye exam is covered yearly. At Guildford Eye Clinic there is no extra fee on top of MSP for that exam, and OCT imaging is included.
Will I pay anything on top of MSP for my senior eye exam?
Not for the yearly exam itself. We do not balance bill seniors for the MSP-covered exam. Add-ons such as a contact lens prescription or a required form are explained before they are added.
How often should seniors have an eye exam?
We recommend a full eye exam every year after 65. Glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration often develop slowly without early symptoms, and the yearly exam is covered by MSP.
Does the senior eye exam check for cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration?
Yes. We check for all three, using eye pressure, a careful look at the lens and retina, and OCT imaging of the optic nerve and macula, and we explain what we find in plain language.
Does MSP cover glasses for seniors in BC?
No. MSP covers the eye exam, not glasses or contact lenses. You can fill your prescription wherever you like.
What should I bring to a senior eye exam?
Your BC Services Card or CareCard, all the glasses you currently use, a list of your medications and eye drops, your family doctor's name, and any insurance details.
Want the full picture for kids and adults 19 to 64 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.