Vision Care Framework

Glasses

Glasses are comprised of one frame and two lenses.

• Lenses (Ophthalmic)

Eligibility for Initial Lenses
obtain a written prescription by an ophthalmologist or an optometrist. The lenses will correct at least one of the following oculo-visual conditions in at least one eye:

• refractive error (myopia, hypermetropia and/or astigmatism)
• presbyopia
• oculo-motor imbalance

AND the client's oculo- visual condition requires one of the following in at least one eye:

• spherical or cylindrical correction of at least 0.50 diopter (prescription must always be converted to a minus cylinder)
  
• prismatic correction totaling at least 1 prism diopter vertically or at least 2 prism diopters horizontally (prismatic correction may be achieved in the form of a surfaced prism, a Fresnel prism or a compensatory prism for near vision).

Replacement Guidelines

• Lens (Ophthalmic)
  • Unifocal (Distance or near vision)
  • Aspheric
  • Bifocal
  • High Index
• Replacement Guidelines
  • Under 18 years old - 1 per year
    18 years old and over - 1 per 2 years
    
    
• Lens (Ophthalmic)
  • Polycarbonate lenses - for monocular clients OR those who with the best possible correction ha ve far vision acuity in the weaker eye which is equal to or less than 6/60 (20/200)
• Replacement Guidelines
  • Evaluated on a case by case basis

Replacement Outside Replacement Guidelines

If a replacement lens is required outside of the regular replacement guidelines, the NIHB Program will provide funding when a prescription from an ophthalmologist or an optometrist demonstrates one of the following changes in one or both eyes:

• a negative or positive change of at least 0.50 diopter over the sphere, cylinder or addition AND the new power meets the eligibility criteria for initial ophthalmic lenses
• a change in axis greater than 15 degrees for cylinder power up to 2.00 diopters or greater than 10 degrees for a cylindrical power greater than 2.00 diopters
• a change of at least 1 prism diopter vertically or at least 2 prism diopters horizontally AND the new prism power meets the eligibility criteria for initial eyeglasses.

Outside of the replacement guidelines, consideration of replacements in the event of breakage, damage or loss, will require written justification and appropriate written proof such as an accident or police report. Replacements will not be provided as a result of misuse, carelessness or client negligence.

Specific Types of Lenses

Eligibility Criteria
Additional criteria for specific types of lenses are as follows:

Aspheric Lenses: Lenses whose front sides are aspheric (to reduce distortion and eye magnification) can be funded to clients who require correction greater than or equal to +10.25 diopters. Clients with an intra-ocular lens are not eligible for this benefit.

Bifocal Lenses: Clients who require different near and far vision correction can receive a single pair of glasses with bifocal lenses if the prescription meets the following criteria:

• a refractive error for far vision of at least 0.50 diopter on the sphere or cylinder AND
• add power is equal to or greater than 0.75 diopter.

If the client is not eligible for bifocal lenses, it is possible that he/she may be eligible for unifocal lenses if the prescription meets the NIHB Program criteria.

High Index Lenses: Lenses made of a material with a refractive index equal to or greater than 1.60 diopters may be provided to clients who require, in at least one eye, correction whose minimum power in a meridian is ±7.00 diopters. Eligibility depends on the actual power of the principal meridians of the corrective lens.

Polycarbonate Lenses: Polycarbonate or other safety lenses may only be authorized in cases where the client has just one functional eye or for those clients who, with the best possible correction have far visual acuity in the weaker eye which is equal to or less than 6/60 (20/200).

Trial of bifocals: Clients should attempt full time wear of bifocals for a period of three months. If unsuccessful, the frames used to fit the bifocals should be used to make reading glasses. A separate pair of distance glasses can be dispensed to the client who meets the NIHB Program eligibility criteria.

Frames

Warranty and Repairs
All initial and replacement frames provided will be of a type that can be repaired and carry a replacement warranty against defective workmanship and material for a minimum of one (1) year from date of issue or as per a negotiated regional agreement. Costs for frames will be paid in accordance with the relevant NIHB Program regional payment schedule.

Repairs to frames (minor or major) are a benefit after the usual and customary guarantees have expired and will be paid in accordance with the NIHB Program regional payment schedule.

Repairs are eligible on the conditions that:

1. the frame has been funded by NIHB;
2. the repairs render the frame acceptable for wear and
3. repair costs do not exceed the price of a new frame.

Repairs required as a result of misuse, carelessness or client negligence are not a benefit.

Replacement guidelines

• Frames and Frame Repairs
  • Regular frames (general purpose issue)
  • Frame repairs, minor (includes repairs to nose pads, hinges - up to 20% of the cost of a new frame) **Prescription is NOT required**
  • Frame repairs, major (includes repairs to frame fronts, frame arms and replacement of one lens of the same prescription - more than 20% of the cost of a new frame and less than the cost of a new frame) **Prescription is NOT required**
• Replacement Guidelines
  • Under 18 years old - 1 per year
    18 years old and over - 1 per 2 years

Replacement Outside Replacement Guidelines

Dispensing Fees

Providers may charge a dispensing fee if it is included in the relevant NIHB Program regional payment schedule.

Prescribers and providers should contact the Regional Office in the province or territory where they practice to verify if a dispensing fee is an eligible benefit in that province or territory.

• Dispensing Fees
  • Frame dispensing fee, client's own frames
  • Frame dispensing fee, new
  • Laboratory fee
  • Lenses dispensing fee, bifocal
  • Lenses dispensing fee, unifocal
  • Delivery -- remote areas, mailing and registration
• Replacement Guidelines
  • Where applicable as per the NIHB Program regional payment schedule.