Program for Elementary Eye Care
The Program for Elementary Eye Care helps cover the costs of annual eye exams and up to 3 pairs of glasses, if needed, for children in grades 1 to 6.
Who can participate?
To qualify, your child must:
- be enrolled in or eligible to be enrolled in grades 1 to 6; and
- have a current PEI Health Card.
Please note: Eligibility for the program ends if you move away from PEI and/or when your child completes grade 6.
Why is this program important?
- One in four school-age children has a vision problem, but many don’t realize it. Regular eye exams are crucial, as 80% of learning is visual.
- Annual eye exams help detect vision issues early, leading to better outcomes and support for your child's learning.
How to participate in this program?
1. Register:
Families must complete the online registration form to register their child for the Program for Elementary Eye Care. They will receive an email confirming their child’s eligibility for the program within 1-2 business days of completion of the online form.
Note: Without proof of eligibility, optometrists and other providers may require families to pay the full cost of the service. Families must register their child prior to submitting any claim(s) for reimbursement to Health PEI.
2. Book an Exam:
Call an optometrist to schedule an eye exam. If you need help finding one, view the listing of PEI Optometrists.
3. Visit the Optometrist:
Bring the child’s PEI Health Card to the appointment and their confirmation of eligibility for the Program for Elementary Eye Care.
4. Insurance Information:
If the family has private vision insurance, bring the insurance card/information. Costs will be billed to the insurance provider first, with Health PEI covering any remaining amount.
If the family doesn’t have insurance, Health PEI will cover the full cost of the exam.
5. Glasses Support:
If glasses are prescribed, Health PEI will provide reimbursement, after any insurance is applied, up to $300 for regular lenses or $350 for specialty/bifocal lenses.
What does the eye exam include?
An optometrist will assess:
- Visual acuity
- Lazy eye and crossed eyes
- Nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism
- Eye coordination and depth perception
- Color vision
- Overall eye health
Glasses Information
- Order glasses through the family’s preferred provider in PEI. Health PEI will provide reimbursement up to $300 for regular lenses or $350 for specialty/bifocal lenses.
- If the family has private insurance, submit all receipts to the insurer first, then submit any remaining costs to the Vision Care Administrative Officer with the Program for Elementary Eye Care.
Submitting Expenses
To submit an invoice for reimbursement for an eye exam or glasses:
- Complete the online reimbursement form and include any private insurance documentation, your invoice and in the case of glasses – the prescription.
- Please allow 4-6 weeks for reimbursement.
Optometry offices only:
- Complete the online reimbursement form for Optometrists and include any requested documentation.
Can I submit old receipts?
This program is not retroactive. Claims can only be made for eye exams or glasses purchased after April 1, 2025.
For more information, email VisionCare@ihis.org, or call 902-213-2970.
Contact
Vision Care Programs
199 Grafton Street
Charlottetown, PE C1A 1L2
Telephone: 902-213-2970
Email: VisionCare@ihis.org
General Inquiries
Health PEI
PO Box 2000
Charlottetown, PE C1A 7N8
Phone: 902-368-6130
Fax: 902-368-6136
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency department.
If you are unsure what to do about a health issue or if you need health information, call 8-1-1.
