BCHS survey finds vision care reimbursement covers less than half of average expenses

The 2026 Benefits Canada Healthcare Survey reports that while 67 per cent of plan sponsors offer vision coverage, members receive only 44.6 per cent reimbursement on average. Total vision expenses averaged $560, with workplace plans covering $263.43. Costs included $140 for eye appointments and $469 for glasses or contacts. Higher estimated costs were reported by groups including those with poor benefits ($665), household incomes over $150,000 ($663), unionized respondents ($623), and women ($590). Seventy-six per cent of members needed prescription eyewear personally, and 67 per cent required contact lenses. Thirty per cent had dependants needing eyewear. Personal or dependant use likelihood was higher among workers with secondary plans (85 per cent) and those aged 55 and older (83 per cent).