Published through 2026-11-02 17:05 UTC · Automated cloud publishing.
BCHS Survey: Vision Care Reimbursement Covers Less Than Half of Average Expenses
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The 2026 Benefits Canada Healthcare Survey (BCHS), reported by Optical Prism on October 12, 2026, reveals a significant gap between vision care coverage and actual member expenses. While 67 per cent of plan sponsors offer vision benefits, the survey indicates that members receive only 44.6 per cent reimbursement on average. Total vision expenses for members averaged $560, suggesting that out-of-pocket costs remain substantial despite widespread availability of coverage. The report highlights that current benefit structures are not keeping pace with the rising costs associated with vision care services and products. This finding underscores potential financial strain on employees who rely on these benefits, as the reimbursement rate covers less than half of their typical annual expenditure. The data serves as a critical indicator for employers and insurers reviewing their healthcare packages, emphasizing the need to reassess how vision benefits are structured to better align with real-world costs.
AI-generated from reporting · updated 20 days ago
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- Optical PrismBCHS 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).