As the year wraps up, now is the time to take full advantage of your vision coverage. Many insurance plans and Health Spending Accounts (HSAs) reset on January 1, meaning unused benefits may not carry over. If you haven’t booked your annual eye exam or updated your eyewear, you could be leaving money on the table. At Blink Eyewear, we provide comprehensive eye exams, stylish glasses, and comfortable contact lenses to help you get the most from your benefits before they expire. Serving Calgary communities including Crowfoot, Creekside, and West Springs, we’re here to help you see clearly into the new year. Contact us today to book your end-of-year appointment.
Why Vision Benefits Expire, and Why It Matters
Many Canadians aren’t aware that their vision benefits may expire if not used by December 31. Whether you have coverage through a group insurance plan, a private insurer, or an HSA, it’s important to review the fine print. Most benefit plans cover a portion of annual eye exams, new prescription glasses, or contact lenses, but if left unclaimed, those funds often disappear.
Waiting until January could mean paying out-of-pocket for services that would have been covered just weeks earlier. November and December are the busiest months for eye clinics, so it’s wise to book your appointment early and avoid the last-minute rush. Blink Eyewear makes it easy to use your benefits with three convenient Calgary locations and direct billing to most major insurance providers.
What Your Vision Plan Might Include
Depending on your provider, your plan may include coverage for:
- Annual or biannual eye exams (usually up to $100–$150)
- Prescription eyeglasses or lenses (often $200–$300 every 24 months)
- Contact lenses or specialty lenses
- Health Spending Accounts (HSAs) with rollover restrictions
Always check whether your plan operates on a calendar year or rolling basis. If it resets in January, unused coverage could be lost unless used before December 31. HSAs are especially time-sensitive, as many expire annually or limit rollover.
Common Providers and Reset Dates
In Calgary, major vision benefit providers like Sun Life, Manulife, Alberta Blue Cross, and Canada Life often follow the calendar year cycle. That means your vision exam and eyewear coverage resets on January 1, unless otherwise stated. Some plans may allow partial carry-over, but many don’t.
Don’t wait until your coverage is gone. If you’re unsure about your provider’s cutoff, our team can help you understand your benefits and how to apply them to your appointment.
Make the Most of Your Remaining Coverage
If you’ve noticed changes in your vision, don’t delay care. Blurry vision, eye strain, or headaches could be signs that you need a new prescription or a full assessment. Regular eye exams can also detect conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, or retinal issues early on.
Even if your vision seems fine, using your benefits now means you can:
- Refresh your style with a new pair of glasses
- Switch to more breathable contact lenses
- Get your child’s vision checked before winter break
- Cover routine exams before switching jobs or providers
At Blink Eyewear, we make it easy to maximize your vision benefits before they expire. We offer comprehensive eye exams, an extensive selection of designer and affordable frames, and a full range of contact lens options. We also provide direct billing to most providers, so you can enjoy your benefits without extra paperwork.
Book Now Before Appointments Fill Up
Don’t wait until the last minute; December appointments fill up fast. Contact Blink Eyewear today to book your eye exam or update your eyewear in Crowfoot, Creekside, or West Springs. Whether you’re using insurance coverage, an HSA, or both, we’ll help you make the most of your plan before the year ends.