CAF members: New vision care coverage update

August 1, 2025 – Defence Stories

Estimated read time – 2:15

Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members now benefit from an increase in vision care coverage. Regular Force and eligible full-time Reserve Force members are entitled to reimbursement for prescription eyewear up to a maximum of $600; an increase from the previous maximum benefit of $375. Both frames and prescription lenses of their choice including clear or tinted (such as sunglasses) or new lenses fitted into existing frames are included in the coverage. Any costs exceeding the $600 maximum will be the member’s responsibility.

Eligible members are entitled to receive prescription eyewear up to the maximum reimbursable amount every two years, and some specialty exceptions can be found in the Vision Care Benefits section of the supplemental health care benefits webpage. For questions related to your healthcare benefits or reimbursable amounts, please consult the Blue Cross Client Portal.

The vision care coverage increase was recommended by the Canadian Forces Spectrum of Care Committee, who ensures that medical care in the CAF is comparable to provincial health care plans. This reflects the CAF's responsibility to provide comprehensive health care to all members while optimizing medical and dental fitness for operational duty.

For more information on the CAF Spectrum of Care and the Canadian Forces Spectrum of Care Committee, please visit: About the CAF spectrum of care.

Frequently asked questions

1. Is this increase retroactive?

The increase can be retroactively applied to purchases made as of July 1, 2025, when the benefit update came into effect.

2. Is the benefit still for every two years?

This entitlement to prescription eyewear is still offered every 24 calendar months by an outsourced provider. A comprehensive list of medical and dental services available to CAF members under the Spectrum of Care, including the Canadian Armed Forces Drug Benefit List can be found at Medical and dental benefits.

3. Which reservists are eligible to receive this benefit?

Full-time Reserve Force members (Class C, or Class B on a period of service of 181 consecutive days or more) are eligible to receive this benefit in line with their entitlement to optical services in accordance with QR&O 34.07. Reserve Force members can see the Health care for reservists page for more information on eligibility.

4. Does this include contact lenses?

Information on entitlements to contact lenses is available on the Supplemental health care page and the Blue Cross Client Portal.