Alberta Blue Cross Eye Care — Direct Billing
Direct Billing Available at Charm Optical
A Friendly Heads-Up About Coverage Amounts
The coverage details on this page are based on publicly available information from the provider's own website. Your actual coverage may be different depending on your specific plan, your employer's selections, and when your benefit period resets.
We always recommend checking with your provider directly to confirm your exact coverage — and the easiest way is usually through their app or online portal, where you can see your remaining benefits instantly.
One more thing: we are not able to verify your insurance over the phone or by email. To check your coverage, you will need to visit us in store — we can look everything up for you right at the counter. It only takes a minute, and there is never any obligation.
About Alberta Blue Cross
Alberta Blue Cross has been part of the fabric of this province since 1948, when Alberta hospitals came together to create a voluntary, pre-paid health plan for working families. Originally formed as the Associated Hospitals of Alberta, the plan started as a way to help Albertans manage hospital costs — years before universal healthcare existed in Canada.
When Medicare launched in the late 1960s, Alberta Blue Cross pivoted to supplementary coverage: prescription drugs, dental, ambulance, disability — and vision care, which was added in the 1970s. Today, they are the largest benefits provider in Alberta and one of the largest in Western Canada.
As a not-for-profit organization, Alberta Blue Cross has no shareholders. Financial surpluses go right back into the community — through scholarships at the University of Alberta, MacEwan, and NAIT, playground builds across Edmonton through their Built Together program, and over $2.9 million in community grants since 2013. Their head office is right here in Edmonton, at 10009 108 Street.
Vision Coverage Details
Alberta Blue Cross offers several personal plan tiers. Here is what their individual plans typically cover for eye care:
| Plan | Vision Coverage | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Choice Enhanced | $200 (exams + eyewear combined) | Every 2 years |
| Blue Choice Enhanced+ | $250 | Every 2 years |
| Blue Choice Premium | $300 | Every 2 years |
| Blue Assured Basic | $100 | Every 2 years |
| Blue Assured Enhanced | $200 | Every 2 years |
| Blue Assured Enhanced+ | $300 | Every 2 years |
| Blue Assured Premium | $500 | Every 2 years |
| Employer Group Plans | Varies by employer | Typically every 2 years |
All plans cover eye examinations, prescription glasses, contact lenses, and intraocular lenses. Employer group plans allow companies to choose their own maximums and co-payment levels — so the exact amount depends on your specific plan.
Alberta Blue Cross also administers the Optical Assistance for Seniors Program on behalf of the Alberta government, providing up to $230 every 3 years for prescription eyewear to eligible low-income seniors.
Tip: Check Your Benefits Before You Visit
Download the Alberta Blue Cross – My Benefits app (available on iPhone and Android) to check your remaining vision coverage, view your digital ID card, and even submit claims right from your phone.
You can also sign in at ab.bluecross.ca to check your plan details online.
How We Bill Alberta Blue Cross
At Charm Optical, we direct bill Alberta Blue Cross every day — it is by far the most common provider we see. Just walk in with your insurance card and we will verify your coverage in real time. You pay only your co-pay (if there is one), and we handle the rest. No forms to fill out, no claims to submit on your own.
Coverage at a Glance
Here’s what your plan typically covers when you visit Charm Optical. Coverage amounts vary by plan — check with your insurance provider for exact details.
Eye Exams
Comprehensive eye exams with a licensed optometrist, usually covered once every 12–24 months.
Prescription Glasses
Frames and lenses with your prescription. Most plans cover a set amount every 24 months.
Contact Lenses
Daily or monthly contacts. Usually covered as an alternative to glasses.
Prescription Sunglasses
Sunglasses with your prescription are covered. Non-prescription sunglasses are not eligible.
How Direct Billing Works
Bring Your Card
Just bring your insurance card when you come in. No need to call your provider or fill out any forms beforehand.
We Verify Your Coverage
We’ll look up your plan right away and let you know exactly what’s covered — no surprises.
Walk Out — We Handle the Claim
We submit the claim for you before you leave. You just pay your co-pay if there is one. Done.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Charm Optical direct bill this provider?
Yes! We direct bill right from our clinic in south Edmonton. Just bring your insurance card and we’ll submit the claim for you in real time — no paperwork to take home.
What does this plan typically cover for eye care?
Most plans cover eye exams, prescription glasses, contact lenses, and prescription sunglasses. Coverage amounts and frequency vary by plan — we recommend checking with your provider or downloading their app to see your exact benefits.
Do I need to bring anything else besides my card?
Nope — your insurance card is all we need. We’ll look up everything from there. If you have a specific benefits booklet or app showing your coverage details, that can help too, but it’s not required.
Ready to Use Your Alberta Blue Cross Eye Care — Direct Billing Benefits?
Book your eye exam online in 30 seconds. Just bring your insurance card and we’ll handle everything from there.
Or call us at (780) 490-0090