Chapter:
CLAIMS
Subject:
PRESCRIPTION EYEWEAR
Effective Date:
January 20, 1994
Last Updated On:
May 14, 2026
PURPOSE STATEMENT
The purpose of the policy is to explain how the Workers Compensation Board determines a worker’s entitlement to prescription eyewear and to outline the reimbursement rates, if accepted.
REFERENCE
Workers Compensation Act, R.S.P.E.I. 1988, c W-7.1, Section 18
Workers Compensation Board Policy, POL-86, Temporary Wage Loss Benefits
Workers Compensation Board Policy, POL-172, Allowance and Reimbursement Rate Schedule
DEFINITION
In this policy:
“Prescription eyewear” means a device, prescribed by a health care provider, used to correct or modify an individual’s vision.
POLICY
Prescription Eyewear Resulting From an Injury
- The Workers Compensation Board (WCB) will pay for new prescription eyewear for a worker who requires prescription eyewear as a result of a workplace injury or due to a change to the worker’s existing prescription as a result of a workplace injury.
- Where a worker requires new prescription eyewear as a result of a compensable eye injury, the WCB will pay for replacement every two years or when a change to the prescription is required, whichever occurs earlier.
Damaged Prescription Eyewear
- The WCB will pay to repair or replace prescription eyewear worn at the time of an accident and damaged as a result of a specific external force, arising out of and in the course of employment. This includes prescription safety glasses if they were originally paid for by the worker.
- The WCB will not pay to repair or replace prescription eyewear resulting from damage or loss because the eyewear fell off the worker’s face (for example, ill-fitting) or as a result of normal wear and tear.
- The WCB will consider repairs first. However, if repairs are not feasible, the WCB will replace the prescription eyewear on a one time basis.
Reimbursement Rates for New or Replacement Eyewear
Reimbursement rates for the new or replacement prescription eyewear are set out in WCB Policy, POL-172, Allowance and Reimbursement Rate Schedule.
- The cost of enhancements (for example, tinting) will also be covered if such enhancements were present at the time of the accident.
Eye Examinations
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The WCB will pay for eye examinations only when required as a result of a compensable workplace injury.
HISTORY
May 14, 2026 – Non-substantive changes to reflect new policy, Allowance and Reimbursement Rate Schedule (POL-172).
October 27, 2022 – amended to provide for replacement of prescription eyewear every two years.
December 10, 2020 - Non-substantive changes to reflect revisions to policy, POL-86, Temporary Wage Loss Benefits.
March 26, 2015 - Amended to clarify entitlement for prescription eyewear and increase the reimbursement rates. Also, the name of the policy was changed from “Visual Aids” to “Prescription Eyewear”.
September 27, 2007 - The policy was updated as a result of the 60 month policy review process.
December 13, 2001 - Replaces Policy and Practice Visual Aids dated January 20, 1994.
Board of Directors Approval Date: January 20, 1994