Every year, many people in St. Albert and across Alberta let their vision benefits expire without using them. It is more common than you might think. Life moves quickly and before you know it the year is almost over. But unused benefits are funds you lose once December 31 arrives. These dollars could help cover your eye exam, new glasses, or contact lenses.
If you have not scheduled your annual exam or updated your eyewear this year, now is the ideal time to take advantage of the coverage already available to you. Vision benefits support more than clear vision. Regular eye exams allow optometrists to detect issues early, monitor changes, and protect long term eye health. Many Alberta plans cover exams, prescription glasses, contact lenses, children’s eyewear, and in some cases medically necessary eye care.
Why Alberta’s year end reset matters
In Alberta, most extended health plans renew on January 1. Once the new year begins, any unused portion of your coverage does not carry forward. For families, this can mean losing access to hundreds of dollars in eye care and eyewear support. The last weeks of the year are also the busiest for clinics, and appointment times fill quickly as people try to use their benefits all at once.
Booking now ensures you have access to the appointment time you want and that you receive the full value of your plan before the reset.
Common signs you may be due for an eye exam
Even small changes in your eyes can indicate that your prescription or eye health needs attention. Signs often include:
- More frequent headaches
- Tired or strained eyes from screen use
- Dry or irritated eyes during fall and winter
- Blurry vision when reading or driving
- Trouble focusing or squinting to see clearly
- Difficulty with night vision
If these symptoms feel familiar, it is a good time to schedule a visit and use your remaining benefits.
What your appointment includes at Erin Ridge Vision Care Centre
A comprehensive eye exam does more than update your prescription. At our clinic, we check the overall health of your eyes, evaluate your prescription needs, look for early signs of conditions that can develop with age, and review how your eyes are affected by Alberta’s dry climate.
If you need new glasses, we carry a wide range of frames including premium lines such as Tom Ford and David Beckham. For a limited time, take advantage of our Buy One Get One 50% Off sale on frames and lenses! This offer won’t last long. Vision benefits often reduce out of pocket costs, making this the perfect time to update your look and your lenses. Contact lens wearers can also use benefits for fittings, updated prescriptions, and specialty lenses.
Use your benefits before they expire
If you have not used your benefits yet in 2025, now is the perfect moment to schedule your visit. Our team at Erin Ridge Vision Care Centre can help you understand what your plan covers and make the most of the remaining year. With the right care, you can enter the new year with clear, comfortable vision and without leaving valuable coverage unused.
Book your appointment today and head into the new year with clear, comfortable vision.
