Through the See Better to Succeed program, the government supports the vision care for the children of Quebec residents! Under this program, the Régie de l’Assurance Maladie du Québec (RAMQ) will provide a reimbursement of $300. This reimbursement is for prescription glasses or contact lenses for children under 18.
In this article, we'll answer all your questions about this program.
What steps do I need to take for my child to benefit from the See Better to Succeed program?
1- Make an appointment for an eye exam
To qualify, glasses or contact lenses must be prescribed by an eye care professional. Consult either an optometrist or an ophthalmologist.
Has your child undergone an eye exam in the past year? In this case, they won't need to see an eye care professional again, as this prescription is valid.
2- Choose a suitable frame or contact lenses
Choose a frame and the lens coating options for your child's glasses.
Does your child prefer contact lenses? Your optometrist or optician can also help you choose the type of contact lenses that suits your child best.
3- Make the payment
Pay the amount due for your child's eyewear or contact lenses.
4- Apply for reimbursement from the See Better to Succeed program
Submit your reimbursement request by completing this form. According to the RAMQ, the child's parent or legal guardian will receive a cheque for $300, which will be mailed within 3 weeks of submitting this reimbursement request. Please note that you need to submit your claim within 12 months of purchase. You'll also need to keep the receipt for the glasses or contact lenses for 5 years.
How often can my child take advantage of this program?
According to the See Better to Succeed program, you can submit a request for a $300 reimbursement every 2 years.
Does the IRIS No Matter What Guarantee apply to eyewear purchased through the program?
Absolutely! With the IRIS No Matter What Guarantee, we will repair or replace your broken frame at no cost, whatever the reason:
- If the breakage occurs during the year following the date of purchase
- Or at 50% of the original frame purchase price, if the breakage occurs during the second year
This guarantee is free and included with all eyewear purchased from us. It's especially practical for children since they frequently have accidents with their glasses!
Do I need to pay for my child's eye exam?
The RAMQ covers the cost of annual eye exams for children under 18 years old. All you need is their valid medicare card, and the cost of your child's general eye examination will be covered.
What if the total cost of the glasses/contact lenses is less than $300?
Let's say that when you go to pay, the final amount of the invoice is $235. The reimbursement will still be $300, even though the total amount is less than the refund amount.
Are sunglasses also eligible for reimbursement?
One of the main goals of the See Better to Succeed program is to help children have better vision. Good eyesight makes it easier for them to learn in a school setting. Because non-prescription sunglasses are not required at school, they're not eligible for reimbursement. Goggles and eyewear used for sports are also not eligible for reimbursement. And this is the case even if the lenses contain the child's prescription.
Are blue light glasses reimbursable through the program?
Non-prescription glasses that protect against blue light, such as TrueBlue, are not eligible for reimbursement. On the other hand, you can opt to add a filter against blue light in your child's prescription lenses. In this case, you can obtain reimbursement from the RAMQ.
Since schools are gradually switching to digital devices, and teachers are increasingly using digital tools in their teaching, we strongly advise parents to add this protection to their children's prescription glasses or contact lenses.
Will the program reimburse my child's prescription glasses purchased online?
As long as your child has a valid prescription prepared by a vision care professional and the purchase is made from an online merchant from Quebec.
Do the IRIS promotions on children's glasses still apply if I want to take advantage of the $300 reimbursement from the RAMQ?
IRIS offers discounts, and they are combinable with the government reimbursement.
Contact the IRIS store closest to you or visit the RAMQ's website for more information about the See Better to Succeed program.
