Vision benefits stressing you out? You’re not alone. Every December, Albertans across Edmonton scramble to book eye exams, redeem leftover health spending account (HSA) dollars, and finally replace those scratched-up glasses.
Whether you're new to the HSA game or just need a little reminder, Millwoods Eye Clinic has you covered. Here’s everything you need to know before the clock runs out on your 2025 vision benefits.
What Is “Use It or Lose It,” Anyway?
Most vision benefits, whether through a workplace health plan or a health savings account (HSA), have an annual expiry date, often on December 31. That means if you don’t use your eligible dollars by the end of the year, you’ll lose them. And depending on your plan, those funds may not roll over into 2026.
If you’ve been putting off booking that eye exam or ordering new glasses, this is your friendly nudge to stop waiting. Even routine services like annual eye exams, prescription lenses, and contact lenses are usually covered, and we can help you use those benefits efficiently, without stress.
What Can You Use Your HSA For?
While plans vary, most HSAs and vision benefit plans cover a range of services and products you can get right here at Millwoods Eye Clinic:
- Comprehensive eye exams (for adults, children, and seniors)
- Contact lenses (including specialty options)
- Therapeutic services like dry eye treatment, if medically necessary
Many family plans allow you to use your benefits on dependents, so if your kid’s frames are too tight or your partner’s overdue for an exam, now’s the time to bring everyone in before the year ends.
What to Book First (and Why You Shouldn’t Wait)
By mid-December, appointments at local optometry clinics, especially full-scope practices like Millwoods Eye Clinic, tend to fill up fast. That’s why it’s smart to prioritize high-impact services first:
- Start with eye exams: If no one in your family has had a comprehensive eye exam this year, that’s your baseline. Most plans cover at least one exam per person annually.
- Next, check in on glasses: If your prescription has changed, or you’ve been putting up with scratched lenses or frames, now’s the time to upgrade.
- Don’t forget contact lenses: Many plans include coverage for disposable or specialty contacts, even if you have already used some benefits earlier in the year.
- Got a little extra left over? Consider blue light glasses, polarized sunglasses, or safety glasses for work or sports. Your HSA might help cover those, too.
We offer full-service vision care for individuals and families, so you can get everything done in one place.
Why Choose Millwoods Eye Clinic?
Located right here in Edmonton’s Mill Woods neighbourhood, we’re proud to be a trusted source for trusted optometric care, whether you're booking for yourself or your entire family. At Millwoods Eye Clinic, we make it easy to check off your to-do list with:
- Comprehensive eye exams for children, adults, and seniors.
- On-site optical with a wide selection of stylish, high-quality frames.
- Contact lens fittings and specialty lens options.
- Dry eye diagnosis and treatment.
- Ocular health screenings for conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetes-related eye changes.
We can help you understand what’s covered under your HSA or private plan. Plus, with a kid-friendly atmosphere and friendly staff, we’re proud to serve the families of southeast Edmonton with warm, efficient, and tailored care.
Ready to Book Your Eye Exam in Edmonton
Your vision benefits are part of your healthcare, and you’ve already paid for them. Letting them expire means missing out on essential care, upgrades you could’ve had, and easy wins for your eyes in 2026.
Whether it’s a first eye exam for your toddler or a prescription refresh for yourself, our team at Millwoods Eye Clinic is here to help you make the most of your coverage.
Call us or book online to lock in your eye care appointment before December 31.