ASEBP Eye Care Benefits — 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 ASEBP
The Alberta School Employee Benefit Plan (ASEBP) was established in 1968 when the Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA) and the Alberta Teachers' Association (ATA) joined forces to create a province-wide group insurance program specifically for people working in education.
What started with just life insurance and disability benefits grew to include extended health care, dental, and vision care in the mid-1970s. Today, ASEBP covers more than 120,000 Albertans in the education sector — teachers, support staff, and administrators across the province.
ASEBP is governed jointly by 10 trustees — 5 from the employer side (ASBA) and 5 from the employee side (ATA). As a not-for-profit, all surplus goes back into the plan for members. The plan is headquartered right here in Edmonton.
Good to know: ASEBP claims are administered through Alberta Blue Cross. So when we bill your ASEBP benefits at Charm Optical, the claim goes through the Alberta Blue Cross system — one of the smoothest and fastest claims processes we work with.
Vision Coverage Details
ASEBP offers vision care under two plan levels. One of the unique things about ASEBP is that their benefit period is "rolling" — it resets from the date of your last service, not the calendar year.
| Plan | Vision Coverage | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Plan 2 | $300 per person | Every rolling 2 years |
| Plan 3 | $400 per person | Every rolling 2 years |
Coverage includes:
- Eye examinations
- Prescription eyeglass lenses and frames
- Contact lenses and fitting fees
- Prescription sunglasses
- Prescription safety glasses
- Corrective eye surgery and lens implants
Note: Claims must be submitted within 18 months of the service date. Children under 19 and seniors 65+ have provincial coverage for eye exams, so ASEBP does not duplicate that.
Tip: "Rolling" Means More Flexibility
Unlike most plans that reset on January 1st, ASEBP's 2-year period starts from the date of your last claim. So if you got glasses in March 2024, you are eligible again in March 2026 — not January 2026. This gives you more control over when you use your benefits.
Check your remaining coverage through the ASEBP member portal at asebp.ca, or through the Alberta Blue Cross – My Benefits app since ASEBP claims are processed through their system.
How We Bill ASEBP
We bill ASEBP through Alberta Blue Cross at Charm Optical — it is one of the fastest and smoothest claims processes we deal with. If you are a teacher, educational assistant, or school staff member in Alberta, just bring your ASEBP member card. We verify your plan level and remaining balance, submit the claim through Alberta Blue Cross, and you pay only the difference (if any). We see ASEBP members regularly — especially around summer and winter breaks when teachers have time to come in.
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 ASEBP Eye Care Benefits — 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