Empire Life Eye Care — 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 Empire Life
Empire Life was founded in 1923 by Milton Palmer Langstaff in Toronto — the name was chosen to evoke "strength and security" during the economic uncertainty that followed World War I. The company merged with several smaller insurers in the late 1920s and 1930s, moved its head office to Kingston, Ontario in 1936, and began selling employee benefits in 1957.
Today, Empire Life serves more than 610,000 individual customers and 150,000+ group plan members, with over $19.6 billion in assets. They are one of the few remaining 100% Canadian-owned and operated life insurance companies — over 100 years old and still independent.
Vision Coverage
Empire Life group health and dental plans cover vision care including eye exams, glasses, and contacts. Coverage amounts typically range from $200–$400 every 24 months depending on your employer's plan design. Claims can be submitted through e-claims processing for faster reimbursement.
How We Bill Empire Life
We direct bill Empire Life at Charm Optical. Bring your member card, we verify your coverage and submit the claim right away. Simple, no paperwork on your end.
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 Empire Life Eye Care — 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