At Bonhomme à lunettes, we are convinced that accessibility to eyewear for newcomers is a public health issue. Integration in Québec can sometimes present considerable challenges, from language barriers to cultural adaptation and access to healthcare. Among the often overlooked aspects of this integration, access to eyeglasses proves to be a crucial issue. Here's how newcomers can save big on this essential purchase:
Newcomers and Refugees
The very first thing you need to do is an eye exam with an optometrist.. For it to be free of charge, it is essential to obtain the necessary documentation from the government. In fact, when you arrived in Canada, the Canadian government gave you an identification paper with a IUC number. It's also commonly known as "brown paper". Having the brown paper is essential for what happens next. Once you've taken your test:
- With the brown paper and your prescription, come see us in one of our service points. Please note that some of them require an appointment, while others do not. It's important to check beforehand.
- Choose your frame and take advantage of our advice.
- Thanks to the brown paper, our optician will be able to confirm your eligibility with La Croix Bleue Medavie. If accepted, you will be entitled to a lump-sum payment once every two years. Please note! The Canadian government pays basic amounts. So you may have to pay the difference if you choose more expensive options.
- Once the application has been approved, your glasses are sent to the laboratory. As soon as they're ready, we check them and call you.
- Pick up your glasses and let us make the final adjustments.
With more than 70 points of service, Bonhomme à lunettes is there for newcomers and marginalized people who wish to obtain eyeglasses, as mentioned in the article by La Converse (in French).
Other Ways to Get Low-Cost Glasses
There are also other ways to get affordable glasses that are more specific to Quebec. Here are a few of them:
The See Better to Succeed Program for Kids
Quebec government program for children 17 and under with a valid health card. It provides a $300 reimbursement every two years. We offer up to three pairs of glasses for the amount reimbursed. For more details, visit the page dedicated to the RAMQ reimbursement program.
Glasses starting at $20 for social assistance recipients
This other Québec government program is for all social assistance recipients, whether newcomers, long-time residents or native-born. It offers a lump-sum payment for the purchase of eyeglasses (similar to the federal government's program mentioned above) once every two years. To be eligible, however, you need to have been a claimant for more than six months (one year for the free eye exam). To find out more, check our page dedicated to the program.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
Not eligible for any of the programs mentioned in this post? No problem. Here at Bonhomme à lunettes, we see ourselves as a kind of social safety net when it comes to buying glasses. Our prices are low (in fact, they mostly stayed the same since 2007), solid guarantees and our customer service is friendly. We will always find a way to work things out. Our aim is never to let someone leave without glasses if it's just a matter of price.
We're happy to serve newcomers everywhere and help them see clearly with solutions tailored to their needs and their wallets!