Best Vision Insurance
Based on In-Depth Reviews

Vision Insurance in a Nutshell 

Although usually referred to as vision “insurance” these types of plans work more as benefit or discount plans. By paying an annual or monthly fee, you’re able to shave off a significant chunk off your yearly vision care price tag. This is especially beneficial for those with eye conditions that require regular checkups and whose eye prescription is constantly changing, as well as for households with more than one eyeglass wearer. Eyeglass wearers over 65 years old are also good candidates for these kinds of plans, since the average testing period for this age range is one to two years.

It’s important to note that children under the age of 19 are automatically covered for vision insurance under the Affordable Care Act. However, many other private plans don’t allow for this, which is why large families with eyeglass wearers with private or no health insurance, could benefit from getting a vision plan.

A Few Reasons Why You Should Stop Putting Off Those Eye Exams

While it may seem like an unnecessary cost, routine eye exams are essential in preventing any eye malformations from becoming worse in the long run. Children especially should be regularly screened (every one to two years) in order to check for these errors and tend to them as quickly as possible. 

Dr. Julie Schallhorn is an assistant Professor of Ophthalmology at University of California, San Francisco. She says that the key to good eye health is linked to your overall body health. “I always tell my patients that the same things that are good for your body are good for your eyes —– eat a healthy diet, exercise, and wear sun protection, including sunglasses.  There is also evidence that a diet high in leafy green vegetables is good for the retina and helps prevent macular degeneration.”

Moreover, our increasing dependence on computer and cell phone screens, although not directly harmful to our vision, can result in persistent discomfort of the eyes. As Dr. Schallhorn puts it, “screens don’t hurt your eyes per -se, it is the lack of blinking, taking breaks or looking around that does the harm. We know that when you’re focusing on something you tend to blink less and not have full closure with your blink.  Not blinking as much or not blinking all the way can cause the surface of the eye to dry out.”

Dr. Schallhorn recommends taking breaks when working on screen, as well as to stay hydrated. “If your eyes are feeling fatigued and dry, try doing a warm compress for 5-10 minutes over both eyes.  This can help keep the eyes better lubricated and less susceptible to drying out between blinks”.

The overall daily strain we put on our eyes, coupled with whatever genetic refractive error we might be susceptible to, makes the idea of getting vision insurance attractive, even sensible. 

The price for an eye exam in the United States can range anywhere between $50 (for refractive vision tests) and $200 (for a first visit eye exam). Recurring patient visits can go at $128 a visit, a price tag which may be inaccessible for many. Meanwhile, larger retailers like Costco can charge around $70 for an eye exam, and $145 for a corrective lens fitting. Many vision plans have $0 copay for eye exams. What’s more, neither private insurance nor Medicare covers the cost of routine eye exams. To add to this, the estimated average of eyeglasses is around $196 for those without vision insurance. The costs pile up to a hefty figure, which is why vision insurance might be a good idea for these individuals in the long run. 

Once you subscribe to a specific plan, you can get a wealth of special discounts and offers from your company provider. These companies will usually have their own network of doctors and providers, allowing for lower deals and prices. In most cases, you’ll also be able to choose providers who are out of network, but these options will likely be considerably pricier. 

What does Vision Insurance cover?

Because vision insurance is considered supplemental insurance, only matters relating to your vision are covered. That includes:

-       The cost of your eye equipment (lenses, frames, contacts)

-       Routine eye exams

-       LASIK or PRK surgery discounts

Vision matters relating to more serious eye conditions, such as glaucoma or macular degeneration  are not covered by vision insurance, so you should look to your regular health insurance coverage for cases like these.

By paying a monthly or annual premium, you’re able to receive a number of benefits, both from in-network providers and out-of-network. Generally, vision insurance covers the following either in full or by awarding you allowances and/or discounts:

• Eye exams

• Frames 

• Basic lenses (single vision, bifocal, trifocal) 

• Different lens options (such as Scratch resistant, Anti-glare, Impact resistant, Progressive (no-line multifocal, Light-to-dark tinting, Tinted lenses, or UV protection)

• contact lens fit 

• contact lenses 

• Laser vision correction discounts

It’s important to note that many companies make you choose between contact lenses or frames, and you often don’t have the option of choosing both. Nonetheless, some plans offer higher premiums for both so it’s important to inquire at the time of making a decision on a specific plan. 

LASIK and corrective eye surgery 

One reason patients may wish to get vision insurance is the promise of getting LASIK surgery at a reduced rate. Laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is one of the most popular types of refractive surgery available to patients, which could significantly reduce or eliminate the need for prescription glasses. Essentially, LASIK surgery works by reshaping the cornea in order to allow light coming into the eye to be adequately focused into the retina. The entire procedure takes around 15 minutes, and in most cases, results are evident immediately following the operation. 

Dr. Michael Rosenberg, a practicing ophthalmologist for more than 20 years, suggests that the most important aspect when considering corrective eye surgery is to choose a surgeon wisely, “The majority of high volume corporate practices use optometrists or technicians to evaluate the patient and do the pre-op and post-op visits, they are not physicians (M.D.). Frequently the patient only meets the surgeon at the time of the procedure which is bad medicine.” The surgeon, Dr. Rosenberg said, should be involved in every step of the process, seeing the patient for pre-operative measurements and post-surgery care.

Many times, patients with less serious eye conditions will be eligible for LASIK procedure. Nonetheless, your doctor will determine if your eye condition makes you a suitable patient for this surgery by carrying out several preoperative tests. Generally, though, Dr. Rosenberg says that this surgery is appropriate for patients who don’t want to wear glasses or have to deal with contact lenses that are annoying or intolerable and who “understand they will need to wear reading glasses even if their distance vision is good sometime after the age of 45.”

Likewise, Dr. Julie Schallhorn further adds that contact wearers could benefit greatly from LASIK surgery, “We know that contact lenses have the potential to cause severe vision loss if they are not worn properly and maintained.  We also know that people tend to feel much better with not having to wear contact lenses all the time”

Moreover, Dr. Rosenberg assures that many times, the results will be successful if their vision with glasses or contact lens are good, but that the most important thing is to have a trustworthy doctor  “[patients] must have the temporary side effects of the procedure explained, the risks small and have realistic expectations. This only happens when the procedure is explained by the surgeon. For example, some patients may need a second procedure or “touch up” in the first year which should cost them nothing.”

The average cost of LASIK surgery in the United States goes for $2,246 per eye, and just like many other vision-related matters, is not covered by health insurance. However, vision insurance could help you pay less, since many companies offer LASIK discounts as part of their benefits. It’s important to note that vision insurance will almost never cover your LASIK procedure in its entirety, rather your insurance provider will offer discounts and special promotions. 

According to Allaboutvision, “The actual price you pay for LASIK surgery will depend on different factors, including the experience and reputation of your surgeon and the type of technology used for your procedure.”