Affordable Eye Care Made Easy

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 325 million people in the US have some form of visual acuity loss.¹ This means you will likely have to pay for vision care, eyeglasses or contact lenses in your lifetime.

You may be lucky enough to have exceptional eye care insurance through your employer, but if you are experiencing eye problems for the first time, or do not have insurance, you may be concerned about the costs of eye care. Worry no more! We’re here to break down the basics of eye care insurance and how you can save money on necessities like glasses.

Buy Glasses Online with Insurance: How does it work?

Eye care insurance, commonly referred to as a “vision plan,” is often included in employee benefits packages. Although not mandatory, many employers offer this separate insurance alongside health coverage. Typically, eye care insurance reduces the costs of routine eye exams, prescription eyewear, and sometimes even vision correction surgery. Many so-called “eye care insurance” policies are actually discount vision plans. These plans offer reduced rates on eye care exams and eyewear in exchange for a monthly premium. Keep in mind that the benefits can vary between providers, so it’s crucial to research the details and consult with an associate at your eye care professional’s office.

“So can I buy glasses at Zenni with insurance?” While Zenni does not directly accept insurance, you can ask your insurance company if they accept an invoice copy for reimbursement. If so, simply request your invoice copy from Customer Service and we will email it to you promptly!

Cost of Eye Care Insurance: What to Expect

Your monthly cost for eye care insurance will depend on your employer, but prices can range anywhere from $5 to $20 per person on the plan every month for basic eye care insurance. If you do not have a vision plan through your place of employment you can contact VSP or Humana for individual plans. Each provider sells benefits packages starting under $20 per month.

For a quick cost comparison of eye care costs with and without insurance, head to the VSP cost and coverage page. According to their estimates, you will save about $400 a year if you get an eye exam and purchase full-cost glasses equipped with photochromic lenses and anti-reflective coating.

Pre-tax funds: Can I use HSA or FSA for glasses at Zenni?

Enrolling in a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA) through your employer can further optimize your eye care expenses. With these plans, you can use pre-tax funds to buy prescription glasses and other eye care products. This means each dollar stretches further, covering various medical costs, including vision-related ones like eyeglasses or retainers.

All our prescription glasses and sunglasses qualify under most HSA or FSA plans. Read the details of your specific vision plan before you buy, and read our HSA/FSA guide to save money on your prescription eyewear.

Saving Money with Zenni: An Affordable Option

When you choose Zenni for your glasses, you don’t need to rely solely on eye care insurance. Our main advantage lies in our affordability. By selecting our low-cost frames and customizing your order online, you can save hundreds of dollars compared to the prices at traditional eye doctor’s offices.

At Zenni, you can get well-constructed glasses equipped with UV protection, anti-reflective coating, anti-scratch coating, and Blokz blue blockers for as little as $50. So why pay a fortune for high-quality eye care when you can make the most of your insurance and save big by shopping with us?

Tax Savings on Eye Care: Yes, Please!

Did you know that the IRS considers the cost of eyeglasses, contact lenses, and eye exams not covered by insurance as tax-deductible? Although not everyone qualifies for medical tax deductions due to the threshold established by the federal government, you may benefit from substantial tax breaks if your income is low or your medical expenses are high. Your vision care expenses can contribute to these potential tax savings, so it’s worth exploring and consulting with a tax professional to maximize your benefits.

Prioritize Preventative Eye Care

While visiting the doctor and updating your prescription are important, protecting your eyesight requires more than that. Opting for high-quality lenses can go a long way in safeguarding your vision. For instance, blue blocker lenses are an affordable solution to reduce symptoms like eye strain, headaches, and blurred vision caused by high-energy visible (HEV) blue light. With constant exposure from screens on our phones and televisions, this type of light can lead to long-term eye damage. Even if you don’t need prescription glasses, wearing blue blocker glasses can protect your eyes from harmful blue light. The best part? Blue blocker lenses can be purchased with your FSA, whether you’re getting prescription glasses or sunglasses.

In conclusion, you don’t need to worry about the costs of eye care. By understanding your eye care insurance options, leveraging FSAs, and choosing affordable options like Zenni, you can save money without compromising on quality. Take advantage of the tax deductions available and prioritize preventative eye care to maintain optimal vision. Shop at Zenni for affordable eyewear that meets your needs and keeps your eyes protected.

Sources:
¹ CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/visionhealth/vehss/index.html

About the Author: Dr. Mori Ahi, O.D.

Dr. Mori has over 10 years of experience in eye care. She earned her undergraduate degree from UCLA and her optometry degree from the New England College of Optometry. She has worked in a variety of eye care settings and is passionate about helping her patients find a great pair of affordable glasses.