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- Vision Insurance
- VSP Contributor, 30 Jan 2025
Yes, Vision Insurance Is Worth It
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According to NVISION Eye Centers, 63% of Americans do not have vision insurance, yet nearly 80% need corrective lenses. There is a disconnect between the need for vision care and the number of people covered by vision insurance—many people may not think vision insurance is worth it, or they may believe common myths about vision insurance that may not be true.
When deciding whether to enroll in a vision insurance plan, many factors come into play. If you regularly get eye exams, wear glasses or contacts, or have a family history of eye conditions, vision insurance can be an excellent investment. This article will dive deep and explain the benefits of vision insurance, its costs, and its specific advantages for different groups, helping you decide if vision is right for you.
Vision insurance can be a game-changer for individuals and families who prioritize eye health. Vision insurance is particularly valuable if you:
• Get regular eye exams
• Use glasses or contact lenses
• Have a family history of eye conditions
• Are responsible for children’s eye care needs
For these groups, vision insurance provides financial relief and promotes proactive health and vision management.
Routine eye exams are a gateway to identifying serious health problems. Conditions like glaucoma, diabetes, high cholesterol, and even hypertension can be detected during a comprehensive eye exam. Early detection of these health conditions can lead to timely treatment, reducing the risk of complications and improving overall health outcomes.
Without vision insurance, the cost of routine eye exams can be an obstacle for people to schedule their regular vision checkups. With vision insurance, these exams become more affordable, encouraging preventive care.
Vision insurance significantly reduces out-of-pocket costs for essential services and products. Here is just one example of how cost savings can add up:
• Example monthly premium: $15
• Copay for an annual exam: $10
• Cost of glasses: $200 (with insurance discount and copay)
Without a vision insurance plan, the total cost might exceed $400 annually. With a vision insurance plan, you could save hundreds of dollars. For families or individuals requiring multiple services, these savings compound over time.
Some vision plans also offer discounts on lens upgrades such as transition lenses, anti-reflective coatings, or progressive lenses. These add-ons can quickly increase the cost of eyewear but are much more affordable with insurance coverage.
If you have a family history of eye conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, or diabetic eye disease, regular eye exams are essential. Vision insurance ensures you can monitor your eye health consistently, making it easier to detect and address vision issues early.
For instance, glaucoma often develops silently and can lead to irreversible vision loss if untreated. With vision insurance, routine screenings for such conditions are more accessible, increasing the likelihood of early intervention.
Children’s vision needs are another compelling reason to consider getting vision insurance. Good vision is crucial for academic success and overall development. According to Prevent Blindness, significant percentages of school-age children have vision problems, from myopia (9%) to astigmatism (15%–28%).
Here are some key benefits for kids with vision insurance:
• Regular Eye Exams: Early detection of issues like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism.
• Cost Savings: Lower out-of-pocket costs for frames, lenses, or contact lenses as children grow and their prescription changes.
Vision insurance can make it easier for parents to keep up with these ongoing needs, ensuring their children receive proper eye care without breaking the bank.
While plans vary in their coverages, most vision insurance plans include the following:
• Annual Eye Exams: Typically covered with a small copay.
• Prescription Lenses and Frames: Plans often cover a portion of the cost for glasses or contact lenses.
• Discounts on Lens Options: Lens enhancements like anti-reflective coating or blue light filtering may come with reduced rates.
Vision insurance premiums range from $5 to $30 per person per month. Family plans generally cost more, but they often provide better value for households with multiple members needing eye exams and glasses or contacts.
However, keep in mind that cheaper plans may have more limited coverage, smaller provider networks, or higher copays for certain services. It’s crucial to balance the cost of the plan with the services you expect to use.
As we age, the risk of developing eye-related health issues increases significantly. Conditions affecting vision such as macular degeneration, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy are more prevalent among seniors.
Seniors need to be aware that Original Medicare does not usually cover eye exams for eyeglasses or contacts. Only after approved cataract surgery will Medicare Part B cover one pair of eyeglasses. By choosing a supplemental vision insurance plan, seniors can benefit with:
• Comprehensive Eye Care: Regular exams can detect age-related issues early.
• Affordability: Seniors often face higher medical expenses, and vision insurance helps offset some costs associated with frequent eye care needs.
• Specialized Lens Options: Receive discounts on bifocal, trifocal, or progressive lenses, which are often necessary for older adults.
For seniors on a fixed income, vision insurance provides peace of mind and ensures continued access to quality eye care.
Entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals—like gig workers—often lack access to employer-sponsored vision insurance plans. Vision insurance offers a cost-effective way for these individuals to maintain their eye health.
Why vision insurance is a smart investment for entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals:
• Tax Deductions: Premiums for vision insurance may be deductible as a business expense for self-employed individuals.
• Vision Care Cost Predictability: Provides consistent and predictable costs for routine eye care, which can help with budgeting.
• Enhanced Productivity: Good vision is critical for entrepreneurs who spend long hours in front of screens or rely on clear eyesight for their work.
By investing in vision insurance, entrepreneurs can protect their eye health while managing vision insurance costs effectively.
A vision insurance plan that fits your needs can be a worthwhile investment, especially for those who prioritize regular eye care, wear glasses or contacts, or have a higher risk of developing eye conditions. The benefits go beyond cost savings, encompassing early detection of serious health issues and improved access to high-quality eye care.
Choosing the right eye insurance plan and eye care professional can significantly impact your vision health and overall well-being. VSP® Individual Vision Plans offer a large nationwide network of providers and plan benefits that can help you save money.
Whether you are a senior, a family, an entrepreneur, or just someone who wants good vision coverage, choosing a vision plan takes only a moment with the VSP Individual Vision Plan Selector.
When you make an informed decision, you can feel confident that vision insurance is worth it for your eye health.
Information received through VSP Individual Vision Plans’ social media channels is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, medical recommendations, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Dr. Valerie Sheety-Pilon is Vice President of Clinical and Medical Affairs at VSP Vison Care where she helps drive strategic initiatives aimed at raising awareness about vision, eye health and its connection to overall wellness, while providing insight into medical advancements that seek to benefit patient care. She also provides oversight of VSP programs to address gaps in care for some of the most high-risk populations, including those living with diabetes.
With more than two decades of experience as a Doctor of Optometry, Dr. Sheety-Pilon has dedicated much of her time to clinical research across numerous ophthalmic subspecialties and has an established history of helping patients through novel therapeutic agents and clinical adoption of transformative technology in the areas of digital health, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices.
Prior to joining VSP Vision in 2019, Dr. Sheety-Pilon served as Adjunct Clinical Professor at Illinois College of Optometry, held various executive positions within the eye health industry, and has extensive experience managing and practicing within an ophthalmology and optometry practice.
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Healthy vision association discounts
Some plans can only be accessed through membership in the Healthy Vision Association (HVA), which helps its members see well and stay healthy.
For $1.50/mo, your membership will give you access to exclusive discount programs* on everyday goods and services including:
Plus, your membership supports vision-related charities too.
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*All rebates and special offers are subject to change