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Visual health is an important part of everyone’s overall health and well-being. However, according to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 93 million adults in the US are at high risk of severe vision loss, but only half of them have visited an ophthalmologist in the past 12 months. In many cases, this is because eye care is too expensive.
According to a 2022 report, 63% of Americans not have eye care insurance, which is not included in standard health plans. Without insurance, a typical eye exam often costs more than $100When you add in the cost of glasses or contact lenses, it’s no surprise that many Americans avoid going to the eye doctor or keeping their prescription up to date.
However, getting an eye exam without insurance doesn’t have to be expensive. There are several ways to find cheap eye exams or cheap eye care, and we’ll explore them here.
Read more: Best Places to Buy Glasses Online
Where can I get an eye exam most cheaply?
Some of the best places to look for eye exams or glasses without insurance are discount eye exam centers or online eyeglass retailers. There are quite a few options, but our favorites are:
- America’s Best: This popular chain offers eye exams for $69, or you can buy two pairs of glasses for $80 and get the eye exam for free.
- Cost price: Not all Costco locations have a Costco Optical, but this may be a good option if your nearest Costco offers it. Exams range from $50 and $100but you will need a Costco membership first.
- EyeBuyDirect: Online eyeglass retailers have grown tremendously over the past decade and EyeBuyDirect offers some of the best deals on glasses without insurance. Frames start as as low as $6and basic prescription lenses are very affordable.
- Glasses world: Another online retailer, Eyeglass World, offers deals on glasses starting at two pairs for $89The company also offers eye exams at over 100 locations in the US.
- GlassesUSA: This online retailer offers similar deals to Eyeglass World, with various discounts and sales to make buying glasses without insurance even more affordable.
- Jonas Paulus: The cost of eye care can quickly add up for families, but Jonas Paul wants to change that. Based on Warby Parker’s model of at-home try-on kits and donate a pair of glasses For every pair of glasses you purchase, Jonas Paul offers affordable, stylish glasses for kids and teens, starting at $59.
- Sams Club: As with Costco, you will need a Sam’s Club membership to take advantage of this benefit. Eye Exams between $50 and $100average.
- Goal And Walmart: If you’d rather not have a membership to Costco or Sam’s Club, you can still get cheap eye exams while shopping at Target or Walmart. Eye exams at these major retailers are also covered $50 to $100 reach.
Read more: Have your eyes examined via your smartphone
If you just need new lenses for an existing frame, you can save money by looking at replacement lens options online. For contact lens wearers, learn how to extend the life of your contact lenses to save money in the long run.
Read more: Best Places to Buy Contact Lenses Online
Programs that offer free or discounted eye exams
The above retailers may still be too expensive for some people, but they aren’t the only options for eye exams without insurance. Many programs offer free eye care or low-cost options for those who qualify, including:
- Eye Care America:This program, run by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, offers free or discounted eye exams for people over 65 years of age and for people at higher risk of glaucoma.
- BabyZIEN: The American Optometry Association offers free eye exams to all children between the ages of six and twelve months, regardless of income.
- Lions Club International: Lions Club offers free or discounted eye care, and glasses are available at many locations.
- New eyes: While this program does not offer free eye exams, New Eyes does a free pair of glasses for qualifying low-income applicants. It is best to have your eye doctor or a social worker apply on your behalf.
- OneSight OnSite Voucher Program:OneSight is a foundation established by EssilorLuxottica, which also owns brands such as Lens Crafters and Target OpticalTo take advantage of the free glasses, you must have your eyes checked by a local non-profit organization such as a church, school, or the Red Cross. Once they check if you need financial assistanceThey can put you in touch with OneSight.
- Vision US: Another service of the American Optometric Association that offers free eye exams – and in some states, glasses – uninsured low-income families through various partners.
- VSP Eyes of Hope: This program is similar to Vision USA and provides free eye care to uninsured families with incomes below a certain level.
Go to a student ophthalmologist
If you are willing to receive care from students studying optometry or ophthalmology, many schools offer low-cost eye care and free eye exams for patients. Students taking the exam are supervised, so you can still be sure you are receiving quality care. You may also find opportunities to participate in university research studies (for free).
Search for participating schools hereand call schools in your area to inquire about exam programs and costs for students.
Medicare or Medicaid can help cover the costs
Medicare or Medicaid participants may have plan-specific options when it comes to finding affordable eye care.
Medicaid, which provides free health care to low-income children and some low-income adults, generally provides some level of eye care. All Medicaid plans include eye exams and glasses for children under 21, but adult coverage varies by state. You may be able to get free eye exams, glasses, or both. Contact your state Medicaid agencyChildren who are not eligible for Medicaid may be able to obtain vision care insurance through their state’s Children’s Health Insurance Program.
Medicare is a program for adults 65 and older and some people with disabilities. It generally does not provide vision coverage, but it does help certain eye conditionsincluding cataracts, dry eyes, macular degeneration and glaucoma.
You may be able to get more comprehensive vision coverage through a Medicare Advantage program. This Medicare-approved coverage is offered through private insurers and often includes coverage for eye exams, glasses, and contacts.
Where to buy affordable contact lenses and glasses without vision insurance
Luckily, once you have a prescription for your glasses or contacts, it’s easier than ever to find a discount online, thanks to the plethora of online companies that run regular sales and take some of the work out of vision correction. Most give you simple options to upload or enter your prescription, and the company does the rest.
Some of our favorites include:
- Zenni was voted the best budget option on CNET’s list of prescription glasses. You can get prescription glasses at a very discounted price through a very simple ordering process, as long as you have your prescription and know your pupillary distance.
- Warby Parker Glasses start at $95 for prescription lenses and frames. This company was voted the best shopping experience by CNET, thanks to its “try it at home” model that lets you test out multiple frames, plus the fact that Warby Parker many in-store locations for people who prefer to chat with a colleague while looking for their glasses. Warby Parker also sells contactsand you will receive a 20% discount on your first order.
- 1-800 Contacts makes ordering contact lenses a breeze. That’s why it (along with Warby Parker) makes our list of the best places to order contact lenses online.
- Retailer Target opticalis not only a great place to get an affordable eye exam, but also offers deep discounts on several popular brands of contact lenses.
- GlassesUSA is a great place to shop if you don’t have eye care insurance because of all the specials the company has. (For example, right now there’s a “buy one, get one” sale on eyeglasses and a 50% off coupon on your first frame. GlassesUSA.com also sells contacts at reduced prices.
The best way to make sure you get the best deal on glasses and contacts if you don’t have insurance is to shop around and look for deals. For more options, check out our list of the best places to buy contact lenses online and the best places to buy prescription glasses.
