5 Vision Insurance Tips To Pay Less for Glasses and Eye Exams

🔎 Disclosure: Heads up, babe: some links here are affiliate links, which means you might throw a tiny commission my way if you buy (zero extra cost to you). Only things you’d actually use and love get shared on this site.

1. Avoid Paying for Unnecessary Add-Ons

When you’re picking new glasses, the sales pitch for “extras” can feel endless.

You don’t need every coating, tint, or upgrade to see clearly and save money.

Here’s what to skip to keep your wallet happy:

• Skip designer frames. Stylish doesn’t have to mean overpriced; there are affordable lookalikes everywhere.
  
• Say no to add-ons you won’t use. Things like UV coating or anti-glare are great only if you need them.
  
• Compare the same lenses online. They often cost half the price outside the clinic.
  

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Ask your optician which add-ons are truly essential for your prescription and lifestyle, then decline the rest confidently.

Make It Easy: Compare prices and lens options through VSP before you buy to see what’s covered.

2. Use All Your Yearly Benefits

If you’re paying for vision insurance, don’t let it go to waste.

Most plans reset yearly. And unused benefits are like free money left behind.

Here’s how to take full advantage before they expire:

• Book your annual exam early. The best spots fill up fast near the end of the year.
  
• Use frame allowances. Even if you don’t need glasses, you can snag a backup pair.
  
• Check for contact lens coverage. Some plans let you use the benefit for lenses instead.
  

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Log into your insurance portal, find your “benefits remaining,” and schedule your appointment before December sneaks up.

3. Go to In-Network Eye Doctors

You can love your eye doctor and still go broke seeing them if they’re out of network.

In-network care can literally cut your bill in half. So always double-check before booking.

Here’s what helps you stay covered:

• Search your insurer’s website. It lists all nearby approved providers.
  
• Call ahead. Clinics sometimes “switch networks,” and you’ll only know if you ask.
  
• Look for network logos. Many offices display your insurance provider at the front desk.
  

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Use your insurer’s online search tool to confirm your doctor’s status before every visit.

Make It Easy: Store a small notebook with your doctor contacts and insurance notes for quick reference.

4. Buy Glasses or Contacts at a Discount

Here’s the secret no one tells you. You don’t have to buy glasses where you get your exam.

Big-box stores and online retailers often sell the same lenses for way less.

Check out these simple ways to save:

• Shop online using your prescription. Sites like Zenni or EyeBuyDirect cut out the markup.
  
• Use discount codes or cashback extensions. You’ll be surprised how much you can knock off.
  
• Buy two-for-one deals. One for daily use, one for backup (or style).
  

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: After your exam, ask for your full prescription and shop around before deciding where to buy.

Make It Easy: Try a hard-shell glasses case to protect your new budget-friendly frames.

5. Take Advantage of HSA Funds to Pay for Eye Care

If you have a Health Savings Account, you’re basically holding secret eye-care cash.

You can use those tax-free dollars for exams, glasses, and even contacts.

Here’s how to stretch those funds smartly:

• Pay for prescription glasses and contacts. HSA-eligible and fully covered under the rules.
  
• Buy spare contact lenses. It’s smarter than letting funds sit unused.
  
• Use it for eye drops or exams. Yes, even those count as qualified expenses.
  

👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Before your next visit, check your HSA balance and swipe that card for any eligible purchase.

Make It Easy: Open a Lively HSA account to manage your vision spending automatically and tax-free.

📌 SAVE IT FOR LATER! 📌

And that’s it!

Never forget it… 

🍔 A Bigger Bank Account Is Waiting For You!

😉 Dale!