Vision is so important, yet, according to a CDC study, in 2017, about 40% of the population at risk for vision loss did not see an eye doctor. Meanwhile, nearsightedness, a condition that can be slowed with proper healthcare, has increased from 25% to 42%. 

So why are people skipping ophthalmologist visits? Cost is a significant factor. 

Healthcare costs are rising, and so are insurance premiums. But there are ways to make care more affordable. This article will review some options that may make optometry and ophthalmology accessible to you and your family. 

The Vision Coverage Gap No One Talks About

Most people assume insurance includes vision care. Newsflash, it doesn’t. 

Optometry and ophthalmology developed as separate professions with separate insurance structures. As a result, vision care is typically a supplemental policy, increasing overall costs. And considering the rising insurance rates, jumping 6% from 2024 to 2025 alone, many people just skip the added expense. 

Here are some other stats that support this bleak picture:

• Employer Coverage Isn’t Guaranteed: According to Statista, only 29% of private-sector employees had access to vision care insurance in 2025.
• Medicaid Coverage is Inconsistent: Medicaid is an affordable insurance choice for many people, but when it comes to eye care, coverage is spotty. An AJMC report shows that about 6.5 million people lack comprehensive eye exam coverage, while about 14.6 million have no access to glasses.  
• Lack of Coverage for Self-Employed Individuals: According to the Bureau of Statistics, about 10% of the United States workforce is self-employed. An NCBI study shows insured rates among freelancers are only about 30.8%. 

The Cost of Vision Care

Vision care is expensive and can add up with multiple needs and visits. Here are some average costs to consider based on information pulled from the Vision Council and Medical Express. 

• Eye Exams: $45-$200
• Glasses: $225 – $500+
• Contact Lenses: $180- $1200+ per year
• Lasik: $4,000 to $5,000 for both eyes
• Cataract Surgery: $3,500 – $7,000 per eye
• Glaucoma: Prescription eyedrops: $100 – $300 per month, although laser procedures can cost $1,000 – $2,000, while surgical interventions can cost several thousands

For families managing healthcare costs and other expenses, these numbers can be easy to deprioritize, especially when vision problems develop gradually, and people often don’t notice how much their vision has declined. 

What’s at Stake When You Wait

People often delay care due to costs, but waiting can take an even greater toll. Here’s what’s at stake:

• Compounding Problems: When you don’t get the necessary eye care, problems can worsen, leading to a lower quality of life and more extensive procedures that come with a higher price tag. This is especially concerning with optometry and ophthalmology, as many symptoms are undetectable early on and can only be diagnosed with the right exams. 
• Oversight of Other Issues: Eye exams do much more than diagnose bad eyesight. They can also detect glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and elevated blood pressure, making them essential for overall health. 
• Reduced Productivity at Work and School: Individuals with vision issues may struggle to read documents and computer screens and to perform detailed work, leading to declines in academic and professional performance. 
• Safety Risks: Bad vision can pose a safety risk when driving, especially at night. It can also increase fall risk, with seniors feeling the impact more so than other populations. 
• Mental Health Impact: Individuals with poor eyesight often experience depression and anxiety due to how it impacts various aspects of their lives. 

According to an AJMC study, vision impairments affect over 12 million Americans aged 40 and over, a statistic that is expected to double by 2050. Many of those problems can be avoided with access to preventive care. 

How People are Managing Costs

While vision care is expensive, there are ways to make it more affordable. Here are some options to consider. 

• Vision Insurance Plans: These are standalone plans, typically not tied to insurance, that can make eye care more affordable. For example, eye exams, which are typically around $136, are about $25 with an insurance plan. 
• FSA/HSA Accounts: These work just like savings accounts, but once withdrawn, the money can only be used for eligible medical needs. They use pre-tax dollars, allowing you to save on your tax returns. FSAs are available through employers and don’t turn over, so the money is use-it-or-lose-it. HSAs are personal accounts available to people with high-deductible health plans and roll over each year. 
• Retail/Discount Optometry: Various retail centers offer eye care at discounted rates, including Costco and Target. You may also book an appointment at community or university clinics, which often charge sliding-scale fees. 
• Medical Payment Plans: These work like a credit card, allowing you to carry a balance and pay it off over time. Most plans offer limited-time, interest-free payments to prevent expenses from compounding. The spread-out payments benefit cash flow and make care easier to afford. 
• Seeking Out Discounts: Some clinics offer discounts on eye exams and glasses for referrals and holidays. Others may offer membership programs that cover procedures throughout the month or year for a single low payment. 

Where to Start

With options available, you may be ready to book your next eye exam appointment. But the path to getting started can vary depending on your personal and financial situation. Here are some options to consider:

• Check Employer Vision Benefits or Standalone Market Plans:  Insurance may be more affordable than you think. 
• Seek Out Affordable Care in Your Community: Research your options to find low-cost clinics, specials, deals, and discounts. 
• Ask Providers About Payment Plans: Find out what payment plans your provider accepts. Determine if they are a good option considering interest rates, fees, transparency, and customer service. Cherry is a recommended choice, but certainly not the only option available. 

Conclusion

Good vision is crucial to overall well-being. Don’t let finances prevent you from getting the care you need. Look into your options to determine which suits you best. 

Here’s hoping you get the very best in affordable eye care.