Best Vision Insurance for Seniors on Medicare (2026)

Good vision is essential for daily living, safety, and independence as you age. Yet one of the biggest gaps in Original Medicare is routine eye care. Medicare does not cover annual eye exams for glasses or contacts, nor does it pay for eyeglasses or contact lenses in most situations. With eye care costs rising by approximately 4.3 percent in 2024 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, finding affordable vision coverage is a real concern for seniors.

This guide explains what Medicare does and does not cover for vision, reviews your options for getting vision insurance as a senior, and helps you decide which type of coverage may work best for your needs and budget.

What Original Medicare Covers for Vision

Original Medicare does not cover routine vision care, but it does cover certain medically necessary eye services. Understanding the difference is important. For a full breakdown, see our guide on what Medicare covers for vision and eye exams.

Medicare Part B covers these medical eye services:

• Glaucoma screening: Medicare covers one glaucoma screening per year for people at high risk, including those with diabetes, a family history of glaucoma, African Americans age 50 and older, and Hispanic Americans age 65 and older.
• Diabetic retinopathy exams: If you have diabetes, Medicare covers a dilated eye exam once per year to check for diabetic retinopathy and other diabetes-related eye problems.
• Cataract surgery: Medicare covers cataract surgery and one pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses after surgery with a standard intraocular lens implant. About 20.5 million Americans age 40 and older have cataracts, according to the CDC.
• Macular degeneration treatment: Medicare covers medically necessary treatment for age-related macular degeneration, including injections and other procedures prescribed by your doctor.

What Original Medicare Does Not Cover for Vision

Despite covering the medical eye services listed above, Original Medicare excludes the most common vision expenses that seniors face on a regular basis:

• Routine eye exams to check your vision and update your eyeglass or contact lens prescription
• Eyeglasses and frames (except one pair after cataract surgery)
• Contact lenses (except one set after cataract surgery)
• Lens upgrades such as progressive lenses, anti-reflective coatings, and photochromic lenses
• LASIK and other refractive surgery

This gap means that seniors who want routine eye care coverage need to find it through other sources. Medigap plans do not help either, because they only supplement costs for services that Original Medicare already covers.

Medicare Advantage Plans with Vision Benefits

Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans are private insurance plans approved by Medicare. They cover everything Original Medicare covers, and many include extra benefits like vision, dental, and hearing. Vision benefits through Medicare Advantage are the most popular way seniors get routine eye care coverage.

Typical vision benefits in a Medicare Advantage plan include:

• Annual routine eye exam: Many plans cover one comprehensive eye exam per year with a copay of $0 to $40.
• Eyewear allowance: Plans typically offer an annual allowance of $100 to $300 for eyeglasses or contact lenses. You choose frames and lenses and the plan applies the allowance toward your purchase.
• Network requirements: Most Medicare Advantage vision benefits use a specific provider network, such as VSP, EyeMed, or a proprietary network. You must visit in-network providers to receive the full benefit.

The cost of vision benefits in a Medicare Advantage plan is generally built into the plan's overall premium. Many Medicare Advantage plans have $0 monthly premiums beyond the standard Part B premium, which means vision coverage may come at no additional cost. However, the trade-off is that Medicare Advantage plans use provider networks for all your medical care, not just vision.

Standalone Vision Plans for Seniors

If you prefer to stay with Original Medicare and a Medigap plan, or if your Medicare Advantage plan does not include adequate vision benefits, you can purchase a standalone vision insurance plan. These plans are sold by private companies and are not connected to Medicare.

Standalone vision plans for seniors typically cost between $10 and $25 per month. Here is how the major providers compare.

VSP Vision Care

VSP is the largest vision benefits company in the United States, covering approximately 80 million members. Its network includes over 40,000 independent eye doctors and optical locations. VSP tends to work best if you prefer a local, independent optometrist. Plans for individuals start around $13 to $17 per month and include an annual eye exam, a frame allowance of $150 to $200, and coverage for standard lenses.

EyeMed Vision Care

EyeMed is the second largest vision network, covering approximately 60 million members. Its network includes major retail locations like LensCrafters, Pearle Vision, and Target Optical. If you prefer shopping for glasses at retail chains, EyeMed may be more convenient. Individual plans typically range from $12 to $20 per month and include similar benefits to VSP, with an annual exam and eyewear allowance.

Other Options

Other vision plan providers include Davis Vision, Superior Vision, and Humana Vision. Some AARP-affiliated plans also offer vision coverage for members. When comparing plans, check the provider directory to confirm your preferred eye doctor is in network, and compare the frame allowance, lens coverage, and any out-of-network reimbursement options.

What to Compare When Choosing Vision Coverage

Not all vision plans are created equal. Here are the key factors to compare when evaluating your options:

1. Monthly premium: How much you pay each month. Standalone plans for seniors range from $10 to $25 per month. Medicare Advantage vision benefits may be included at no extra cost.
2. Exam copay: The amount you pay at the time of your eye exam. Most plans charge $0 to $25 for an in-network exam.
3. Frame allowance: The dollar amount the plan puts toward frames. Typical allowances range from $100 to $300 per year.
4. Lens coverage: Whether the plan covers standard single-vision, bifocal, or progressive lenses. Many plans cover standard lenses with a copay and charge extra for upgrades like anti-reflective coating.
5. Provider network: Which eye doctors and optical shops are in network. Check whether your current eye doctor participates before enrolling.
6. Frequency of benefits: How often the plan covers an exam and new eyewear. Most plans cover an exam every 12 months and frames every 12 to 24 months.

How Much Does Eye Care Cost Without Insurance?

Understanding the out-of-pocket costs for eye care can help you decide if vision insurance is worth the premium. Eye care costs rose approximately 4.3 percent in 2024 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and prices continue to trend upward. Here are typical costs without insurance:

• Routine eye exam: $75 to $200
• Single-vision lenses: $50 to $150
• Bifocal or progressive lenses: $100 to $400
• Frames: $50 to $500 depending on the brand and style
• Contact lenses (annual supply): $200 to $500 or more for specialty lenses
• Anti-reflective coating: $50 to $150 per pair

For a senior who needs an annual exam and a new pair of progressive glasses with frames, the total out-of-pocket cost could easily reach $400 to $700. A vision plan costing $150 to $250 per year could offset a significant portion of that expense.

Medicare Advantage Vision vs. Standalone Vision Plans

Choosing between Medicare Advantage vision benefits and a standalone plan depends on your overall Medicare setup and preferences. If you are considering bundled benefits, see our guide to the best dental, vision, and hearing bundle plans.

Here is how the two approaches compare:

• Cost: Medicare Advantage vision benefits are often included at no extra premium. Standalone plans cost $10 to $25 per month.
• Flexibility: Standalone plans let you keep Original Medicare and a Medigap policy while adding vision coverage separately. Medicare Advantage requires you to get all your care through one plan.
• Eyewear allowance: Both options typically offer allowances in the $100 to $300 range per year. Some higher-tier Medicare Advantage plans may offer more generous allowances.
• Enrollment timing: You can enroll in standalone vision plans year-round. Medicare Advantage enrollment is limited to the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 through December 7) and certain Special Enrollment Periods.

Tips for Saving on Vision Care as a Senior

Regardless of which type of vision coverage you choose, these tips can help you save money on eye care:

• Use your annual exam benefit every year: Annual exams detect serious conditions like glaucoma and macular degeneration early, when treatment is most effective and least expensive. If you have coverage, use it.
• Stay in network: In-network providers offer the lowest prices and your allowances go further. Going out of network may reduce or eliminate your benefits.
• Choose frames within your allowance: Many optical shops carry frames priced at or near your plan's allowance amount. Choosing these frames means you pay nothing extra for frames.
• Consider online retailers: If you have a simple, stable prescription, buying glasses online from retailers like Zenni Optical or Warby Parker can cost $30 to $100, which may be less than your copay and overage costs at a retail shop.
• Ask about senior discounts: Some eye care providers and optical shops offer discounts for seniors, especially if you are paying out of pocket. It never hurts to ask.
• Look into community resources: Programs like EyeCare America and Lions Club International offer free or reduced-cost eye exams and glasses to eligible seniors.

Why Regular Eye Exams Matter for Seniors

Eye exams are about more than updating your glasses prescription. For seniors, annual eye exams can detect several serious health conditions early:

• Glaucoma: Often has no symptoms in early stages. Early detection through routine screening can prevent irreversible vision loss.
• Age-related macular degeneration: The leading cause of vision loss in people over 50. Early treatment can slow progression significantly.
• Diabetic retinopathy: Affects the blood vessels in the retina and can lead to blindness if untreated. Annual dilated eye exams are critical for anyone with diabetes.
• Cataracts: Develop gradually and are extremely common among older adults. About 20.5 million Americans age 40 and older have cataracts. Regular exams help track progression and determine when surgery is needed.

Eye exams can also reveal signs of other health conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and even certain types of cancer. For seniors, the annual eye exam is one of the most valuable preventive health services available.

The Bottom Line

Original Medicare leaves a significant gap when it comes to routine vision care. While it covers medically necessary eye services like glaucoma screening, diabetic retinopathy exams, and cataract surgery, it does not pay for routine eye exams, glasses, or contacts.

Seniors have two main paths to fill this gap: Medicare Advantage plans that include vision benefits, or standalone vision plans from providers like VSP and EyeMed. Medicare Advantage plans can be cost-effective because vision coverage is often included at no extra premium, but they require you to use the plan's network for all your health care. Standalone plans give you more flexibility but add a monthly cost of $10 to $25.

Whichever path you choose, do not skip annual eye exams. They are critical for catching serious conditions early and maintaining your quality of life. Compare plans available in your area, check provider networks, and choose the option that fits your budget and vision care needs.

Plans and coverage vary by location. This article is for educational purposes and does not constitute individual advice. Contact a licensed insurance agent or visit Medicare.gov to explore the specific plans available to you.