Vision and Eye Exam Insurance: What's Accepted and Making the Most of Your Benefits

It is important to understand how to make the most of your vision plan so you do not end up with unused benefits at the end of the year! Pearle Vision eyecare experts are ready to help you understand what vision and eye exam insurance plans we accept, what’s covered, and how we can help you maximize your benefits. Contact your neighborhood Pearle Vision Eyecare Center to talk with one of our experts or read on to learn more about the insurances we accept.

What Eye Exam Insurance Does Pearle Vision Accept?

Pearle Vision accepts most major vision and eye insurance providers, including:

• EyeMed
• VSP
• Aetna
• TRICARE
• UnitedHealthcare

We accept patients without eyecare insurance as well. Give your neighborhood Pearle Vision EyeCare Center a call for an estimate on how much your exam could cost without insurance.  Please not that Pearle Vision does not accept medical insurance, only vision insurance. 

Why Choose Pearle Vision?

Pearle Vision is one of the nation's leading suppliers of eye exams, eyeglasses, contacts, and related products and services - and it's not hard to see why. 

Thousands of people have chosen Pearle Vision for their eyecare needs. Here are just a few of the reasons why:

• Our amazing eyecare promotions and deals, like covering the cost of your eye exam. 
• We have over 1,200 locations across the U.S and Canada. 
• We've been helping patients see better for over 50 years.
• You can get your eye exam, lens prescription, and frames all in one place.
• Get your glasses professionally adjusted and cleaned free of charge.

We know there are many options when it comes to your eye health. But you'd be hard pressed to find an eyecare provider as dedicated to your health and happiness as Pearle Vision.

Health Insurance vs. Vision and Eye Exam Insurance

While both health insurance and vision insurance provide valuable resources for keeping your eyes healthy, they have some key differences. Health insurance protects you from unexpected costs of medical and surgical services, such as eye injuries. In contrast, vision insurance offers additional benefits by covering routine eye exams, glasses, contact lenses, and other vision services at a lower cost compared to paying out-of-pocket.

Services covered by medical insurance typically include:

• Hospitalization
• Doctor visits
• Prescription medications
• Diagnostic tests
• Emergency care
• Chronic conditions
• Emergency care
• Preventative screenings
• Surgeries

Services covered by Eye Exam and Vision Insurance typically include:

• Eye exams
• Prescription eyeglasses
• Contact lenses
• Lens options and specialized lenses, like Transitions® and polarized lenses
• Diagnosis and management of certain eye conditions
• Discounts on LASIK

Using an FSA or HSA to Cover Eyecare Costs

Many vision and eye exam insurance plans come with a flexible spending account (flexible spending account (FSA) or a health savings account (HSA) . If you have an FSA or HSA, pretax dollars from your paycheck are deposited into that account each pay period. 

While both are pretax accounts that are designed to save you on healthcare costs, there are some differences. FSAs are established and owned by employers, which means if you quit your job, you forfeit any remaining FSA dollars. HSAs are owned by an individual, but you are ineligible for an HSA if you are claimed as a dependent on anyone else’s tax return, if you are enrolled in Medicare, or if you do not have a high deductible health plan. 

In many cases, you will be able to use FSA and HSA funds to pay for eye exams and new glasses. In some cases, you may have enough to pay for both. Check your funds—you might be surprised at how much money you have available to spend.

More Ways We Lower Your Costs

Your vision is our top priority, which is why we offer deals to help make eyecare more affordable. You can lower your costs by taking advantage of promotions like:

• We cover the cost of your eye exam
• 40% off lenses with the purchase of a frame
• Free lenses with a complete pair purchase for kids 18 and under.
• Up to 40% off a second pair of eyeglasses
• Up to 15% off an annual supply of contact lenses
• 40% off a complete pair of eyeglasses with the purchase of an annual supply of contact lenses. 

Vision Insurance Providers Accepted by Pearle Vision

Please Note: Not all Pearle Vision locations accept all of these insurance plans. Please contact your neighborhood Pearle Vision EyeCare Center to verify they accept your insurance.

EyeMed:

Utilize your EyeMed benefits on frames, lenses, and contact lenses, depending on your plan. Plus, get additional savings on vision extras like non-prescription sunglasses. All of our EyeCare Centers accept EyeMed insurance. To take advantage of everything your plan has to offer, visit a Pearle Vision EyeCare Center near you.

VSP:

There are a range of VSP plans accepted that cover various elements of vision care. Some just cover eyewear, while others include exams as well. Depending on your plan with VSP Providers, you may have coverage for advanced lenses, including progressive and anti-glare options.

Aetna:

Use your Aetna Vision Preferred benefit on exam, frames, lenses, and contacts. You may be eligible for discounts and exclusive special offers, too. Visit www.aetnavision.com to find a location that accepts this plan.

TRICARE:

This plan provides benefits for members of the armed forces and their families. Under this plan, you’re covered for an annual exam at in-network locations. Visit the TRICARE page to find a list of EyeCare Centers that accept this insurance plan.

UnitedHealthcare:

With United Healthcare Vision Providers, pay as little as a $10 copay for an eye exam, depending on your plan, when you visit an in-network provider. Some plans cover exams and eyewear, others cover eyewear and contacts. Visit the UnitedHealthcare page to find an EyeCare Center that is in-network.

Get the Most Out of Your Vision Benefits

Whether you have vision insurance through an employer, a family member’s plan, or purchased an individual eye care plan, Pearle Vision can help you navigate and understand your benefits.

Being informed about your vision insurance can ensure you’re getting the services you need without receiving an unexpected bill. Plus, we may have promotional offers that could be combined with your plan! Our eye care experts are here to walk you through the process and answer any questions you may have before, during, and after your visit.

We are here to help you navigate your insurance and answer any of your questions. If you’d like to come in for an eye exam, book an appointment at your neighborhood Pearle Vision EyeCare Center and take advantage of your vision insurance benefits.

Please Note: Not all locations accept all of these insurance plans. Contact your neighborhood Pearle Vision EyeCare Center to learn more.

Eyecare Insurance FAQs

 

What does vision insurance cover?

The eye care services and materials listed as benefits in your vision insurance plan are the items covered by your vision insurance. In general, only specific services will be covered or offered at a discount in exchange for a monthly premium and/or copay.

Does vision insurance cover contacts, glasses, and sunglasses?

Some plans cover an eye exam, some cover glasses or contact lenses, and some cover both. We’re happy to work with you to help determine what coverage is offered by your plan.

What is an allowance?

When you purchase a new pair of glasses, you’ll pay a separate price for your lenses and frames. Your allowance may only apply to the frames at a fixed rate. For example, your vision insurance may give you a $200 frame allowance. This means you’ll pay nothing if you pick frames that are $200 or less. However, if they’re more than $200, you’ll pay the difference.

What is a copay?

When you visit an eye doctor, your copay is the fixed amount you’ll pay for the services you receive. There may be separate copays for an eye exam and other services, depending on your insurance. The cost of your copay will depend on your vision insurance.

Can I use my insurance to buy glasses?

This depends on your plan. While some plans only cover eye exams, many include glasses and/or contacts as well! Learn how to use your Vision Benefits. 

Can I use my insurance to buy glasses at Pearle Vision – even if I got my prescription somewhere else?

Yes! You don’t need to get your eyewear at the same place you received your eye exam. Many optometrists have a limited selection of frames and lenses. No matter where you get your prescription, you’re always welcome to bring it to us. Pearle Vision EyeCare Centers offer a wide selection of designer frames and state-of-the-art lenses, and we’d love nothing more than to help you find your perfect pair.

Can I get an eye exam without insurance?

We want everyone to get the health care they need and deserve, which is why we accept any new patients with or without eye exam insurance. Contact your neighborhood Pearle Vision EyeCare Center ahead of time to request an estimate for the cost of an eye exam without insurance so that you can budget accordingly. If you don’t have insurance, be sure to ask about any available discounts, promotions, or payment options.