Tuesday July 28, 2026
Savvy Living
How to Save on Prescription Eyeglasses
What tips can you recommend for finding affordable prescription eyeglasses? I currently have vision coverage through my employer’s insurance plan but will lose it when I retire in a few months and sign up for Medicare.
Eyeglasses can be expensive, with a basic pair often costing around $150 to $350, while bifocals or progressive lenses can easily double or triple in price. The good news is that with a few strategies, you can keep costs manageable once you retire and transition to Medicare.
Medicare & Insurance
Original Medicare and Medigap plans generally do not cover routine eye exams or eyeglasses, except after cataract surgery, when Part B helps pay for corrective lenses. But many Medicare Advantage plans, also called Part C, do include vision benefits. These plans are offered by private insurers and cover everything original Medicare does plus extras like dental, hearing and prescription drug coverage. To compare plans in your area, visit medicare.gov/plan-compare or call 800-633-4227. Be sure to check the details to confirm coverage for routine eye exams, frames and lenses.
You can also buy a stand-alone vision insurance plan. Many insurers and vision-care providers offer plans with premiums that often range from $10 to $20 or more per month. Before enrolling, compare the costs and benefits to make sure the savings on exams and glasses outweigh the premiums and copays.
Discount Stores
Buying glasses from discount retailers can save you a substantial amount. Warehouse clubs and large retail optical centers typically offer eye exams ranging from $80 to $130 depending on location, with basic prescription glasses starting around $120. You will need a membership, but the savings can often justify the cost. Prices and services can vary, so it pays to shop around and ask about package deals or seasonal promotions. An AARP membership can also provide discounts at select retailers.
Buy Online
Ordering glasses online is another excellent way to save, often cutting costs significantly compared to traditional retailers. Many online eyewear retailers offer single vision glasses starting around $70, with progressive lenses typically ranging from $120 to $250 depending on features.
You will need a current prescription and your pupillary distance, which may be included on your prescription or can be measured by your provider or even at home. Some online retailers offer virtual try on tools so you can see how frames will look before you buy. You should also pay attention to lens options such as anti-reflective coating, scratch-resistant coating and blue light filtering.
Low-Income Assistance
If your income is limited, local clinics, charitable organizations and local assistance programs may offer free or reduced cost eye exams and eyeglasses. Some nonprofit groups provide vision assistance directly, while others can help individuals with available resources in the area. In addition, certain charitable organizations operate voucher programs for people in financial need and work with participating providers to supply frames and lenses at little or no cost.
With a little planning, you can keep your vision sharp without overspending. Between Medicare options, discount retailers, online shopping and community programs, there are plenty of ways to find quality eyeglasses at affordable prices.
Savvy Living is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of "The Savvy Living” book. Any links in this article are offered as a service and there is no endorsement of any product. These articles are offered as a helpful and informative service to our friends and may not always reflect this organization’s official position on some topics. Jim invites you to send your senior questions to: Savvy Living, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.
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