Maintaining healthy eyes is a crucial aspect of overall healthcare, yet family vision care is often overlooked by many Americans. According to industry reports analyzing data from the CDC, 38% of people in the US don’t have an eye doctor, and 63% lack vision insurance. The report also found that one in 10 Americans haven’t been to an eye doctor in six or more years.
In many of these cases, the skyrocketing cost of vision care is what’s keeping people from visiting their local eye doctor. Without insurance, a Forbes article notes that a typical eye exam alone can cost as much as $184. Meanwhile, data from Statista reveals that the average cost of eyeglass frames in the US is about $231, whereas lenses cost an additional $112 on average.
For parents who want to ensure the visual health of family members, eye care can also be a significant financial concern. Fortunately, with the right strategies in place, parents can minimize the financial strain of vision care while prioritizing their family’s eye health. Here are a few tips to consider:
Explore vision insurance options
One of the most effective ways for parents to manage vision care costs is by exploring different vision insurance options. Vision insurance plans typically cover routine eye exams, glasses, and contact lenses, helping to offset out-of-pocket costs. Similar to health insurance, you are required to pay monthly premiums to keep your insurance active. Monthly premiums can cost anywhere between $5 and $25 per person, so shop around for the best deals that meet your family’s specific needs and budget. With vision insurance, you can end up saving hundreds of dollars on eye care expenses each year.
Shop smart for eyeglasses
Instead of buying glasses from traditional brick-and-mortar optical shops, consider purchasing from reputable online eyewear retailers. Due to lower overhead costs, direct-to-consumer eyewear businesses are able to offer lower prices, allowing customers to get more bang for their buck. You’ll find affordable eyeglasses online through Eyebuydirect, where frames and standard lenses for kids and adults cost under $10. This means that you can get a complete eyewear package for a fraction of the usual price, resulting in hundreds of dollars of savings compared to the national average cost. In addition, Eyebuydirect also accepts payments using funds from a flexible spending account (FSA) and a health savings account (HSA).
Prioritize preventive care
Preventive care is one of the most cost-effective ways to stay healthy. By starting simple practices like walking more often and choosing fresh over processed foods more often, you can better support your physical health and won’t rack up issues that will result in hefty medical bills down the line. It’s similarly vital for maintaining optimal eye health.
Booking the entire family eye exams more regularly, such as once a year, can help detect any potential issues, treat them early, and prevent the need for costly treatments or corrective measures later on. It’s equally important to uphold healthy eye care practices such as wearing UV-blocking sunglasses. Kids are especially at risk because the lenses of their eyes are more transparent, which allows more of the sun’s UV rays to reach and damage the retina. You can get reliable protection for your family from trusted yet affordable retailers like Zenni Optical, as its men’s, women’s, and kids’ sunglasses all offer 100% UV protection as standard for as little as $6.95 a pair.
While vision care costs may pose a challenge for many families, there are several strategies that parents can employ to minimize financial strain. By exploring different vision insurance plans, shopping online for eyeglasses, and practicing preventive care, parents can ensure that their family’s vision health remains a top priority without breaking the bank.
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