A Guide To Eye Exams Without Insurance | The EyeDoctors Optometrists (2024)

Why Eye Exams Are Important

When performing a routine eye exam, an optometrist evaluates the eye’s overall health and discusses any vision problems you may be having. After examination, the optometrist will then work to diagnose, treat, and manage your condition.

Comprehensive eye exams evaluate potential changes in your vision and your ocular health. Optometrists can detect more than 270 systemic diseases¹, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, during a routine eye exam. In fact, the earliest signs of these diseases are in the eyes.

Invest in a Vision Insurance Plan

Health insurance typically does not cover any of the costs for eye exams and glasses. Investing in a vision insurance plan allows you to receive affordable eye care. This is especially true if you struggle with vision problems, such as vision loss or glaucoma. Each plan has different benefits, but all provide valuable assistance with the cost of eye care.

Vision insurance plans can offer coverage for:

Cost-Effective Optometry Care

Your Local The EyeDoctors Optometrists

If you are looking to get an eye exam without insurance, you have plenty of options. Don't let a lack of insurance deter you from seeing an eye doctor who can help monitor your eye health and overall wellness.

The EyeDoctors Optometrists offers affordable comprehensive eye exams, eyeglasses, and contact lenses.

Elderly Eye Care with EyeCare America

EyeCare America⁶ is a non-profit program that offers free and low-cost eye care for those over the age of 65. In addition to receiving affordable care, EyeCare America includes the care for any diagnosed conditions for up to a year.

EyeCare America offers glaucoma evaluations to patients who meet their qualifications⁷ but do not have insurance.

Infant Vision Care with InfantSEE

Offered by the American Optometric Association, InfantSEE⁸ offers free eye exams and visionassessments for infants ranging from 6 to 12 months old.

Sight for Students

Over 860,000 children have received aid from the VSP Sight for Students gift certificates since the program’s founding in 1997. These are distributed through VSP Eyes of Hope community partners, which allow qualifying children to receive a free eye exam and free eyeglasses.

Optometry Colleges and Universities

If you have a college of optometry in your area, ask if they offer low-cost eye exams. You’ll find that the student eye doctors are very skilled and are usually supervised by a licensedoptometrist.

Eye Care for All Ages with Lions Club International

Lions Club International has members around the world who are focused on helping others including helping to cover the cost of eye exams, donate free eyeglasses to those who can't afford them, and host vision screening events.

You can search online for a Lions Club near you⁹ and ask about its local offerings.

A Guide To Eye Exams Without Insurance | The EyeDoctors Optometrists (2024)

FAQs

What is the cheapest place to get an eye exam? ›

Target and Walmart: If you'd rather not get a membership to Costco or Sam's Club, you can still get cheap eye exams while you shop at Target or Walmart. Eye exams at these major retailers also fall in the $50 to $100 range.

How much is an eye exam without insurance America's Best? ›

How much does an eye exam cost? At America's Best, eye exams are FREE* with our 2 pairs offers! Exams without a 2 pair purchase are only $69. Schedule an eye exam at America's Best today.

How do you get glasses when you have no money? ›

Some clubs may also provide eyeglasses. New Eyes provides prescription eyeglasses to children and adults who can't afford them. A social worker or someone at a community health center may be able help you apply. Mission Cataract USA offers free cataract surgery to people of all ages who can't afford it.

Do over 65 get free eye tests? ›

Eligibility for free sight tests

If you're aged between 16 and 70 it is normally recommended that you have your sight tested every two years. You may need to have your eyes tested more often if there is a clinical reason for doing so. You are entitled to free HS sight tests if you: are aged 60 or over.

Where is the least expensive place to get eyeglasses? ›

Where to buy cheap glasses
  • Best overall place to find cheapest prescription glasses: GlassesUSA.
  • Best place to find sales on prescription glasses: Zenni Optical.
  • Best place for style selection on a budget: Warby Parker.
  • Best place for lenses, contacts and beyond: LensCrafters.
May 15, 2024

How much is a basic eye test? ›

Eye test prices at Specsavers can range from £20 to £25, depending on different factors: Store location, or if you are a UK resident and you're over 60, you can get if for free. However, it's always crucial to confirm these details directly from your local Specsavers store.

Are eye exams free in the US? ›

Many states have public health programs to offer free eye exams to people in need, such as VISION NC. These programs typically work with social services and non-profit organizations to deliver their services. You can ask case worker or other representative if there are any programs like this for adults in your state.

How long does it usually take to get glasses from America's best? ›

Because we use a centralized lab, eyeglasses are typically ready for pick-up in 7-10 business days. If you would like to know the status of your order, please contact your local store. Does America's Best accept vision insurance?

Can I bring my own glasses frames to get a prescription? ›

If you need a new prescription, but already have a pair of frames that you enjoy wearing, we can likely fit them with high-quality replacement lenses.

At what age do you get free glasses? ›

You're entitled to an optical voucher for help towards the cost of your glasses or contact lenses if you: are under 16. are 16, 17 or 18 and in full-time education (this includes being taught full-time at a school, college, university or at home) are a prisoner on leave from prison.

What if you are too poor to buy glasses? ›

VISION USA is a service of the American Optometric Association and provides assistance to uninsured, low-income individuals and households. You will need to apply for help. If after applying, you are found to be qualified for assistance you may be eligible to receive services from a local eye doctor.

Do diabetics get free glasses? ›

Optical vouchers help towards costs for glasses and contact lenses. People with diabetes do not automatically qualify for optical vouchers but you may be eligible if you: Are under 16 years old. Are 16, 17 or 18 and are in full time education.

Can a regular eye exam detect glaucoma? ›

Eye doctors can detect glaucoma during a routine eye exam. Elevated intraocular pressure, optic nerve damage, and visual field defects are some of the indicators that may lead an eye doctor to suspect glaucoma. If these signs are detected, further testing and evaluation may be required to confirm the diagnosis.

How often should you be checked for glaucoma? ›

The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) also suggests that people who are at risk for glaucoma have complete eye exams according to the following schedule: Ages 40 to 54, every one to three years. Ages 55 to 64, every one to two years. Ages 65 and older, every six to 12 months.

How often should you have an eye test if you wear glasses? ›

If you wear glasses, you need to have an eye test at least every two years to allow your optometrist to assess your vision. They will take certain factors into account and provide you with the best options.

What is the lowest eye prescription? ›

Prescription numbers start at zero. After zero, prescription numbers increase by quarters (such as 0.25, 0.50, and 0.75). A lower number indicates a lower lens power or weaker prescription. A higher number means a stronger lens power.

How much is an eye exam without insurance in Florida? ›

How much does an Eye Exam cost in Florida? On MDsave, the cost of an Eye Exam in Florida is $217.

How to find out your eye prescription without going to the doctor? ›

The GlassesUSA Prescription Scanner is a free app that uses your smartphone camera to scan your current eyeglasses and read the prescription. You'll also submit a selfie photo to measure your pupillary distance (PD), the distance between your pupils.

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