They say the eyes are the window to the soul, but they’re also your window to your world. They help you see and experience all that the world has to offer, like how twilight gleans off the surface of water or how a dragonfly’s wings thrum so furiously on their way to adventure.
But none of that is possible if you can’t see, which is why taking care of your eyes is so important. That begins with a regular eye exam, but first, you need to know the cost of an eye exam and other eye exam costs so you can budget accordingly.
Related: Best vision insurance companies
Why Do You Need a Regular Eye Exam?
You want an annual eye exam because it can detect issues at their earliest stage. Eye problems are also more common than you may think. According to the CDC, 12 million people over age 39 have vision impairment. It only reiterates the need for regular eye exams to ensure that your eyes remain healthy as you grow older.
Your eye doctor will use various tests to check your eyesight and ensure that there are no developing problems, such as glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration. It is also an opportunity to test your eyesight and issue a new prescription, if necessary.
How Much Is an Eye Exam Without Insurance?
While the cost of an eye exam varies, vision insurance provider Vision Service Plan (VSP) estimates the average cost of an eye exam without insurance is $184. The cost of your eye exam all depends on where you go for your eye exam.
But you may be able to find cheaper exams. Vision Center provides a breakdown of the average cost of an eye exam without insurance at these large providers.
| Retailer | Cost |
|---|---|
|
Costco
|
$70 (approx.)
|
|
Target
|
$70 (approx.)
|
|
Walmart
|
$75+
|
|
LensCrafters
|
$73+
|
|
America’s Best
|
$50 ($0 with purchase of 2 pairs of eyeglasses)
|
|
Sam’s Club
|
$45+
|
How Much Is an Eye Exam with Vision Insurance?
An eye exam will typically cost the amount of your vision insurance copay, and the rest of the cost will be covered by the vision insurance. The amount of your copay, as well as the amount of coverage, depends on the vision insurance plan.
For example, Humana Vision charges a $15 copay for one annual eye exam when you visit a participating provider.
What Goes into an Eye Exam Cost?
The type of eye exam you choose also impacts eye exam costs. Here are three factors that go into the cost of an eye exam:
- The vision insurance coverage: What an insurer covers varies by company and policy, including special coverage limitations.
- Copay: A copay is the amount that you must pay each time you have vision services. Copay amounts will depend on your vision insurance plan.
- Type of doctor: For an eye exam, you may visit a medical doctor (ophthalmologist) or optometrist. An ophthalmologist will likely fall under health insurance because they are a medical doctor, but if they prescribe glasses, the glasses will likely fall under vision insurance. Some regional and national vision chains may charge less than private providers because of special deals and bulk discounts. Ultimately, the charges vary, depending on the type of facility and doctor that you choose.
What are the Types of Eye Exams?
Eye doctors offer several different types of eye exams.
Visual acuity test
A visual acuity test evaluates the clarity of your vision. This is where the eye chart comes in, with your doctor asking you to identify and read aloud different letters on the chart. Your doctor performs the evaluation on each eye separately to ensure that both eyes have clear vision.
Visual field test
Known as perimetry, a visual field test measures how well you can see from side to side without moving your eyes. Your doctor will likely conduct a confrontation exam where you cover one eye and watch for a hand to move into view. You may also be asked to identify an item in your periphery, or you may use an automated machine that allows you to identify flashing lights.
You may not need all of these exams, or you may need a more specialized exam from your provider. Either way, ask your medical provider to explain each procedure and the results so you can be on the same page.
Color vision
You may have a color deficiency when you can’t accurately see colors. This is where your doctor may show you color-coded sheets and ask you to identify the different patterns hidden within the colors.
Eye muscle test
During an eye muscle test, your doctor tracks the movement of your eye to ensure that the muscles are healthy and provide good control with excellent coordination. This is usually conducted with the help of a pen or small flashlight that is slowly waved in front of your face.
Glaucoma screening
Your doctor checks your eye’s fluid pressure through a glaucoma screening. This exam can detect if there are any damages to your optic nerve from glaucoma.
Refraction assessment
This is a test that measures how light focuses on the back of the eye. If it does not, this is where you are typically prescribed corrective glasses, contact lenses or even refractive surgery. This greatly improves vision clarity and acuity, and it enhances comfort, as well.
To complete your refraction assessment, a doctor will typically shine a light in your eye, conducting what is known as retinoscopy.
Slit-lamp examination
This exam is when a doctor uses a slit lamp to shine light in your eyes. A common dye named fluorescein may also be used to better reveal any problems affecting the film of tears that cover your eye.
Ophthalmoscopy
Your doctor may dilate your eye, keeping your pupils large even when a light is shined into them. From there, your doctor will likely conduct both a direct and indirect exam to ensure that both the interior and exterior of your eyes are healthy.
Featured Health Insurance Partners
1
Aetna
Offers plans in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
About 1.2 million
$20
2
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Offers plans in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
About 1.7 million
$10
3
Cigna
Offers plans in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
About 1.5 million
$0
Eye Exam Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need an eye exam if you don’t have glasses or contact lenses?
Eye exams are not only for people with glasses or contact lenses. It is still critical that you get a regular eye exam to ensure that your vision has not changed and your eyes are still in best health.
What do vision insurance companies cover?
Vision insurance companies not only cover the eye exam cost from an optometrist but also other services. Depending on your policy, your insurer may pay for your lenses, frames and contacts.
Where can you get cheap eye exams?
Big chains and retailers often offer exclusive savings and discounts because they buy in bulk. But your local optometrist may offer competitive rates and savings that may be a better or more convenient fit. A good idea is to get prices from multiple places to find the cheapest rate for an eye exam.
