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Getting an Eye Exam Without Insurance: What to Expect (Costs and More)

Home / Insurance for Laser Eye Surgery & LASIK / Eye Exams Without Insurance

If you do not have vision insurance, the cost of ophthalmologist visits without insurance may seem like an unnecessary expense. The average cost of an eye exam in the United States is around $200, which can be out of reach for many people. If you have an eye condition that requires regular checkups, you may spend more than that in a year.

Table of Contents

• Eye Exam Cost
• Financial Help
• Self Diagnosis and Online Tests

Does Telehealth Services Work for Eye Exams?

Frequently asked questions about eye exam costs.

There are low-cost and free options to help you if you struggle financially since eye health is crucial to overall health. While there are online tests of your visual acuity, contrast, or color vision, ultimately self-diagnosis does not help you uncover potentially serious conditions like cataracts , macular degeneration, or glaucoma.

Eye health is very important. If you do not have appropriate glasses or contact lens prescriptions, you may suffer from eye strain, headaches, and trouble concentrating. Routine eye exams can also help you get early treatment and surgery for serious eye complications, like glaucoma or cataracts, before you suffer partial blindness.

Millions of Americans go without eye insurance, which covers the cost of annual eye exams. If you do not have vision insurance, what should you do to get an affordable cost of ophthalmologist visits without insurance?

How Much Does an Eye Exam Cost in the United States?

Estimates from FAIR Health suggest that eye exams are, in fact, the cheapest part of taking care of your eye health; however, they are still not a small amount of money if vision insurance does not supply assistance. National average costs are:

• $200 for initial patient exams.
• $128 for established patient exams.
• $46 for refractive vision tests.

These costs are the overall average of the most expensive cities and least expensive towns across the United States. However, they indicate what you can expect, in general, from an optometrist. If you have an underlying vision issue or the risk of developing a more serious vision disease, you may need to go to more frequent visits, which can become expensive without insurance.

However, FAIR Health also found that 80 percent of the nation’s eye exams were at or below these costs:

• $250 for initial patient exams
• $155 for established patient exams
• $60 for refractive vision tests

Eye exam frequency can impact your overall costs too. For the most part, frequency is based on age:

• Birth to 24 months (2 years): every 6 months or as recommended
• 2 to 5 years old: at 3 years old on average
• 5 to 19 years old: once per year
• 19 to 60 years old: every one to two years or as recommended, depending on eye health and refractive error
• 61 and older: annually, or as recommended by optometrist

When you need new glasses and a year’s supply of contact lenses, however, the costs begin to rapidly increase into the thousands of dollars. Getting help covering the costs of the exam and finding glasses or contact lenses for free or cheap can help people who are struggling financially and do not have vision insurance.

Financial Help to Get Regular Eye Exams and Corrective Wear

After the passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) , vision insurance was slowly phased in as one of the health care marketplace’s options. However, oral and vision care are not considered essential health benefits for adults that standard health insurance must cover. Instead, the marketplace offers these types of insurance separately , with a tax credit as applicable based on income. For children, pediatric health insurance covers vision and dental care, as required by the ACA.

If you still cannot get vision insurance or missed the ACA application window, there are other options to get lower cost eye exams, financial aid for eye exams, and even free exams.

• Costco: Whether you have a membership to Costco or not, many of the stores have in-house optometrists who can conduct basic eye exams and give you prescriptions for glasses or contact lenses. To take advantage of their low-cost corrective eyewear, however, you must be a member. Without insurance, an eye exam at Costco will usually cost about $75 to $80.
• Walmart: Some Walmart stores have Walmart Vision Centers within them, where you can get an eye exam for $75 to $85 without insurance.
• Target: You can get a comprehensive eye exam at Target Optical Exact prices vary according to location, but an eye exam will cost between $60 and $100 without insurance.
• Groupon or other online coupons: Companies like Groupon and LivingSocial specialize in offering discounted products and services, including medical services. While many health services are cosmetic, you may be able to find a deal on eye exams, glasses, and/or contact lenses in your area.

If inexpensive or low-cost eye exams are out of reach, the National Eye Institute maintains a list of organizations that provide free eye exams and, often, free glasses.

• Optometry Cares: The AOA Foundation keeps a list of state-specific resources.
• EyeCare America has provided free eye exams to 1.8 million people since 1987.
• Lion’s Club International offers a vision screening program.
• Older adults may qualify for Medicare’s vision screenings to prevent diabetes-related eye conditions, macular degeneration, and glaucoma.

Self-Diagnosis and Online Tests Are Appealing but Ineffective

For those who know they have a refractive error — nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism — you can likely tell when you need new glasses or contact lenses because your existing vision problem will slowly progress until you need an updated prescription. This is a form of self-diagnosis that is useful if you do not otherwise need regular eye exams, so you can instead maintain your eye health with exams every other year. It is not recommended for adults to go more than two years without an eye exam.

If you do not know if you have some types of eye conditions and suspect that you may have an eye problem, you may search online for eye exams. There are several free online tests available to examine your visual acuity.

For example, one is in three parts and determines your visual acuity, your contrast vision, and your color vision, which can indicate not just refractive errors, but also help you understand if you have a more serious condition, like macular degeneration. Online astigmatism tests can help you learn more about specific refractive errors.

Some online companies even claim that they can renew your glasses or contact lens prescription online if you take their test, and you do not have to pay an exorbitant amount of money or keep an appointment with a doctor. This may seem like a great option for convenience and financial reasons, but it does not ultimately take care of your eyes’ overall health. Conditions like cataracts or glaucoma can be detected by routine, in-person tests and exams, which cannot be conducted online.

For the same reasons that online eye exams aren’t a good choice, telehealth services don’t work for eye exams.

If you have early stages of several serious vision conditions, you may still be able to see well enough, or you may treat the condition like a refractive error, believing you simply need stronger glasses. While you may qualify for an updated prescription, a telehealth eye exam doesn’t give the doctor the opportunity to fully examine your eyes and potentially detect concerning eye conditions or diseases.

Ultimately, self-diagnosis and telemedicine do not work as well for vision exams as they might for other conditions. So many eye conditions can be caught early and treated with routine exams.

Saving up and going in person to see an optometrist makes a huge difference. With the ACA’s introduction of vision insurance to the health insurance marketplace, affordable insurance coverage can help reduce your costs for eye exams, new glasses, and more.

How much is the cost of ophthalmologist visits without insurance?

Exact prices vary according to location and retailer, but an average eye exam will cost $75 to $200 without insurance. While some doctors may charge up to $300 for an eye exam, retailers like Costco and Target offer relatively inexpensive eye exams.

How much does an eye exam cost with insurance?

Vision insurance plans usually cover the cost of an annual eye exam.

What is included in the cost of an eye exam?

In a comprehensive eye exam, the doctor will test your visual acuity , refraction, keratometry and topography, and the ability of your eyes to focus, team, and move. They will also take a patient history and assess your overall eye health. In some instances, supplemental testing may be recommended.

How can I pay less for an eye exam?

If you have vision insurance, it’s likely that the cost of your annual eye exam is fully covered. Consult your plan for specifics on your coverage. If you don’t have insurance, consider big-box retailers that offer discounted eye exams , such as Walmart, Target, or Costco.

• How Much Does an Eye Exam Cost? (September 9, 2016). Nerd Wallet.
• What Marketplace Health Insurance Plans Cover . Healthcare.gov.
• Vision Coverage . Healthcare.gov.
• I’ve Been a Costco Member for Eight Years, and One Little-Known Perk Makes It More Than Worth It . (April 11, 2018). Business Insider .
• Eye Exam in Seattle, WA . Groupon.
• Financial Aid for Eye Care . (June 2016). National Eye Institute (NEI), National Institutes of Health (NIH).
• State Specific Resources . Optometry Cares: The AOA Foundation.
• EyeCare America . American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) .
• Vision Screening . Lion’s Club International.
• Your Medicare Coverage: Eye Exams . Medicare.gov.
• ZEISS Online Vision Screening . Zeiss.com.
• Astigmatism Test . OptoPLUS Eyecare Clinic.
• Online Vision Tests: Time Saver or Risk Maker? (August 7, 2018). Review of Ophthalmology .

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Does Medicare Cover an Ophthalmologist Visit?

Original Medicare, which is the traditional fee-for-service U.S. government program, excludes routine vision care such as an annual eye exam and corrective lenses. However, Medicare benefits cover the fees charged by both ophthalmologists and optometrists for covered services; for example, an ocular illness or injury to the eye. The decision of which eye specialist to visit should depend on your medical need.

Difference Between an Ophthalmologist and Optometrist An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor whose specialty is diagnosing, treating and operating on the eyes. An optometrist is licensed to perform eye exams and prescribe corrective lenses. While optometrists can treat commonplace eye ailments such as typical eye infections, they are not medical doctors and cannot perform surgery.

Eye Care Services Covered by Original Medicare Even though routine vision check-ups, eyeglasses, and contact lenses are not covered by Medicare, there are vision-related surgeries and care that will likely be covered by Medicare. For instance, conventional intraocular lenses (IOL) implanted in the course of cataract surgery would be covered. In this case, the lenses must be inserted by an ophthalmologist while the surgery is taking place. The IOL replaces the eye’s crystalline lens, which becomes cloudy or opaque when someone has cataracts.

Glaucoma screening, if covered, is subject to a deductible and co-payments/coinsurance. The coverage is contingent upon the beneficiary being high-risk. For a Medicare recipient to be considered high risk, they may suffer from diabetes, have a family history of glaucoma, are African-American and 50 years old or more, or are Hispanic-American and 65 years old or more. This glaucoma screening can be performed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist.

When Medicare Covers Eye Exams Other eye-related services may be covered under specific circumstances. As a result of a birth defect, traumatic incident or surgery, some people have eye prostheses. Medicare benefits in this case would include five-year replacements, polishing and resurfacing.

Another scenario would be for patients who have either diabetes or present symptoms of an ocular disease. In these special cases, eye exams would be covered. If someone has a diabetic diagnosis but shows no symptoms, it is recommended that they have routine eye exams every year. This would be covered whether the exams are conducted by an ophthalmologist or optometrist. For those with age-related macular degeneration, some diagnostic tests and associated treatments may be covered.

If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you will have at least the same benefits as Original Medicare Part A and Part B, but many Medicare Advantage plans will include additional coverage, including vision care. If you are having vision problems, do not hesitate to seek medical attention.

Related articles:

Does Medicare Coverage Include Vision and Dental Care?  (Opens in a new browser tab)

Do Medicare Advantage Plans Cover Vision Care?  (Opens in a new browser tab)

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Eye Exam Costs

Eye exam costs will vary depending on your eye insurance plan , your location and the services you receive.

At Pearle Vision, we want everyone to get the eye care they deserve, which is why we accept patients with or without vision insurance. Learn about our different eye exam costs below.

How Much Does an Eye Exam Cost Without Insurance?

How much does an eye exam cost out of pocket? That depends on your location and the services you need.

On average, you can expect to pay $50 to $200 for an eye exam without insurance.

You can call ahead for a rough estimate to help you budget accordingly. If you’re worried about the eye exam price, contact your local EyeCare Center and a specialist will be able to provide you with more information on discounts and any special offers we may have.

How Much Does an Eye Exam Cost with Insurance?

If you're covered by vision insurance , your eye exam could cost considerably less. Average co-pays range from $10 to $40 but some insurance plans may even cover the entire cost of a comprehensive eye exam.

For those under 19, the Affordable Care Act stipulates pediatric vision coverage as a requirement in all federally approved health insurance plans. As a result, your routine eye exams may be covered if you fall within this age range.

Pearle Vision works with all major vision insurance plans to help our patients receive affordable eye care.

In terms of exact cost, how much you pay for an eye exam will depend on your specific vision plan and your co-pay. All of our eye exams are provided by Independent Doctors of Optometry, which means not all insurance plans are accepted at all of our locations. To find out if an eye doctor is in your network, contact your neighborhood Pearle Vision EyeCare Center .

Factors that Affect the Cost of an Eye Exam

Eye exams aren’t one-size-fits-all. Several factors come into play that can influence the final price, including where you have the exam, the types of tests performed during the exam, the specifics of your insurance coverage, and any customizations or extra services you opt for.

Where You Get the Exam

Eye exam costs can vary depending on the type of provider. In general, retail providers like Pearle Vision tend to offer competitive prices and package deals, while independent optometrists or ophthalmologists may charge higher prices.

A common misconception is that retail providers employ eye doctors who are less qualified than those who operate independently. This is simply not true. All optometrists, regardless of where they practice, must undergo proper medical training and hold the credentials necessary to perform eye exams.

What Tests Are Performed

The range of tests performed during your eye exam will also impact the cost. A basic or routine eye exam typically costs less than a comprehensive exam that includes more specialized tests, such as a retinal examination or glaucoma screening. It may also cost more if the optometrist uses an Optomap to examine your eyes as opposed to dilating them.

If you require contact lens fitting , this typically incurs an additional cost since it involves further testing and evaluation.

What Your Insurance Covers

The specifics of your insurance plan play a significant role in the cost of your eye exam. While many insurance plans cover a portion of the exam cost, they often require a copay, which is an out-of-pocket expense for you.

Additional costs not covered by your insurance, such as certain tests or procedures, will also incur out-of-pocket costs.

Customizations

Optical customizations can also add to the cost of your eye care. Progressive lenses will typically cost more than single vision lenses. And add-ons such as anti-reflective coating , tinting, and  blue light protection  may cost extra.

The cost of eyeglass frames will vary based on materials and features. However, you can use benefits from your vision insurance or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to offset these costs.

What’s Typically Included in an Eye Exam?

When you schedule an eye exam at your local Pearle Vision EyeCare Center, you can expect a thorough evaluation of your vision and eye health. Our eye doctors don’t just update your prescription, they are here to help check for signs or treat any  eye conditions  you may have. Our comprehensive eye exams last about 20-30 minutes and include:

• Review of your patient history : During your eye exam, your optometrist will discuss your patient history to learn more about the health of your eyes. During this time, you may be asked if you’re experiencing any symptoms, such as blurriness, pain, or eye strain. It’s also important to mention any medications you’re currently taking during your exam.
• Eye testing : Our comprehensive eye exams usually include several tests. In general, an eye care specialist will check your visual acuity, track your eye movement, and evaluate the overall health of your eyes. Further testing may be recommended depending on your age and symptoms.
• Contact lens testing (optional) : Patients interested in using contact lenses will need to take a few additional tests to ensure contact lenses fit properly.

Schedule Your Eye Exam

Regular eye exams are instrumental in maintaining your overall eye health. Beyond updating your prescription for glasses or contacts, annual eye exams are crucial for the early detection of potential health problems, such as cataracts and glaucoma.

Schedule an appointment  at your neighborhood Pearle Vision EyeCare Center today and get the care you and your eyes deserve.

Eye Exam Cost FAQs

How much do eye exams usually cost?

The cost of an eye exam can vary widely depending on factors such as location, the types of tests that are performed, and whether you have vision insurance. Without insurance, you can expect to pay between $50 and $200 for a standard eye exam. With insurance, your copay for an eye exam will typically range from $10 to $40.

How much does an eye exam cost with insurance?

With vision insurance, your out-of-pocket cost for an eye exam can be significantly reduced. Most insurance plans require a copay for each visit, typically ranging from $10 to $40. The exact cost will depend on the specific terms of your insurance plan.

How much does an eye exam cost without insurance?

Without insurance, the cost of an eye exam can vary based on where you live and which provider you choose. On average, expect to pay between $50 and $200, or possibly more if specialized tests are needed.

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Eye Exam Costs and What Affects it

In this article

How Much Does an Eye Exam Cost?

Eye exams vary in cost depending on where you get yours done. Large retail vision providers often charge $100 or less.

Getting an eye exam from an independent eye doctor may cause more. A vision care plan from your vision insurance may also cover some or all eye exam costs.

LensCrafters Eye Exam Price

LensCrafters provide eyeglasses as well as eye exams. The costs can go as high as $79.95, but the price could be lower with frequent discounts.

They also accept most major insurance providers, allowing you to use your insurance to pay for exams. However, they’ll need to verify your eye and vision insurance eligibility beforehand.

Visionworks Eye Exam Price

The cost of an eye exam without insurance at Visionworks starts at $75. However, this may vary based on the location you choose.

Contact the local Visionworks store to find out their scheduling and pricing. They also accept most major insurance providers that can also help lower the fee.

Costco Eye Exam Price

An eye exam without insurance at Costo may vary depending on the location. No matter what, it is considered low-cost compared to private eye doctors. You can usually get an eye exam for around $70.

Costco also accepts most vision insurance coverage plans, which can help cut costs even further. However, this can vary because Costco optometry offices are all independent. Some Costco offices don’t take insurance at all.

Target Optical Eye Exam Price

The cost of an eye exam without insurance at Target starts at around $70. Target accepts many vision insurance plans that would make the price even cheaper. You can also use discount plans to reduce the price.

Most eye exams in Target Optical are conducted by self-employed doctors who lease space in the store. You can book an exam online by entering your ZIP code.

Walmart Eye Exam Price

The cost of an eye exam without insurance at Walmart starts at $75. Walmart accepts most major insurance providers for eye exams and in-store purchases. Vision insurance can bring down the cost of your eye exam.

America’s Best Eye Exam Price

At America’s Best, eye exams are free when you buy two pairs of glasses. If you don’t buy two pairs of glasses, the eye exam is only $50. America’s Best also accepts most major insurance providers.

Does Insurance Cover Eye Exams?

Traditional health insurance usually does not cover eye exams unless considered “medical” exams. Your health insurance might cover you if you have a medical eye problem.

For example, a routine vision exam may diagnose you with “nearsightedness.” A medical eye exam could give you a diagnosis like “conjunctivitis.”

You can purchase additional vision insurance if your health insurance does not cover regular eye exams. Depending on the company and plan, your vision insurance may cover some or all of your eye exam costs. The cost of your co-pay will also vary.

Can You Get an Eye Exam Without Insurance?

Yes, you can get a vision test without insurance. Eye exam prices will vary, and you will have to pay out of pocket for it. You’ll also have to pay for any glasses or contacts.

If you do not have vision insurance, you may visit a larger retailer like Costco or Walmart. They run optometric clinics with qualified eye doctors at lower costs. These retailers exist all across the United States.

Likewise, the National Eye Institute lists organizations providing free eye exams, vision screenings, and glasses. Optometry Cares: The AOA Foundation also maintains a list of state-specific resources .

Factors That Affect Eye Exam Costs

Like other medical services, eye care will vary depending on different factors. These factors include:

Where you live affects how much you pay for an eye exam. Prices will be higher in urban areas than in rural ones. Living in urban areas is more expensive, affecting eye exam prices. 

Insurance Coverage

Your health insurance coverage determines whether you receive reimbursement for your eye exam. Some companies offer discounts for patients who have their own vision insurance.

Patient Status

Whether you’re a new or old patient can also influence the price of your eye examination. New patients typically pay more than those who have seen the doctor before. Your doctor may need to conduct additional tests to determine your health.

Type of Eye Care Provider

Eye exams at independent eye doctors are usually more expensive than at retail stores or optical chains. You’re usually paying more for the doctor’s expertise and tools. Retail stores and optical chains usually only offer basic eye tests.

Specialized Care

Sometimes, your eye doctor may need to perform additional procedures or tests. This type of specialized care adds to the overall cost of your eye exam. They may also refer you to a specialist, increasing the cost.

What Do Comprehensive Eye Exams Check?

An eye exam evaluates your vision and checks your eyes for different diseases. Even with good vision, eye exams are important because they help detect health problems.

This includes:

• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Macular degeneration

Checking your eyes for diseases early makes comprehensive eye exams a cost-effective method of maintaining eye health. They allow you to manage potential issues and reduce the need for more expensive treatments in the future.

How Long Do Eye Exams Take?

A comprehensive eye exam can take anywhere between 30 minutes and an hour. It involves a series of tests that each examine different aspects of your vision and eye health:

• Visual acuity : Measures your vision’s sharpness
• Visual field : Checks for blind spots in your peripheral vision
• Pupillary reactions : Observes your pupils to see how they react to light and close objects
• Cover test : Checks how your eyes work together
• Extraocular muscle function : Checks if you have normal eye movements
• Retinoscopy : Checks which lenses are appropriate if you need eyeglasses or contact lenses

Eye doctors recommend you get a complete eye exam every year or two. You may visit the eye doctor more often if you have poor vision or an eye disease.

Eye exams are important because they can detect problems early. Different places offer eye exams at various prices, depending on various factors. Carefully assessing your options can save you money while getting the best care possible.

Traditional health insurance doesn’t cover eye exams. However, if the exam is deemed medically necessary, your insurance can cover it.

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• “Costco Eye Exam Cost? (Updated for 2020).” Health Med Cost, 2020.
• “Eye Care When You Have No Insurance.” Opticare Vision Center.
• “Eye Exam and Vision Testing Basics.” American Academy of Ophthalmology, 2020.
• “Frequently Asked Questions: America’s Best Contacts & Eyeglasses.” America’s Best.
• “Get Help Paying For Eye Care.” National Eye Institute, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
• “How Often Should You Get an Eye Exam?” Atlantic Eye Institute, 2020.
• “LensCrafters Eye Exam Cost? (Updated for 2020).” Health Med Cost, 2020.
• “Routine vs. Medical Eye Exams.” Rochester Eye Associates Articles.
• “State Specific Resources.” Optometry Cares – The AOA Foundation.
• “Target Eye Exam Cost? (Updated for 2020).” Health Med Cost, 2020.
• “Visionworks Eye Exam Cost.” Health Med Cost, 2017.
• “Walmart Eye Exam Cost? Walmart Eye Care? (Updated for 2020).” Health Med Cost, 2020.
• “What Happens During an Eye Exam?” Cigna.com
• “What to Expect During an Eye Exam.” University of Utah Health.
• Winfield, D. “What Your Eye Doctor Knows about Your Health.” Aetna Inc.

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Average ophthalmologist visit cost by state

The average cost of an ophthalmologist visit is highest in Alaska and lowest in Iowa, according to recent data from insurance company Sidecar Health. 

Here are the states and the District of Columbia ranked by average cash cost of an ophthalmology visit, from lowest to highest:

1. Iowa: $69-$103

T-2. Arkansas: $72-$107

T-2. Kansas: $72-$107

T-2. North Carolina: $72-$107

T-2. South Dakota: $72-$107

T-6. Tennessee: $72-$108

T-6. New Mexico: $72-$108

T-6. Alabama: $72-$108

T-9. Kentucky: $73-$109

T-9. Missouri: $73-$109

T-11. Idaho: $74-$110

T-11. Maine: $74-$110

T-11. Mississippi: $74-$110

T-11. Nebraska: $74-$110

T-15. Georgia: $75-$112

T-15. Ohio: $75-$112

T-17. Hawaii: $76-$113

T-17. Indiana: $76-$113

T-17. Montana: $76-$113

20. South Carolina: $77-$114

T-21. Texas: $78-$116

T-21. Virginia: $78-$116

T-21. West Virginia: $78-$116

T-24. Nevada: $79-$117

T-24. New Hampshire: $79-$117

26. Colorado: $80-$118

T-27. Florida: $80-$119

T-27: North Dakota: $80-$119

T-27. Oklahoma: $80-$119

T-27. Vermont: $80-$119

T-27. Wyoming: $80-$119

32. Utah: $81-$121

33. Louisiana: $82-$121

T-34. Michigan: $82-$122

T-34. Oregon: $82-$122

T-34. Wisconsin: $82-$122

37. Arizona: $82-$123

38. Illinois: $84-$124

39. District of Columbia: $84-$125

T-40. Delaware: $85-$126

T-40. Pennsylvania: $85-$126

T-40. Maryland: $87-$129

T-40. Washington: $87-$129

44. Connecticut: $87-$130

45. Massachusetts: $89-$133

T-46. New York: $90-$134

T-46. Rhode Island: $90-$134

48. California: $90-$135

49. Minnesota: $93-$138

50. New Jersey: $96-$142

51. Alaska: $99-$147

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How often should you get your eyes checked?

By Autumn Sprabary ; reviewed by Sonia Kelley, OD, MS

Eye care professionals recommend that you have an eye exam every one to two years. This may vary depending on your age, risk factors and whether you wear eyeglasses or contacts. Though vision screenings are sometimes done for kids at school, eye exams are still important.

Vision screenings may find a vision issue in your child, but they aren’t a substitute for a comprehensive eye exam. An exam is more in-depth, can catch problems a screening may miss, and can find the underlying cause behind issues a screening does identify.

How often children should get an eye exam

Experts say approximately 80% of all learning comes from visual pathways . Yet one in four children with a correctable refractive error does not have it corrected properly. A University of Bristol study also discovered that brain-related visual problems likely affect one in 30 school-aged children.

Because of this, it’s recommended that children have their first eye exam at 6 months of age. Another exam should be done at age three and again before the start of first grade. If a child is not at risk, they can continue having their eyes examined every year until age 18.

Children with risk factors for vision problems may need their first eye exam earlier than 6 months of age and may need eye exams more frequently throughout childhood.

Examples of risk factors include:

Children need regular eye exams to detect vision problems that may interfere with learning.

Family history of vision problems, such as myopia , strabismus , amblyopia , retinoblastoma or a genetic disease that affects the eyes

Prematurity or low birth weight

Difficult labor associated with fetal distress

Extended use of supplemental oxygen at birth

Infection of mother during pregnancy (examples: rubella, venereal disease, herpes, AIDS)

Developmental delays

Functional vision in only one eye

Maternal smoking, drinking or drug use during pregnancy

Physical illness or diseases

Eye disorders such as high refractive error , strabismus and anisometropia

Health conditions associated with ocular conditions

Taking a medication with ocular side effects

Children who currently wear eyeglasses or contact lenses should also have annual eye exams.

How often adults should get an eye exam

To maintain a lifetime of healthy vision , adults ages 18 to 60 should have a comprehensive eye exam at least once every two years. Older adults (ages 65 and older) should have annual eye exams. "At risk" adults should have an exam at least once every year, or as recommended by their doctor. 

Risk factors for adults include:

Family history of eye disease, such as glaucoma and macular degeneration

Diabetes or high blood pressure

Wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses

Belonging to a high-risk racial or ethnic group (such as Latino or African American)

Taking prescription or over-the-counter medications that may have eye-related side effects

Previous eye injuries or eye surgery (including cataract surgery )

A visually demanding occupation or one that may pose hazards to the eyes (e.g., firefighter, mechanic, welder, etc.)

Adults who have had refractive surgery, such as LASIK , PRK or SMILE , still need to have an eye exam every 1-2 years. Eye exams don’t just measure good vision, they assess overall eye health . 

If you have any doubts about how often you (or your children or parents) should have an eye exam, ask your eye doctor.

Vision screening vs. eye exam

A vision screening is a short assessment done through a child’s school for free. Screenings do not offer a diagnosis, but can reveal signs that your child needs to see an eye doctor , such as an optometrist or ophthalmologist . 

During a vision screening, the school nurse will check your child’s distance vision, near vision and color vision. Their depth perception and convergence ability may also be tested. As kids get older, school screenings may only assess near and distant vision.

Though the vision screening process varies from state to state, it is usually done when a child enters a new school district. For returning students, screenings are usually done in kindergarten and first grade, then every other year afterward. 

Experts agree that vision screenings are not reliable in ruling out problems with vision, and that an eye exam is the best way to monitor and maintain a child’s eye health and visual acuity.

During a pediatric eye exam , an eye doctor will ask about your child’s medical history and any trouble they may be having with their eyes. They will take a look at the outer parts of their eyes, including the: 

Conjunctiva  

Corneas  

Sclera  

Pupils  

Irises  

Eyelids  

To look inside the eye, where the retina and optic nerve are located, the doctor may need to dilate your child’s pupils . 

Before checking any patient’s ocular health, an eye doctor will measure their visual acuity and test their visual field. These measurements let the doctor know how clear their patient’s central vision is before the eyes may be affected by dilation or other parts of the exam.

By gathering information in an eye exam, your eye doctor will be able to detect and diagnose any vision or eye problems you may be experiencing and treat them accordingly.

Eye exam cost

The cost of an annual eye exam is normally covered by vision insurance. Without insurance, the price varies depending on the type of eye care practice, location and other factors. There are also several organizations that provide free eye exams and glasses for those who are eligible. 

READ MORE: How to choose an eye doctor

Notes and References

Vision and learning difficulties . Optometrists Network. April 2020.

Access to care . Prevent Blindness. Accessed October 2021.

Brain-related visual problems may affect one in 30 primary school children . University of Bristol. February 2021.

Comprehensive eye exams . American Optometric Association. Accessed October 2021.

The difference between a vision screening and a comprehensive eye examination . American Printing House for the Blind. Accessed October 2021.

Vision screening requirements . Texas Department of State Health Services. February 2021.

A guide for vision screening in California public schools . California Department of Education. April 2019.

Guidelines for school vision screening programs: Kindergarten through grade12 . Colorado Department of Education. January 2006.

Are school vision screenings reliable? Optometrists Network. April 2020.

Page published on Wednesday, February 27, 2019

Medically reviewed on Monday, October 11, 2021

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• Personal Care

Can't Afford Vision Insurance? Here's How to Get Cost-Effective Eye Exams, Glasses and Contacts

Even if you can't afford vision insurance, you can get affordable eye exams, glasses and contacts through discount programs or national retailers.

• Added coconut oil to cheap coffee before keto made it cool.

Vision health is an important part of everyone's overall health and well-being. However, according to data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 93 million adults in the US are at a high risk of developing serious vision loss, but only half of them have visited an eye doctor in the past 12 months. In many cases, that's because vision care is too expensive.

According to a 2022 report, 63% of Americans don't have vision insurance, which isn't included in standard health plans. Without insurance, a typical  eye exam  often costs  more than $100 . Add in the cost of glasses or contacts, and it's no surprise that many Americans avoid going to the eye doctor or keeping their prescriptions up to date.

However, getting an eye exam without insurance doesn't have to be overly costly. There are several ways to find cheap eye exams or low-cost eye care, and we'll explore them here.

Read more: Best Places to Buy Glasses Online

Where is the most affordable place to get an eye exam?

Some of the best places to look for eye exams or glasses without insurance are discount eye exam centers or online glasses retailers . There are quite a few options, but our favorites are:

• America's Best : This popular chain offers eye exams for $69, or you can buy two pairs of glasses for $80 and get the eye exam for free.
• Costco : Not all Costco locations have a Costco Optical, but this can be a good option if your nearest Costco offers it. Exams range between $50 and $100 , but you'll need a Costco membership first.
• EyeBuyDirect : Online glasses retailers have exploded over the past decade, and EyeBuyDirect offers some of the best deals for glasses without insurance. Frames start as low as $6 , and basic prescription lenses are very affordable. 
• Eyeglass World : Another online retailer, Eyeglass World, offers deals on glasses as low as two pairs for $89 . The company also offers eye exams at more than 100 locations around the US.
• GlassesUSA : This online retailer offers similar deals to those you'll find at Eyeglass World, with a variety of discounts and sales to make glasses without insurance even more affordable.
• Jonas Paul : The costs of eye care can add up quickly for families, but Jonas Paul aims to change that. Based on Warby Parker's model of home try-on kits and donating a pair of glasses for every pair you buy, Jonas Paul offers affordable, stylish glasses for children and teenagers, starting at $59.
• Sam's Club : As with Costco, you'll need a Sam's Club membership to access this benefit. Eye exams range between $50 and $100 , on average.
• 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.

Read more: Give Yourself an Eye Exam Right From Your Smartphone

If you just need new lenses for an existing frame, you can save money by checking out online options for replacement lenses . For contact lens-wearers, learn how to extend the life of your contacts to save money in the long run. 

Read more: Best Places to Buy Contact Lenses Online

Programs that offer free or discounted eye exams 

The above retailers may still be too costly for some folks, but they aren't the only options for eye exams without insurance. Many programs offer free eye care or low-cost options for those who qualify, including: 

• EyeCare America : This program, run by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, offers free or discounted eye exams to people over age 65 and to those with a higher risk of developing glaucoma.
• InfantSEE : The American Optometric Association provides free eye exams for any children between six and 12 months old, regardless of income level. 
• Lions Club International : Lions Club offers free or discounted eye care, and many of its locations provide glasses.
• New Eyes : Although this program doesn't offer free eye exams, New Eyes provides a free pair of glasses to qualifying low-income applicants. It's best to have your eye doctor or a social worker apply on your behalf.
• OneSight OnSite Voucher Program : OneSight is a foundation launched by EssilorLuxottica, which also owns brands such as Lens Crafters and Target Optical . To take advantage of its free eyeglasses, you'll need to have your eyes checked through a local nonprofit such as a church, school or Red Cross. Once they verify your need for financial assistance , they can connect you with OneSight.
• Vision USA : Another service from the American Optometric Association that provides free eye exams -- and glasses in some states -- to uninsured, low-income families through various partners.
• VSP Eyes of Hope : Similar to Vision USA, this program provides no-cost eye care to uninsured families below certain income levels. 

See a student eye doctor 

If you're willing to receive care from students studying optometry or ophthalmology, many schools offer cheap eye care and free eye exams for patients. Students conducting the exam are supervised, so you can still be confident you're getting quality care. You may also find opportunities to participate (for free) in college research studies. 

Look for participating schools here , and call any schools in your area to inquire about student exam programs and costs.

Medicare or Medicaid may help cover costs

Participants in Medicare or Medicaid may have plan-specific options when it comes to finding low-cost eye care. 

Medicaid, which provides free health care for low-income children and some low-income adults, generally offers some level of vision care. All Medicaid plans include eye exams and glasses for children under age 21, but coverage for adults varies by state. You may be able to get free eye exams, glasses or both. To find out what Medicaid covers in your state, contact your state Medicaid agency . Children who are ineligible for Medicaid may be able to get vision coverage through their state's Children's Health Insurance Program.

Medicare is a program for adults over 65 and some people with disabilities. It generally doesn't offer vision coverage, but it does help with certain eye conditions , including cataracts, dry eye, macular degeneration and glaucoma. 

You may be able to get more extensive vision coverage through a Medicare Advantage program. This Medicare-approved coverage is offered through private insurers and often includes vision coverage for eye exams, glasses and contacts . 

Where to buy affordable contacts and glasses without vision insurance 

Once you have a prescription for your glasses or contacts, getting discounted prices online is fortunately easier than ever, thanks to the plethora of online companies that frequently run sales and take some of the legwork out of vision correction. Most will give you straightforward options for uploading or entering your prescription, and then the company does the rest.

A few of our favorites include: 

• Zenni was voted the best budget option on CNET's list of prescription glasses . You can get a pair of prescription glasses at a very marked-down price through a very straightforward ordering process, so long as you have your prescription and know your pupillary distance.
• Warby Parker glasses start at $95 for prescription lenses and frames . This company was voted best shopping experience by CNET, thanks to its "try it at home model" that lets you test multiple frames, plus the fact that Warby Parker has many in-store locations for people who'd rather talk to an associate while finding their glasses. Warby Parker also sells contacts , and you get 20% off your first order. 
• 1-800 Contacts makes the process of ordering contact lenses seamless, which is why (like Warby Parker) it landed on our list of best places to order contacts online. 
• Retailer Target Optical , in addition to being a good place to get an affordable eye exam, offers good discounts on a variety of popular contact brands. 
• GlassesUSA is a great place to shop if you don't have vision insurance, because of all the sales the company runs. (For example, right now it's running a "buy one, get one" sale on glasses and a 50% off coupon for your first set of frames. GlassesUSA.com also sells contacts at discounted prices. 

The best way to ensure you're getting the best deal on glasses and contacts if you don't have insurance is to shop around and look for deals. For more options, check out or list of the  best places to buy contacts online and the  best places to buy prescription glasses .

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Cost of ophthalmologist visit in California

New patient, hospital or surgery center, office or urgent care, returning patient, discover your savings.

Sidecar Health is modern, common sense insurance that is changing the health industry to give you control over your healthcare costs and choices. Choosing a provider that charges less than the Sidecar Health average cash price for care, results in cash back to our members. As a Sidecar Health member, when you save us money, we think you should pocket the difference, not us.

Pocket the difference

With Sidecar Health insurance, you can choose any of these locations and keep the savings between the Sidecar Health average cash price and what the provider charges. For example, by having your ophthalmologist visit performed at one of these locations in California, not only would you have no out-of-pocket costs, you would get to keep up to in savings.*

Pay the difference

As a Sidecar Health member, you can see any provider you want even if they charge more than the Sidecar Health average cash price. You would simply pay the difference between the average cash price and what the location charges. For example, having your ophthalmologist visit performed at one of these locations in California would cost you only out-of-pocket.

Need help to cover that price?

See how Sidecar Health insurance works.

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* Savings estimate based on a study of more than 1 billion claims comparing self-pay (or cash pay) prices of a frequency-weighted market basket of procedures to insurer-negotiated rates for the same. Claims were collected between July 2017 and July 2019. R.Lawrence Van Horn, Arthur Laffer, Robert L.Metcalf. 2019. The Transformative Potential for Price Transparency in Healthcare: Benefits for Consumers and Providers. Health Management Policy and Innovation, Volume 4, Issue 3.

Sidecar Health offers and administers a variety of plans including ACA compliant and excepted benefit plans. Coverage and plan options may vary or may not be available in all states.

Your actual costs may be higher or lower than these cost estimates. Check with your provider and health plan details to confirm the costs that you may be charged for a service or procedure.You are responsible for costs that are not covered and for getting any pre-authorizations or referrals required by your health plan. Neither payments nor benefits are guaranteed. Provider data, including price data, provided in part by Turquoise Health.

The site is not a substitute for medical or healthcare advice and does not serve as a recommendation for a particular provider or type of medical or healthcare.