Buy One, Get One 50% OFF Eyeglasses
* Restrictions apply. Ask a Team Member for details.
Getting an Eye Exam Without Insurance
Did you know you can still get an eye exam without insurance? It’s estimated that there are over 93 million adults in the United States who are at a high risk of experiencing vision loss.
If you don't have vision insurance, you may wonder if you can still get an eye exam. Health insurance is vital for when you're sick or injured, but often does not cover the costs of a routine eye exam.
Continue reading to learn more about getting a comprehensive eye exam without insurance from the experts at the eyecarecenter.
Why Eye Exams Are Important
An optometrist routinely performs eye exams to evaluate your eye’s overall health. This allows them to diagnose and manage eye diseases before they cause permanent vision loss.
Sight is the most important sense: it’s responsible for relaying vital information to our other four senses. Without our sight, it’d be difficult to live our normal lives.
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:
Annual comprehensive eye exams
Prescription eyeglasses
Contact lenses
Contact lens fittings
Prescription sunglasses
Vision surgery
Treatable Conditions That Cause Vision Loss
Treatable Conditions That Cause Vision Loss
It’s estimated that there are over 93 million adults in the United States that are at a high risk for vision loss, but only half have visited an eye doctor in the past 12 months². Scheduling a routine eye exam decreases your risk of developing a more serious case of the condition.
Age-Related Eye Diseases
As you age, it becomes ever more important to maintain your eyes. According to the CDC³, the most common causes of blindness and low vision are age-related eye diseases, such as:
Macular degeneration
Cataracts
Diabetic retinopathy
Glaucoma
Diabetic Retinopathy
This condition is caused by the blood vessels in the retina becoming damaged, leading to vision problems and even blindness. You are at a high risk of developing diabetic retinopathy if you have uncontrolled type 1 or type 2 diabetes. The CDC has stated that 90%² of blindness caused by diabetes is preventable. In addition, it’s proven that early detection and treatment is effective.
Glaucoma
It’s estimated that about 3 million Americans⁴ suffer from glaucoma. This condition can be controlled and treated to prevent vision loss. However, it’s estimated that only half⁵ of those with glaucoma are diagnosed. This condition is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide but can be detected through routine dilated eye exams.
Cost-Effective Optometry Care
Your Local eyecarecenter
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.
eyecarecenter 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 vision assessments 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 licensed optometrist.
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.
Schedule a Comprehensive Eye Exam
Start taking control of your eye health – schedule a comprehensive eye exam today!
eyecarecenter has many experienced eye doctors that can identify potentially harmful vision problems and conditions, allowing you to reduce the risk of vision loss.