Despite the widespread fear of vision loss, a significant number of individuals do not prioritize medical checks and treatment for their eyes. This is evident in the fact that one-quarter of adults deemed at risk for retinal diseases delay seeking care for vision problems.
Many of the cited barriers include being uninsured, inability to afford costs, and limited access to eye doctors, especially in communities where they are scarce.
Despite these challenges, families can still employ several strategies to save money on vision care. This helps ensure that maintaining eye health doesn’t become a financial burden, especially in the face of other daily costs.
Utilize vision insurance
Medical insurance often addresses only eye care related to diagnosing or treating diseases. This raises the question of whether vision insurance is a worthwhile investment. The answer is simply that it all depends on your coverage.
Vision insurance can indeed save families money by providing benefits such as discounted vision exams, glasses, and contacts. For example, the VSP Vision Standard plan, with monthly premiums starting at $13, offers an eye exam copay of $15, covering up to $150 in new frames.
This plan can be beneficial for families, especially if your preferred eye doctor accepts this insurance. Costco Optical is known to accept most major vision insurance plans, as does Walmart, but only for eye exams.
Otherwise, families can explore comprehensive family insurance planning, which typically includes health insurance that’s tailored to your family’s medical needs. Consolidating various insurance needs into a single plan can lead to potential cost savings and streamlined management.
Seek affordable eyewear promotions
Seeking promotions from reputable sources can lead to significant savings from quality stores. In the UK, leading online prescription glasses retailer Glasses Direct offers a free home trial, allowing families to try on glasses at home without the need to visit physical stores.
This is particularly beneficial for parents who may have busy schedules, as it eliminates the need for a dedicated trip to an eyewear store. It also gives individuals the opportunity to reconsider and make informed choices, reducing the likelihood of unnecessary or regretful purchases.
Locally, readers can explore similar trial options or promotions from eyewear providers. Target Optical is an example of a retailer that frequently offers coupons online. Families can take advantage of discounts like prescription glasses starting at $59 or 40% off additional complete pairs.
By leveraging these promotions, families can ensure that eyewear for the entire family remains affordable without compromising on quality.
Leverage time-limited programs
Certain organizations, both private and public, occasionally roll out special programs for a limited time, providing opportunities for families to access free or heavily discounted vision care. For instance, Orbis International is launching the See Well to Stay in School (SWISH) program, offering free eyeglasses for children in China and addressing a critical need for vision care in a region with a high prevalence of vision loss and mental health problems among children.
Recently, the nonprofit organization Vision to Learn concluded a summer partnership with the Baltimore County Public Library. During June, July, and August, the organization offered free eye exams and eyeglasses to children in need.
This time-limited initiative is expected to return next year for the fourth year in a row. Parents without urgent concerns can strategically plan to take advantage of these periodic offerings by following local news and community centers.
Prioritize preventive measures
At the end of the day, maintaining healthy eyes remains the most effective strategy for saving money on vision care. A healthy lifestyle is key to avoiding costly treatments for eye diseases.
Encourage the whole family to adopt habits that protect eye health, such as taking breaks from screens and adopting a nutritious diet. Parents can easily save money on healthy foods by sourcing from local farmer’s markets or meal planning.
By incorporating these practices into daily life, families can reduce the risk of eye-related issues, ultimately saving on potential medical expenses.
With these strategies, families can ensure that the financial aspect of maintaining eye health does not become a hindrance to overall well-being. For more on family and motherhood, check out our other write-ups on Just Simply Mom.
