Eye exam cost: understanding pricing and options
You don't need to be on a tight budget to want to find ways to pinch pennies when it comes to eye exams. Here, we'll give you the skinny on what makes eye exam prices higher or lower and what your best options are.
Factors influencing eye exam costs
Not all eye exams are created equal, so the first stop is to understand the factors that make the difference.
Type of eye exam
In case you didn't know, there are several types of eye exams, and the cost varies with each one. The most common are:
- Routine: Typically, you'll read a chart through different lenses to see if you need glasses or if your prescription has changed.
- Comprehensive: This one is more, ahem, comprehensive and includes an examination of your optic nerve and other peeper parts to make sure they're free of disease.
- Specialized: Dilated fundus examinations, color blindness, and glaucoma screening are just a few of the specialized tests available.
Location and geographic variation
Routine exam rates can vary from one region to another due to several factors.
Provider and setting
There are four main types of settings where you'll find eye care professionals:
- Private practices: Their prices are usually the highest.
- Optical chains: These national chains specialize in eye care, but their pricing is usually set by the chain and not the provider.
- Retail: Many stores, such as Target, Walmart, and Costco, have optical departments right in the store and tend to have lower costs.
- Online: You can take an online eye exam at home in your pajamas — and pay a lot less for it, too.
Additional tests and services
While you may not need specialized services, your provider might recommend them so you can catch health problems early.
Average eye exam costs and pricing
When we talk about eye exam costs, we're most often comparing comprehensive exam rates.
National average costs
A comprehensive eye exam can run you from around $50 to $200, depending on your location and where you go. You'll also typically find lower prices in more rural and suburban areas compared to the big cities.
Insurance coverage
Of course, if you have vision coverage through your insurance, that changes the game completely. In that case, your out-of-pocket costs can range from nothing to a $10 to $40 co-pay, depending on your benefits.
Uninsured and online eye exams
If you don't have vision insurance, your best bet is to get eye exams at retail optical departments or use online eye exams. While online eye exams aren't comprehensive, they're the perfect solution for people who want to renew their prescription but don't want to stop binging their favorite show (all 12 seasons).
How to get an eye exam online
By now, you're probably curious about how these newfangled online exams even work in the first place. Do you scan your eye with a laser? Does the provider appear on the screen? Will other people online be watching (and posting mean comments)? Well, no, no, and definitely not. Here, we'll peek behind the curtain, or rather, computer screen, and explain how it works.
Telehealth and online eye exams
Online eye exams fall under the telemedicine umbrella, so they're limited. For example, you can't receive a comprehensive or specialized exam online. However, you can receive a routine exam to renew your existing prescription. Online eye exams are much more affordable than in-office exams, with some, such as our ExpressExam, costing as little as $20.
Safety and accuracy
During the exam, you read the letters you see on an eye chart (or don't see, depending how bad your eyesight is) on your smartphone or laptop from a predetermined position, so they're completely safe. Your results are reviewed by an eye care professional.
While an online exam can't replace a comprehensive exam, it's a reliable and much cheaper substitute for prescription renewal compared to an in-office visit. This is ideal for people who don't have any health concerns, have no problems with their current prescription, and prefer taking an eye exam while petting a cat (that's what you do with the hand that's not covering your eye).
Explore your eye exam choices
The cost of eye exams varies depending on the type of exam, location, provider setting, and any extra services you might need. Find out more about how our online ExpressExam can save you time, hassle, and money. Your cat will be glad you did.
FAQs
Are there any discounts or promotions available for eye exams?
Check for discounts on Groupon, and keep an eye on retail provider websites for special promotions and discounts.
Can I get a free eye exam through any programs or promotions?
Contact community health centers, nearby universities, and income-based services, such as VSP Eyes of Hope, New Eyes, and your local Lions Club International, for free eye exams.
Is it safe to rely on online eye exams for my eye care needs?
Online eye exams are as safe as an office visit — maybe even safer since you don't have to travel.