When you go to the eye doctor, whether for the first time, a concern, or a regular visit, the doctors will most likely perform an eye exam on you. These eye exams the eye doctor performs are not free. They do cost money depending on what type of exam it is; if you have insurance, it’ll likely cover all or a portion of the cost, but if you don’t have insurance, you might wonder how much is an eye exam without insurance.
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What factors go into the cost of an eye exam?
Eye exams range in cost. Many different factors go into the cost of an eye exam. Here are some things that are used to determine the cost of your eye exam:
- It’s your first exam: If you are visiting a new doctor for the first time, sometimes the eye doctor might give you a discounted price for your first exam.
- You are a regular patient: If you are a regular patient at your eye doctor, you will probably be paying the same price each time. However, some optometrists will provide discounted eye exams for specific periods or after a particular number of visits.
- Your location: Eye exam prices will range depending on where you are located. Check out the eye doctors in your specific state to get an idea of how much an eye exam would cost.
- What eye doctor are you going to: Eye exam prices are not the same at all eye doctor offices. So if you are interested in going to a particular eye doctor, you should check those specific eye doctors, eye exam pricing.
- The state of your vision: Eye exams prices vary depending on the type of exam you have done. Likewise, the type of exam will depend on your state of vision. Be prepared to pay more if you have more severe vision issues that require a special test.
- Frequency of eye exam visits: The frequency of your eye exam visits will determine how much you pay for eye exams. Most people only need to visit the eye doctor every two years. Younger children need eye exams less frequently, while senior adults should get eye exams annually.
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Different types of eye exams and their cost
Routine Eye Exams
Routine eye exams are the most common type of eye exam. They are the exams have done when you go for your regular every 2-year visit if you have no other vision issues. At this eye exam, you will likely have to read letters and look at pictures through different lenses to help the doctor determine your eye prescription at this eye exam. Routine eye exams cost between $70 to $90.
Eye Exams for Contact Lenses
Content lens exam costs a bit more because more tests are performed to determine the correct contact lens prescription. An in-depth, comprehensive eye exam and a contact lens consultation will be done. A comprehensive eye exam will check the health of your eye. The content lens consultation includes measuring your eye to get the correct fit of contact lenses and also includes checking the tear film of your eye to determine what type of contact lenses you should wear. Eye exams for contact lenses typically cost between $120 and $190 without insurance.
Comprehensive Eye Exams
A comprehensive eye exam is a complete eye exam screen for your prescription and the health of your eye to look for any eye diseases. A comprehensive eye exam is what an eye doctor performs to determine if you have glaucoma, cataracts, retinal detachments, etc. Comprehensive eye exams include the doctor looking into your eye health and vision history and understanding how you use your eyes. There are many other tests, such as the pressure test and color vision assessment. Without insurance, a comprehensive eye exam typically costs between $170 to $200.
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Why are eye exams important?
Having good vision is one of the most important senses you have, which is why you should prioritize getting regular eye exams done. In addition, if you care about your general health, get regular eye exams.
Studies have found that over 14 million Americans have impaired vision, and over 11 million of them have uncorrected vision. Getting your eyes and vision checked regularly will help you ensure that you get the best quality of life you can when it comes to your vision.
Another reason why it is so important to get regular eye exams done, especially as you age, is to detect eye diseases early. Many common eye diseases do not show any symptoms or signs until they have progressed and have already caused damage. Getting your eyes checked regularly with a comprehensive eye exam will help catch these progressive eye diseases early and begin getting treatment for them. Diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy can all cause blindness if you catch them too late.
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How much does insurance cover for eye exams?
The amount of coverage for eye exams your insurance provides depends on the insurance company you decide to set up your insurance policy. All insurance companies have a set amount usually set as a percentage. Some insurance policies will cover 100% of your eye exam, and others will only cover 80%, 50%, or less. Even if it is just a small percentage, in the end, it does bring down this necessary cost for your general health.
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How do I get insurance for eye exams?
If you do not have insurance for eye exams, you will need to start a new policy. First, if you have a job with benefits, check to see what benefits are in your package. For example, many jobs offer extended care health benefits, including a specific percentage toward eye exams.
If you do not have an extended health benefits package at your job, you will need to search around at insurance companies to find an individual health insurance package that works for you. Many standard health insurance policies do not automatically include vision health insurance, so ensure that you have it included in the policy you choose or have it added to your policy.
When searching for your health insurance provider, you will want to do a good amount of research to make sure you choose a provider that will work for you. Do some research online to see what your options are, read reviews, and contact the insurance companies to speak with an insurance advisor so they can give you all the details. If you do enough extensive searching, you can find affordable vision insurance to help you live a better life.
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Conclusion
Eye exams are an essential appointment you should go to to stay on top of your health regularly. Eye exams can cost between $70 and $200 depending on where you get the eye exam done and what type of eye exam it is. However, if you have insurance, this cost can be lowered from 10% to 100%, depending on your vision insurance plan. Vision insurance is a great way to invest in your health, especially as you get older and likely have more vision issues.