Does Medicare Cover Eye Exams?
Original Medicare offers very limited coverage for eye exams. Specifically, Medicare Part B does NOT cover routine eye exams for glasses or contact lenses. However, it does cover eye exams when they are related to a diagnosed eye disease or medical condition.
Eye Exams Medicare DOES Cover
- Glaucoma screenings — annually for high-risk beneficiaries (including those with diabetes, a family history of eye disease, and Hispanic/Black Americans over 65)
- Diabetic retinopathy exams — annually for individuals diagnosed with diabetes
- Eye exams related to treatment for macular degeneration
- Medical eye exams for conditions such as cataracts, infections, or injuries
Eye Exams Medicare Does NOT Cover
- Routine vision exams for glasses or contact lens prescriptions
- Prescription glasses or contact lenses (with one exception: post-cataract surgery)
- Refractive error correction
Many Medicare Advantage plans offer routine vision benefits that are not available under Original Medicare:
- Annual routine eye exam
- Allowance for glasses frames and lenses (typically ranging from $100 to $300)
- Contact lens allowance
It’s important to note that vision benefits can vary significantly by plan and insurer. To make the best choice, compare plans during the Medicare open enrollment period, which runs from October 15 to December 7, at Medicare.gov.
Cost of Eye Exams Without Coverage
| Service | Typical cost |
| Comprehensive eye exam | $100–$250 |
| Contact lens fitting | $50–$150 additional |
| Glasses (frames + lenses) | $200–$600+ |
| Glaucoma test | $100–$200 |
Original Medicare offers very limited coverage for eye exams. Specifically, Medicare Part B does NOT cover routine eye exams for glasses or contact lenses. However, it does cover eye exams when they are related to a diagnosed eye disease or medical condition.
Eye Exams Medicare DOES Cover
- Glaucoma screenings — annually for high-risk beneficiaries (including those with diabetes, a family history of eye disease, and Hispanic/Black Americans over 65)
- Diabetic retinopathy exams — annually for individuals diagnosed with diabetes
- Eye exams related to treatment for macular degeneration
- Medical eye exams for conditions such as cataracts, infections, or injuries
Eye Exams Medicare Does NOT Cover
- Routine vision exams for glasses or contact lens prescriptions
- Prescription glasses or contact lenses (with one exception: post-cataract surgery)
- Refractive error correction
Many Medicare Advantage plans offer routine vision benefits that are not available under Original Medicare:
- Annual routine eye exam
- Allowance for glasses frames and lenses (typically ranging from $100 to $300)
- Contact lens allowance
It’s important to note that vision benefits can vary significantly by plan and insurer. To make the best choice, compare plans during the Medicare open enrollment period, which runs from October 15 to December 7, at Medicare.gov.
Cost of Eye Exams Without Coverage
| Service | Typical cost |
| Comprehensive eye exam | $100–$250 |
| Contact lens fitting | $50–$150 additional |
| Glasses (frames + lenses) | $200–$600+ |
| Glaucoma test | $100–$200 |
