If you wear glasses or contacts, you have two ways to lower your eye care costs: a vision insurance plan or a vision discount plan. They work differently, and the better choice depends on how much eyewear you buy.
How vision insurance works
- You pay a monthly premium.
- A routine eye exam is covered, usually for a small copay.
- You get an allowance toward frames, and coverage for lenses, typically every 12 or 24 months.
- Often, you can use a contact lens allowance instead of glasses.
How a vision discount plan works
- You pay a membership fee, often lower than insurance premiums.
- Participating providers give reduced prices on exams, frames, lenses, and contacts.
- You pay the discounted price yourself.
- There is no allowance, and usually no limit on how often you use it.
When insurance tends to win
- You need a new pair of glasses or a year of contacts every year.
- Your employer pays part of the premium.
- Several family members need exams and eyewear.
When a discount plan can win
- You only need an exam every year or two and rarely buy new frames.
- You buy multiple pairs a year, where discounts apply to each purchase.
- You prefer providers or retailers outside insurance networks that honor the discount.
Run a quick comparison
Add up what you will buy this year: exam, frames, lenses or contacts. For insurance, total the premiums plus copays and anything above your allowance. For a discount plan, total the membership fee plus discounted prices. Choose the lower number, and confirm your eye doctor participates.
Watch the fine print
- Allowances only apply at in-network providers for full value.
- Lens add-ons like progressive or anti-glare coatings may have separate copays.
- Discount plans are not insurance — see how to spot misleading plans.
Weighing whether coverage is worth it at all? Read is vision insurance worth it? The same trade-off applies to dental — see dental insurance vs. discount plans.
Want to compare vision plans and discount options near you? Our free tool compares plans across top carriers and shows what you would actually pay in about 60 seconds — no obligation, and a licensed agent reviews your options with you. Get your free quote →