It is important for you to protect your vision, and that means going to the eye doctor regularly.

In preparation, you might be wondering what the average cost of an eye exam is so you can know what to expect. Eye exam prices can vary significantly depending on where you go, but you can also reduce your vision exam cost with the right insurance plan. Learn more about the importance of having a routine eye exam below, and find the right vision care insurance plan to help you protect your eyesight.

Eye exams don’t just detect vision problems, but can signal, or help prevent, future health problems. The cost of an eye exam can run as little as $50 and can go up to over $100, depending on who performs the eye exam and on whether or not you have vision care insurance.

Importance of regular eye exams

For most, it is important for you to visit the eye doctor once per year because you must protect your vision. There might be certain problems with your eyes that may not show symptoms right away. By going to the eye doctor regularly, the optometrist can detect these issues before they start to impact your vision or lead to irreversible damage. 

According to the National Institutes of Health, it is possible to detect conditions such as diabetic retinopathy early on with a routine eye exam. On the other hand, without going to the eye doctor, you may not even realize that you suffer from this condition. 

In short, if you want to protect your vision, most people should undergo an eye exam at least once per year.

Factors influencing eye exam costs

The cost of an eye exam can vary significantly based on several factors:

1. Type of Eye Exam: Basic exams for glasses prescriptions tend to be cheaper than comprehensive eye exams that check for eye health issues like glaucoma or macular degeneration.
2. Location and Facility: Costs can vary depending on the geographic location and whether the exam is conducted at a retail store, private optometrist’s office, or a medical clinic.
3. Optometrist vs. Ophthalmologist: Ophthalmologists, who are medical doctors, may charge more for an eye exam compared to optometrists, who are not MDs but are trained to perform eye exams and diagnose vision problems.
4. Insurance Coverage: Whether you have vision insurance can significantly impact out-of-pocket costs. Vision insurance typically covers a portion of the exam cost, but specifics depend on the plan.
5. Additional Tests: Specialized tests, like digital imaging of the eye, can add to the cost. These may be necessary for a more thorough assessment of eye health, particularly for those with risk factors or eye issues.
6. Technology Used: Advanced technology for eye testing can result in higher costs. While these technologies may provide more accurate or comprehensive results, they can increase the overall price of the exam.
7. Discounts and Promotions: Some eye care providers offer discounts or promotional deals, especially if you’re a new patient or if you buy glasses or contact lenses from the same provider.

Average cost of basic eye exams

If you are curious about the average cost of an eye exam, there are several points to keep in mind. If you are curious about eye exam prices, it is helpful to take a look at some external research.

• The national average for a vision exam cost in 2024 ranges from around $70-$200. This cost can vary depending on your location, your age, and your medical history.
• If you have vision insurance, you should still expect to pay a co-pay. The typical copay ranges between $10 and $40. However, it may vary based on your coverage.
• You may incur a separate charge for retraction. This is a test that determines your prescription. It can vary in price from $15 to $40.

Specialized eye exam costs

Specialized eye exams, which go beyond standard vision checks, can be more costly due to their comprehensive nature and the use of advanced diagnostic technology. These exams are typically conducted by ophthalmologists for specific eye-related health issues or complex vision problems. Here are some factors influencing the cost:

1. Diagnostic Tests: Advanced tests like retinal scans, visual field tests, or ocular coherence tomography (OCT) can add to the cost. These are often necessary for diagnosing conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration, or diabetic retinopathy.
2. Specialist Consultation: Consultations with specialists for specific eye conditions generally cost more than routine exams by optometrists. This is due to the higher level of expertise and the detailed analysis required.
3. Medical History and Risk Factors: Patients with a history of eye diseases or those at high risk due to genetics or health conditions like diabetes may require more detailed exams.
4. Treatment Planning: If the specialized exam leads to the development of a treatment plan for an eye condition, this can also increase costs.

It’s important to check with your healthcare provider and insurance to understand what portion of these costs might be covered under your health plan, as some specialized exams might be partially or fully covered, especially if they are medically necessary. If you are looking for a way to reduce your eye exam cost, you should invest in vision insurance.

What is vision insurance?

If you want a low-cost eye exam, you should invest in vision insurance. Vision insurance covers a portion of the cost of your standard vision care.

Generally, vision insurance applies to standard vision needs but excludes surgeries and procedures. Those types of vision needs are generally covered by general health insurance, but only if they’re medically necessary.

Some of the benefits of having vision insurance include:

• Free routine eye exams: Vision insurance should cover most or all of the cost of a routine exams. That way, you can ensure that you get regular check-ups, without a large financial barrier standing in your way.
• Coverage for eyewear: If you require glasses or contacts, your vision insurance plan can help offset some of their expenses. Typically, you can use your vision insurance benefit for either glasses or contacts once per year. 
• Discount on specialty lenses: For those who need specialized lenses, like transition lenses and anti-glare coating, vision insurance should cover a portion of that cost. 
• Discount on LASIK: With some vision insurance plans, you may be able to lower your out-of-pocket expenses for LASIK. However, the majority, if not all of the procedure is usually paid by the patient. 

Note that the Affordable Care Act only requires coverage for pediatric vision care.

How much is an eye exam without insurance

If you decide to schedule an eye exam without insurance, the costs can vary significantly. According to Vision Center, in 2024 some of the important numbers to note include:

• If you are visiting an eye doctor for the first time, an initial patient visit with an exam could range around $50-$100. That is because the first exam is usually longer. The doctor has to learn more about you before he or she can perform an eye exam.
• If you have already seen that office before, an established patient annual eye exam may cost less. The visit is shorter than a new patient visit, so it generally does not cost as much money. A routine eye exam can range from around $50 to $200.
• If you need a refractive vision test, which is typically used to determine your prescription for glasses or contacts, it may cost extra. This could be anywhere from $15 to $40.

These costs can add up quickly, and they can vary significantly depending on your age, location, and medical history. There are programs that help with the cost so you can get services for your budget.

If you’re worried it’s not in your budget, you may want to reach out to the eye doctor ahead of time to see what their eye exam prices are without insurance.

Additionally, you may want to shop around for a provider who offers vision insurance at a low cost—like eHealth—to reduce you expenses when it comes to eye exams, your glasses, and more.

Comparing vision insurance options

The most affordable way to protect your vision is to invest in affordable vision insurance coverage. There are plenty of vision insurance plans available, and you can customize them to meet your needs. You should be able to find plans that work for your entire family as well.

When comparing and choosing a vision insurance plan, it’s crucial to consider the specific coverage each plan offers, such as allowances for eyeglasses or contact lenses, coverage for eye exams, and whether it includes discounts on procedures like LASIK. Additionally, evaluate the network of eye care providers to ensure access to preferred optometrists or ophthalmologists. It’s also important to assess the plan’s cost-effectiveness, balancing the premiums against the out-of-pocket expenses and benefits provided. This ensures that the chosen plan not only fits your budget but also adequately meets your and your family’s vision care needs.

Choosing the right vision insurance plan can be confusing, and this is not a decision that you need to make on your own. If you have questions or concerns about what vision insurance plan is right for you, our licensed insurance agents can help.

We’ll help you find the right insurance coverage to protect your vision at a reasonable price. Compare vision insurance plans available in your area and sign up for a plan that fits your needs today.