Eye Exams Cost With and Without Insurance in 2024?

The cost of an eye exam can range between $50 to $250. The average cost is about but is about $95. An eye exam’s price depends on whether you are a new or returning patient, your location, and whether you go to a retail vision provider or local private optometrist. Eye exams are often more affordable at major retailers than local optometrists when paying out-of-pocket. 

Without insurance, paying out-of-pocket for an eye exam and eyeglasses can be costly, especially when you still have to pay out-of-pocket for your other preventative care.  Mira provides at-home eye exam test for prescription renewal at $20 copay. Membership starts at $45 per month.. Sign up to start saving!

9 Different Types of Eye Exams

1.Routine Vision Test (Refraction Test) - Most common

• Purpose: Determines the eyeglass or contact lens prescription needed for clear vision.
• Process: Involves reading a series of letters on a distance chart, usually with one eye covered at a time. An instrument called a phoropter may be used to determine the combination of lenses that provides the clearest vision.
• Cost: $50 to $250.

2. Comprehensive Eye Exam - Second most common

• Purpose: Evaluate overall eye health, check for potential eye diseases, and determine vision prescription.
• Process: Combines the routine vision test with various other examinations, including a pupil dilation to examine the retina and optic nerve for signs of disease.
• Cost: Ranges from $110 to $200.

3. Contact Lens Exam

• Purpose: Determines the size and type of contact lenses that fit best.
• Process: After a routine vision test, the eye's surface is measured to ensure a proper contact lens fit. This may involve a keratometer or corneal typographer.
• Cost: Typically, the average cost of a contact lens exam ranges between $120-$250, and contact lens fittings without insurance can start as low as $100.

4. Pediatric Eye Exam

• Purpose: Checks for vision issues in children, ensuring proper eye development and function.
• Process: Includes tests appropriate for the child's age, such as picture charts for very young children who might not yet know the alphabet.
• Cost: $50 to $200.

5. Glaucoma Test (Tonometry)

• Purpose: Measures the pressure inside the eye to assess the risk or presence of glaucoma.
• Process: A numbing drop is applied, and a small amount of pressure is gently applied to the eye with a tool or instrument. Some methods may involve a puff of air directed onto the eye.
• Cost: $98.

6. Dilated Fundus Examination

• Purpose: Examines the retina, optic nerve, and blood vessels for abnormalities or diseases.
• Process: After dilating the pupils with special drops, a magnifying tool and a light are used to inspect the back of the eye.

7. Visual Field Test (Perimetry)

• Purpose: Assesses peripheral (side) vision, typically used to diagnose or monitor glaucoma.
• Process: While looking straight ahead, light spots appear in the peripheral vision, and the patient presses a button whenever a spot is noticed.

8. Color Blindness Test

• Purpose: Checks for color vision deficiencies.
• Process: Involves identifying numbers or patterns hidden within dot patterns of different colors.

9. OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography)

• Purpose: Produces detailed cross-sectional images of the retina to identify swelling, inflammation, or other abnormalities.
• Process: Uses light waves to take cross-section pictures of the retina.

Cost of A Routine Vision Test at Different Retailers

The cost of an eye exam is often less expensive at major retailers than at a local optometrist. You can expect to pay between $50 to $100 when visiting a retailer, compared to nearly $200 when opting for a private physician’s office.  Below are the average costs of eye exams at vision centers and retailers across the country:

Additional Costs

According to the CDC, about 93 million adults in the United States are at high risk for severe vision loss, but only about half have visited an eye doctor in the past 12 months. For adults ages 40 years and older, the estimated economic impact of major vision problems is over $145 billion. Below are the average costs for standard additional vision services. 

Additional Costs When Getting an Eye Exam

Factors that Influence the Cost of Eye Exams

The cost of an eye exam will depend on factors such as whether you are a new or returning patient, the state or region you live in, and the type of clinic you visit.

New or Returning Patient

Whether you are a new or returning patient can impact the cost of your exam. On average, an exam costs about $200 without insurance for a new patient, while an established patient can expect to pay between $100-$150 without insurance.

Location

Across the United States, the cost of an eye exam in the middle and southern regions was lower than in other parts of the country. Comprehensive eye exams in the Midwest, Southeast, and Southwest averaged $90 or less but were most expensive in the Northeast at about $112. You can also expect to pay more if you live in cities with higher costs of living at a private office.

Clinic

The wide range of the average cost of an eye exam ($50-$250) largely depends on the type of vision clinic you choose. You can expect to pay less than $100 for an eye exam at a retail or vision center. A private office visit averaged $128 for an eye exam but could be upwards of $250, depending on your location. 

Are there programs that allow for savings or discounted rates on eye exams?

There are many ways to save on eye exams, especially for children of low-income families and seniors; read more to learn about the qualifications and general information.

New Eyes

The not-for-profit organization New Eyes purchases new prescription eyeglasses for children and adults who cannot afford to purchase glasses on their own. To receive this benefit, you must apply, or a social services agency can apply on a client at a retail or vision centerYoulives behalf. Approved applicants must have an eyeglasses prescription dated from the last 24 months before approval. Additionally, this service covers a basic pair of single or lined bifocal glasses. Still, the organization states that those requesting upgrades such as tinted, progressive, or Transition lenses are beyond their scope.

Sight for Students

Vision Service Plan (VSP) offers Sight for Students gift certificates to provide free eye exams to youth and children up to 19 years of age with no-cost eye care and glasses. To be eligible, the child’s family must be at or below 200 percent the federal poverty level (FPL), have no vision care coverage through private insurance or government program and have not received care through VSP over the last 12 months. 

Through the VSP Eyes of Hope program, adults may be eligible for the same benefits and those impacted by disaster. VSP provides those with disaster relief Giftcards for no-cost eye care and replacement glasses should individuals have no vision insurance coverage or available benefits through existing vision insurance coverage that need eye care due to a disaster such as fire, hurricane, tornado, or flood.

InfantSEE

The American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends scheduling a baby’s first eye exam around six months of age. InfantSEE offers no-cost eye assessment for infants ages 6-12 months. InfantSEE, a public health program by Optometry Care (AOA), ensures that all families receive eye and vision care regardless of income or access to insurance coverage.

EyeCare America

EyeCare has partnered with over 5,500 volunteer ophthalmologists to provide over 2 million patients with eye care at little to no cost. They offer two programs, The Seniors Program and the Glaucoma Program. The Seniors program provides eligible seniors aged 65+ with a medical eye exam and one year of follow-up care for any conditions diagnosed during the initial exam. The Glaucoma program offers glaucoma eye exams to those eligible and uninsured.

Different Types of Vision Insurance & Coverage Policy for Eye Exams

Vision insurance is designed to help people cover and reduce the costs associated with eye care. There are different types of vision insurance plans, and coverage can vary widely depending on the chosen plan and provider. Below is an outline of the major types of vision insurance, typical monthly premiums, and what they usually cover in terms of eye exams:

1. Employer-Provided Vision Insurance

This is a group vision insurance policy offered by employers as part of a benefits package.

• Average Monthly Premium: Often subsidized by the employer, the employee might pay $5 to $20 per month.
• Coverage Policy for Eye Exams: Typically covers an annual eye exam with a copay of $10 to $25.

2. Individual Vision Insurance

This type of insurance is purchased by the individual and is not connected to an employer.

• Average Monthly Premium: Ranges from $15 to $35 per month.
• Coverage Policy for Eye Exams: Generally includes one annual eye exam with a low copay similar to employer-provided insurance.

3. Vision Benefits Package

This plan works as a benefits package and might require paying an annual premium or membership fee in exchange for services at reduced rates.

• Average Monthly Premium: Can range from $10 to $30 per month or an annual fee might be required.
• Coverage Policy for Eye Exams: Usually offers one annual eye exam fully covered or at a discounted rate after deducting the copay.

4. Vision Discount Plans

These plans provide discounts on vision services in exchange for an annual or monthly fee.

• Average Monthly Premium: Typically around $5 to $15 per month or an equivalent annual fee.
• Coverage Policy for Eye Exams: Does not pay directly for services but offers 10%-60% off the cost of an eye exam at participating providers.

5. Vision Riders on Health Insurance

Some health insurance plans offer an option to add vision coverage as a "rider" to the policy.

• Average Monthly Premium: Additional cost on top of regular health insurance, possibly $5 to $10 per month.
• Coverage Policy for Eye Exams: Varies, but may cover annual eye exams either fully or with a copay.

Eye Exam Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Below we have answered some of the most commonly asked questions when it comes to understanding eye exams. 

What services are included in an eye exam?

An eye exam may take between 30 minutes to one hour. Based on the findings of the eye exam, your doctor may recommend whether you need vision correction by needing an eyeglass or contacts prescription or perhaps surgical intervention such as LASIK. The visits do not often include a fitting for eyeglasses or contacts, and surgery would require a separate meeting with a specialist. A basic eye exam will only evaluate the following:

• The sharpness of your vision
• Refractive errors for your eyeglass prescription
• Peripheral vision
• Pupillary reaction to light and close objects
• Eye alignment
• Muscular function
• Ocular health

What are the most common reasons for visiting an optometrist?

According to Ophthalmologist and Oculoplastic Surgeon Dr. Elizabeth Chiang of Wealthy Mindset, the most common reason is when people can’t see well, usually because they need eyeglasses or have cataracts. Other common reasons include pain or irritation of the eye. Some people have diseases of the eye and need to have regular follow-up appointments for treatment and monitoring. People with diabetes are recommended to have an eye exam at least once a year to monitor diabetic retinopathy.

How often are eye exams recommended?

The American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends scheduling a baby’s first eye exam around six months of age. Dr. Chiang suggests children who don’t see well should have an eye exam every year. If good vision isn’t developed during childhood, someone may never have good vision; a condition called amblyopia. 

Dr. Chiang also recommends adults who wear contact lenses should be seen annually. Wearing contact lenses puts a patient at high risk for corneal infection. Adults who wear eyeglasses only (no contact lenses) can be seen every two years. Adults with no vision issues typically go for eye exams less often. You can follow these general guidelines for how often you should get an eye exam:

• If there is a family history of eye disease, they should get eye exams depending on their family history.
• Once someone reaches the age of 60 to 65, they should get an eye exam every year due to a higher incidence of glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration.
• If someone has diabetes, they should have a dilated eye exam every year.

When should someone seek an optometrist vs. an ophthalmologist?

According to Dr. Chiang, if someone has healthy eyes other than wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses, it is fine to see an optometrist. A person should see an optometrist if: 

• If they have diabetes but no vision problems and no damage to their eyes from diabetes
• You’re seeking annual monitoring (as long as the optometrist dilates their eyes for the exam)
• A patient has mild cataracts and good vision

If someone has an eye condition or disease, especially one that requires treatment or possible surgery, they should probably see an ophthalmologist. Common eye diseases include glaucoma and macular degeneration. A person should visit an ophthalmologist if:

• A patient has a sudden change or loss of vision urgently
• A patient got metal in their eye or another foreign body; they should see an ophthalmologist urgently

Bottom Line

Millions of Americans with visual impairment do not seek vision care. The cost of an eye exam depends on whether you are a new patient, your location, and the clinic you choose. Without insurance, an eye exam can range between $50 to $250 but is often lower cost when received from a retailer. Neither contact and eyeglasses fittings nor the eyeglasses or contact lenses themselves are included in the cost of a basic eye exam.