Vision Care Senior Benefit Guide
Vision problems affect more than 12 million Americans over 40, and the risk of serious eye disease accelerates after 60. Despite this, Medicare's routine vision coverage is minimal. Understanding the difference between what's covered for eye disease vs. routine care — and knowing about free programs — can save seniors hundreds of dollars annually.
What Will Vision Care Cost Me?
What Medicare Covers
Cataract surgery Covered
Part B covers cataract surgery and one pair of standard post-surgery glasses or contact lenses. Premium lens upgrades (trifocal, astigmatism-correcting) are your cost.
Glaucoma screening Covered
Annual glaucoma test covered for high-risk patients: diabetes, family history, or Black/African American age 50+, or Hispanic/Latino age 65+.
Diabetic retinopathy exam Covered
Annual dilated eye exam covered for Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes.
Macular degeneration injections Covered
Anti-VEGF injections (Avastin, Eylea, Lucentis) for wet AMD covered under Part B. 20% coinsurance after deductible.
Routine eye exams Not Covered
Standard Medicare does NOT cover annual eye exams for glasses or contacts. Full cost is typically $100–$250.
Eyeglasses / contact lenses Not Covered
Except post-cataract (see above), Medicare doesn't cover glasses. Average cost: $300–$700 for frames + lenses.
Free & Low-Cost Programs
EyeCare America Free
American Academy of Ophthalmology program. Free eye exams for uninsured or underinsured seniors 65+. aao.org/eyecare-america
Vision USA Free
American Optometric Association. Free eye exams for uninsured low-income workers and families. aoa.org/vision-usa
New Eyes for the Needy
Provides vouchers for new prescription eyeglasses for low-income adults. new-eyes.org — send in an application.
Lions Club International
Local Lions Clubs often provide free glasses or eye care to community members in need. lionsclubs.org/en/find-a-club