Is vision insurance worth it?
Whether you wear glasses, contacts, or still have perfect vision, your eyes change over time. Vision insurance helps you stay ahead of those changes, making it easier and more affordable to get care before small issues become big (and expensive) problems. With coverage like DeltaVision®, you can protect your eye health, catch potential issues early, and save hundreds every year on exams, lenses, and frames.
The essentials: What vision insurance covers
Vision insurance typically helps pay for annual eye exams, prescription glasses, contact lenses, and lens enhancements. Without coverage, the cost for a routine eye exam may range from $50 up to $250, and a complete pair of prescription glasses could cost $200 to $400 or more. With vision insurance, these expenses are drastically reduced—most plans offer a low annual exam copay (often just $10 or $20) and significant allowances on frames and lenses, plus ongoing discounts for additional pairs or upgrades.
Cost comparison of vision insurance vs out-of-pocket for common services
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Eye exam costs
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With Vision Insurance: The cost of a comprehensive eye exam typically involves a copay ranging from $10 to $25 per visit.
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Without Vision Insurance: The average price for a comprehensive eye exam is $100–$200. National averages in 2025 show most first-time eye exams cost between $171–$200, while follow-up visits average $128. Discount retailers may offer exams for as low as $50–$75, but advanced screening typically costs more.
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Prescription glasses (frames and lenses)
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With Vision Insurance: Most plans provide an allowance for frames and lenses, often about $150, for glasses each year or every two years. Out-of-pocket upgrades or costs above the allowance are usually discounted by 20% or more.
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Without Vision Insurance: The average cost for a complete pair of prescription glasses ranges from $200 to $400 or more. Frames alone average $230, and single-vision lenses around $107. Premium features, designer brands, and progressive lenses increase the total to $300–$800 in some cases.
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Contact lenses
Over a year, these savings can add up to $200 or more, and that’s before discounts on extras like sunglasses or lens coatings.
Prevention pays: Catch issues early
Annual eye exams do more than update prescriptions, they’re crucial for overall health. Regular exams can uncover hidden eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, or macular degeneration long before symptoms show. Optometrists may even spot non-eye health issues, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, during a routine exam. Detecting these conditions early helps prevent costly treatments down the road and supports lifelong well-being.
You might not notice small vision changes right away when you skip exams, but they can affect everything from your ability to drive safely at night to your child’s performance in school. Regular eye exams can also uncover health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, often before symptoms appear. Early detection means earlier treatment, and major savings on future medical bills.
Long-term savings and greater access
Vision insurance encourages proactive care by making visits more affordable. This prevents skipped exams and ensures up-to-date prescriptions, which can improve comfort, productivity, and safety, especially important for children, drivers, and anyone who relies on optimal eyesight for daily tasks. Plus, vision insurance often provides discounts on extras like lens coatings (anti-reflective or scratch-resistant) and elective services such as LASIK, adding further value.
Vision insurance is one of the most affordable benefits you can buy, often costing less than two cups of coffee a month. Yet that small monthly cost can save you hundreds each year on exams and eyewear.
Over time, vision insurance easily pays for itself. A single pair of glasses can cost more than a full year of coverage.
Budget-friendly coverage
Vision insurance is known for being budget-friendly, with premiums as low as $5 to $15 a month for many plans. This low, predictable expense protects against expensive out-of-pocket costs, especially important for growing families or anyone who wears corrective lenses. The savings add up over time, making coverage a wise investment in both eye care and financial health.
Vision benefits aren't just about seeing clearly, it’s about protecting your overall health and keeping your costs predictable. With DeltaVision, you get access to trusted providers, lower out-of-pocket costs, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing your eyes (and your wallet) are covered.
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