Does Medicare cover vision care?

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) pays for a wide range of services, including many preventive benefits. But you may be surprised to know that routine eye care is not among these services. Read more about what Medicare does and does not cover related to vision services and supplies.

What vision care does Medicare cover?

Part B covers:

• An annual glaucoma test for people considered at-risk for glaucoma, including those who:
  • Are over age 60
  • Have diabetes
  • Are of African, Asian, or Hispanic descent
  • Have a family history of glaucoma
  • Have had an eye injury
• An annual exam to test for diabetic retinopathy among diabetics
• Certain diagnostic tests and screenings for macular degeneration
• Cataract surgery, plus one pair of post-surgery eyeglasses or contact lenses following surgery. Medicare will only pay for contact lenses or eyeglasses from a supplier enrolled in Medicare.

What do I pay for these services?

For each of these covered services, you would pay 20% of the Medicare approved amount (called coinsurance), and the Part B deductible applies.

For example: You get a vision test that costs $100 (Medicare-approved amount). If you haven't met your Part B deductible (e.g., $257 in 2025), you pay the full $100. If you have met your deductible, Medicare pays 80% ($80), and you pay 20% ($20). That 20% is your coinsurance—it applies to most Part B services.

Does Medicare cover eyeglasses or eye exams?

Original Medicare (Parts A & B) does not cover routine eye exams, or the purchase of eyeglasses or contact lenses.

If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan, you may have more options for vision care coverage. Most Medicare Advantage plans offer vision care benefits that go beyond what original Medicare covers. This includes routine eye exams to check your vision and eye health and an eyewear allowance to help you pay for glasses or contact lenses. Coverage and benefits vary from plan to plan, so be sure to check with a plan provider about specific coverages before enrolling.

Where can I get help paying for vision care?

There are many organizations that help provide vision care to people who have trouble affording it. These include:

• EyeCare America®, a service of the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. This program provides free eye exams and up to one year of care for low-income people who qualify.
• Local Lions’ Club chapters often have programs to assist those with severe vision impairment. Find your local chapter in your phone book or by visiting the Lions’ Club Directory.
• New Eyes purchases prescription glasses using a voucher program for people with low income. Only social service providers, not the people who need vision care, may apply.
• VSP Vision™ Eyes of Hope® provides access to no-cost eye care and eyewear to people in need. It also provides disaster relief to eye care practices impacted by a disaster.

Have questions about your current Medicare plan?

Enrolling in a Medicare plan is a big decision—and you want to ensure you make the right one. Your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) can help. These programs offer free, 100% unbiased insurance counseling and assistance to Medicare-eligible older adults and their families and caregivers. Visit the SHIP website to find one near you or call the SHIP National Technical Assistance Center toll-free at 1-877-839-2675.