The end of the year is always a busy time—and it’s fast approaching! If you haven’t used up your vision benefits yet, now is the time to beat the end-of-the-year rush. Spend your remaining eye care allowances before you lose them. Many companies offer both FSA and HSA plans which allow you to purchase prescription eyewear and other eye care expenses with tax-free savings.
Need more clarification? Read on to review and understand options related to vision benefits and how you can utilize them at Shopko Optical.
Vision Benefits
Most insurance plans usually allow you one annual eye exam and offer credit for glasses or contact lenses. These benefits are generally good for one plan year and don’t roll over to the following year. Check your policy or ask your provider for any clarification to ensure you know what your plan covers and when.
Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
An FSA is an offering through your employer that allows you to set up and contribute to a tax-free account to help pay for many out-of-pocket medical expenses and equipment, such as prescription eyeglasses. Employers may also contribute to it, but these funds are non-transferable if you leave your job and typically expire at the end of the year.
Health Savings Account (HSA)
An HSA functions similarly to a personal savings account. This account may be part of a high deductible health plan, generally a plan that only covers preventative services before the deductible. You can contribute money tax-free to use for out-of-pocket medical costs. Unused funds generally do roll over and carry over with job changes so that you never lose your contributions.
1. Schedule Your Annual Eye Exam
Be proactive! Take advantage of your benefits before the end of your plan year. Don’t wait until the last minute to schedule your exam. Get a yearly comprehensive exam to help detect common eye problems that may otherwise go unidentified such as cataracts and glaucoma. You can easily schedule an exam using our online scheduler or by calling your local Shopko Optical. Learn what to expect at your eye exam and find out how to prepare.
2. Purchase New Glasses or Prescription Sunglasses
Once you’ve had your eye exam and have an updated prescription, you can use your plan’s eyewear allowance on a new pair of prescription glasses or sunglasses! Shop our wide selection of quality frames with many styles to choose from. Our eye care team at Shopko Optical will help you decide on lenses that will work best for your needs. If you’re happy with your current glasses, browse our collection of sunglasses that can be made with your prescription.
3. Order a Yearly Supply of Contact Lenses
Instead of new frames or sunglasses, you may select to use your benefits for your annual supply of contact lenses. We make it easy to order online and offer many popular brands like ACUVUE, Biotrue and PRECISION1. Our optometrists will recommend comfortable lenses specifically prescribed to you. We also offer rebates from partner manufacturers such as Alcon and Johnson & Johnson to help you save even more.
Many benefits included in your health plan don’t roll over into the following year, so now is the time to use your vision benefits, FSA or HSA funds on an eye exam, new glasses, prescription sunglasses or your supply of contact lenses. We accept most major vision insurance plans and our team at Shopko Optical will help you evaluate your options to make your eye care or eyewear purchase easy and convenient.