Original Medicare has very limited eye exam coverage. Medicare Part B does NOT cover routine eye exams for glasses or contact lenses. However, Medicare does cover eye exams when related to a diagnosed eye disease or medical condition.
Eye Exams Medicare DOES Cover
- Glaucoma screenings — annually for high-risk beneficiaries (diabetes, family history, Hispanic/Black Americans over 65)
- Diabetic retinopathy exams — annually for people with diabetes
- Eye exams related to macular degeneration treatment
- Medical eye exams for cataracts, infections, or injuries
Eye Exams Medicare Does NOT Cover
- Routine vision exams for glasses or contact lens prescriptions
- Prescription glasses or contact lenses (with one exception: post-cataract surgery)
- Refractive error correction
Medicare Advantage Vision Benefits
Many Medicare Advantage plans include routine vision benefits not available under Original Medicare:
- Annual routine eye exam
- Allowance toward glasses frames and lenses ($100–$300 typically)
- Contact lens allowance
Vision benefits vary widely by plan and insurer. Compare plans during Medicare open enrollment (October 15 – December 7) at Medicare.gov.
Cost of Eye Exams Without Coverage
| Service | Typical cost |
| Comprehensive eye exam | $100–$250 |
| Contact lens fitting | $50–$150 additional |
| Glasses (frames + lenses) | $200–$600+ |
| Glaucoma test | $100–$200 |
