Find Eye Doctors Who Accept Your Insurance

Choose your vision or medical plan, see the eye doctors on My Eye Doctor who accept it, and request an appointment online. We list 141 US insurance plans, from VSP and EyeMed to Medicare and Medicaid.

  • 141 US plans listed
  • Vision and medical plans
  • Medicare and Medicaid
  • Free for patients

Have Your Insurance Card Ready

  • Plan or insurer name
  • Member ID number
  • Group number
  • Member services phone number

You'll find these on the front or back of your card. Keep it handy when you book and when you call your insurer.

Check Your Insurance

Pick your insurer to see what your plan usually covers and which eye doctors accept it.

To find doctors who accept your plan, browse our eye doctors and check the insurance list on each profile.

What Does Vision Insurance Cover?

Most vision plans pay for preventive eye care and help with the cost of glasses or contact lenses. Here's what plans commonly include. Your exact benefits depend on your plan.

  • Routine Eye Exam

    Usually covered once every 12 or 24 months, often with a small copay. The exam checks your vision and the health of your eyes.

  • Glasses

    Plans often cover standard lenses and give a set allowance toward frames. If you choose frames that cost more, you usually pay the difference.

  • Contact Lenses

    Many plans give an allowance for contacts instead of glasses. A contact lens fitting may have its own copay.

  • Lens Upgrades

    Options such as anti-glare coatings, progressive lenses or light-adjusting lenses may be partly covered or cost extra.

  • Prescription Sunglasses

    Some plans let you use your frame or lens allowance on prescription sunglasses instead of everyday glasses.

  • What Is Usually Not Covered

    Medical eye problems, such as infections, injuries, dry eye or glaucoma, are usually billed to your medical insurance instead.

Vision Or Medical Insurance: Which One Is Billed?

The reason for your visit, not the type of eye doctor, usually decides which plan pays. Here are some common examples.

Reason for your visitUsually billed to
Yearly eye exam with no symptomsVision plan
New glasses or contact lens prescriptionVision plan
Red, painful, itchy or dry eyesMedical plan
Floaters, flashes or a sudden change in visionMedical plan
Diabetic eye examMedical plan
Glaucoma or cataract checkMedical plan
Eye injuryMedical plan or workers' compensation

If a medical problem is found during a routine exam, part of the visit may be billed to your medical plan. Bring both insurance cards to every visit.

Medicare, Medicaid And Military Coverage

Government health plans cover eye care differently from private vision plans. Here's a quick guide.

  • Original Medicare

    • A yearly eye exam for diabetic retinopathy if you have diabetes
    • A glaucoma test every 12 months if you're at high risk
    • Cataract surgery, plus one pair of glasses or contacts afterward
    • Routine eye exams for glasses or contacts are usually not covered

  • Medicare Advantage

    • Covers everything Original Medicare covers for eye care
    • Many plans add routine eye exams and an eyewear allowance
    • Some plans need you to use in-network doctors or get a referral

  • Medicaid

    • Covers many medically necessary eye services
    • Children under 21 get vision care, including glasses, through the EPSDT benefit
    • Routine exams and glasses for adults vary by state

  • TRICARE And VA

    • Eye care coverage depends on your plan and your status
    • Some routine eye exams are covered, especially for children and active duty members
    • Check with TRICARE or the VA before you book

  • Workers' Compensation

    • Covers eye care for injuries or conditions caused by your job
    • Your claim usually needs to be approved first
    • Bring your claim number and employer details

  • HSA And FSA

    • Eye exams are usually eligible expenses
    • Prescription glasses and contact lenses usually qualify
    • Keep your receipts and check your account rules

How To Use Your Insurance With My Eye Doctor

Finding an in-network eye doctor and booking takes just a few minutes.

  1. Choose Your Plan

    Pick your insurer above to see the eye doctors on My Eye Doctor who list your plan.

  2. Request An Appointment

    Choose a doctor and an open time, and add your insurance in the booking form. It's free, and you don't need an account.

  3. Bring Your Cards

    The office confirms your visit and can check your benefits. Most offices bill your insurer directly, so you pay your copay or any amount not covered.

Questions To Ask Before Your Visit

A quick call to your insurer and the office helps you avoid surprise bills.

Ask Your Insurer

  • Is this doctor in network for my exact plan, such as PPO or HMO?
  • When was my last covered eye exam, and when am I eligible again?
  • What are my copays for the exam, glasses and a contact lens fitting?
  • Do I need a referral or prior approval for this visit?

Ask The Office

  • Will you bill my vision plan, my medical plan or both?
  • What will I need to pay at the visit?
  • Is a contact lens fitting included or extra?
  • What is your cancellation policy?

No Insurance? You Can Still Book

Choose the option to pay for yourself when you request an appointment, and ask the office for its self-pay price before your visit. Some doctor profiles list a consultation fee, and you can usually use an HSA or FSA for exams, glasses and contacts.

Book An Appointment Browse Eye Doctors

Insurance Questions

Common questions about using insurance for eye care. For booking and eye health questions, see our full FAQ.

Do I need to bring my insurance card to my appointment?

Yes. Bring your vision and medical insurance cards and a photo ID. If you can't find your card, call your insurer before the visit for your member ID, or ask the office if they can look up your coverage with your details.

What if I have both vision and medical insurance?

Share both plans with the office when you book. Routine exams and glasses usually go to your vision plan, while medical eye problems go to your medical plan. Some visits use both, for example when a problem is found during a routine exam.

How often can I get new glasses or contacts with insurance?

Most vision plans cover new glasses or contact lenses once every 12 or 24 months. Check your plan documents or ask your insurer when you're next eligible.

Are designer frames covered by vision insurance?

Most plans give a frame allowance you can use toward any frame, including designer brands. If the frame costs more than your allowance, you usually pay the difference.

What if my insurance plan isn't listed?

We're adding plans as more eye doctors join My Eye Doctor. Call the doctor's office or your insurer to check whether the doctor is in your network, or email us and we'll look into it.

Can I use two vision insurance plans together?

If you're covered by two plans, for example your own and a spouse's, the office may be able to coordinate benefits so the second plan helps with costs the first doesn't cover. Ask both insurers and the office how it works for your plans.

What does out-of-network mean for eye care?

An out-of-network doctor doesn't have a contract with your insurance plan. You may pay more at the visit and then claim part of the cost back from your insurer, if your plan allows it.

What is the difference between a copay and a deductible?

A copay is a set amount you pay for a service, such as an eye exam. A deductible is the amount you pay each year before your insurance starts paying for certain services. Vision plans often use copays, while medical plans often have both.

Does insurance cover lost or broken glasses?

Usually not within the same benefit period. Some offices offer warranties or protection plans for glasses, so ask about them when you order.

Does My Eye Doctor check my benefits or file insurance claims?

No. My Eye Doctor is a directory that helps you find eye doctors who list your plan and request an appointment. The doctor's office checks your benefits and bills your insurance company.

My Eye DoctorFind US eye doctors by insurance plan

Last updated

My Eye Doctor is a directory. We don't sell insurance, check benefits or file claims, and insurance networks change, so always confirm coverage with your insurer and the doctor's office. Government plan information follows Medicare.gov, Medicaid.gov, TRICARE and VA.gov.

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