How to get affordable eye exams, glasses, and no insurance contacts

Vision is our most important meaning, and that is what we value. 93 million American adults are at high risk of severe vision loss; Half of them According to the CDC, they have visited the ophthalmologist’s office in the past 12 months. This makes more sense when you look at the 2022 research you found. 63% of Americans There is no visual insurance Eye exam, glasses and Contact lenses You can add up without it. If you don’t have either, and are wondering if it’s worth paying from your pocket for any of these services, then you’re not alone – some Reddit users I’ve been asking the same thing.

Fortunately, there are companies and programs that will help you get more affordable or free eye care without vision insurance. This is what we recommend.

What is the most affordable place to get eye exams and glasses?

Some of the best places to look for uninsured eye exams and glasses are discounted exam centres or online glasses retailers. There are quite a few options, but our favorites are:

• America’s best: This popular chain offers an eye exam for $69. Alternatively, you can buy two pairs of glasses for $90 and take your eye exam for free.
• Costco: Not all Costco locations have Costco optical, but this could be a good option if your nearest Costco offers. Scope of the exam $50 and $100however, you will need to have a Costco membership first.
• Eyebuydirect: Online glasses retailers have been exploding in the last decade, and Eyebuydirect offers the best deals for glasses without insurance. The frame will start Low $6and basic prescription lenses are very affordable.
• The world of glasses: Another online retailer, Eyeglass World, has lowered its eyeglass deals Two pairs for $99. The company too Provides eye exams More than 100 locations around the US.
• Glasses Sosa: this Online Glass Retailer We offer similar transactions to those found in Eyeglass World. There are a variety of discounts and sales to make uninsured glasses even more affordable.
• Jonas Paul: The cost of eye care can be added quickly for families, but Jonas Paul aims to change that. Based on the Warby Parker Home Tryon Kit model Donate glasses For every pair you buy, Jonas Paul offers affordable and stylish glasses for kids and teens, starting at $49.
• Sam’s Club: Like Costco, you will need a Sam’s Club membership to access this benefit. Eye test scope Between $50 and $100on average.
• target and Walmart: If you don’t want to get a membership to Costco or Sam’s Club, you can continue to take the cheapest exam while you shop at Target or Walmart. Eye testing at these major retailers $60 to $100 range.

If you need a new lens for your existing frame, you can check out and save money Online options for replacement lenses. For contact lens patients, learn how Increases contact life To save money in the long term.

read more: The best place to buy contact lenses online

Programs that offer free or discounted eye exams

The above retailers may still be too expensive for some people, but they are not the only option for uninsured eye exams. Many programs offer free eye care or low-cost options to qualified individuals, including:

Look at the student ophthalmologist

If you are willing to receive care from an optometry or ophthalmology student, many schools offer cheap eye care and free eye tests to patients. Students taking the exam are supervised, so you can be confident they are receiving quality care. You can also find opportunities to participate in university research (free of charge).

Find participating schools hereand call your local school to inquire about student exam programs and costs.

Medicare or Medicaid may help you cover your costs

It’s coming soon 78.5 million people signed up for Medicaid About 68.5 million registered with Medicare Early 2025. People who participate in both Medicare and Medicaid may have plan-specific options when it comes to finding low-cost eye care.

Medicaid, which offers free healthcare to low-income children and some low-income adults, generally offers some degree of visual care. All Medicaid plans Includes eye exams and glasses For children under the age of 21, however, adult coverage varies from state to state. You may be able to get a free eye exam, glasses, or both. To find out what Medicaid covers in your state, contact you Medicaid Agency in the State. Children who are not eligible for Medicaid may be able to obtain vision coverage through the state’s children’s health insurance program.

Medicare is a program for adults over the age of 65 and those with disabilities. It generally does not provide visual coverage, but it helps Specific eye conditionincluding cataracts, dry eye, macular degeneration, and glaucoma.

You may be able to obtain broader vision coverage through the Medicare Advantage program. This Medicare-approved coverage is provided through private insurance companies and is often used to include eye examinations, glasses, and contact address.

Where to buy affordable contacts and glasses without vision insurance

Once you have glasses and a prescription for contacts, it’s easier than ever to get discounted prices online thanks to online companies that run sales frequently and remove some of your legwork from your vision correction. Most offer simple options for uploading or entering prescriptions, then the company does the rest.

Some of my favourites are:

• jerk Selected as the best budget option CNET list of prescription glasses. As long as you have a prescription and know the pupil distance, you can get prescription glasses at a very marked down price through a very simple ordering process.
• warby parka glasses Start at $95 for a prescription Lens and frame. This company was voted The best shopping experience According to CNET, “Try the Home Model” which allows you to test multiple frames, thanks to the fact that Warby Parker has Many store locations For those who want to talk to their friends while finding glasses. Warby Parka Contact information is also availableand you get 20% off your first order.
• 1-800 contact information Create a process for seamlessly ordering contact lenses. So (like Warby Parker) that was on our list The best place to order contacts online.
• Retailers Target Opticsin addition to being a good place to take the affordable eye exam, it also offers good discounts for a variety of popular contact brands.
• Glasses Sosa For all the sales run by the company, it’s a great place to shop if you don’t have vision insurance. (For example, you are currently awarding a sale “Buy one and get one.”). Glassesusa.com Contact information is also available At a discounted price.

If you don’t have insurance, the best way to get the best deal with glasses and contacts is to shop and find deals. See the list for more options The best place to buy contacts online and The best place to buy prescription glasses.