A regular eye exam is as essential to maintaining your health as undergoing a yearly physical. An eye exam can identify developing eye health conditions in the initial stages when treatments can be far more effective. If you or your loved ones wear glasses or contacts, the prescription typically changes over time, and a yearly exam is critical to maintaining healthy, sharp vision.

Vision insurance may be part of your benefits package or purchased separately by an individual. Vision insurance differs from a typical health insurance plan, which covers the cost of medical treatments with copays, or covers the entire cost of care when the deductible is met.

Rather than covering the entire cost of your eye care, vision insurance works as an ongoing discount card to significantly reduce the cost of eye exams, eyeglasses, and contacts, with some plans offering discounts on the cost of LASIK surgery. However, you may be required to use an in-network provider to take advantage of the discounts.

Vision insurance is typically affordable. If you, your spouse, or your children wear glasses, vision insurance helps reduce the cost of regular eye exams, glasses, and contacts. Health insurance covers the cost of treating eye injuries and other serious medical problems, but without vision insurance, you will pay the total price for eye exams and the purchase of new glasses, lenses, frames, and contacts. In addition, some health insurance companies offer “bundled” health insurance plans that include vision, dental, and health insurance.

To review the options for vision insurance, get help from a local insurance agent who can explain the benefits of each plan and help you choose the best plan for your family and your budget.