Does Medicare Cover Vision Care and Eye Exams?
Key takeaways:
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) doesn’t cover routine vision care like eye exams, eyeglasses, and contact lenses.
Medicare may cover eye care for certain conditions. These include cataracts, diabetic neuropathy, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration.
For routine vision care, consider Medicare Advantage plans with vision benefits, stand-alone vision insurance, or free or low-cost eye care programs.
Table of contents
Having trouble seeing is a common part of getting older. As your vision changes, you’ll likely need regular eye care. But if you have original Medicare, routine vision care isn’t covered. Eye exams, eyeglasses, and contact lenses aren’t considered routine. Yet 83% of Medicare beneficiaries have corrective eyewear, according to a KFF survey.
There are exceptions to Medicare’s vision coverage rules. If you have a condition, like cataracts, diabetes, or glaucoma, original Medicare (Parts A and B) may cover some eye care. Most Medicare Advantage (MA) plans also offer vision benefits. Here’s how to make the most of your benefits and save on vision costs.
Does Medicare cover eye exams, glasses, and contact lenses?
Original Medicare doesn’t cover routine vision care, like eye exams or corrective lenses. But if you meet certain requirements, Medicare covers some medical procedures and services.
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Here’s what Original Medicare will cover for your eyes:
Cataract surgery and one pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses afterward
Yearly glaucoma screenings if you’re at high risk of developing the condition
Eye exams once a year for people with diabetes
Certain tests and treatments for age-related macular degeneration
An artificial eye (prosthesis) when ordered by a healthcare professional
Most of these services fall under Medicare Part B as outpatient care. If you’re hospitalized for an eye procedure, Part A covers the hospital stay. For prescription eye medications, you’ll need Medicare Part D coverage.
But original Medicare covers a basic vision screening as part of your “Welcome to Medicare” preventive visit. This one-time visit is available to you in the first 12 months of having Part B coverage.
During this visit, a healthcare professional will check your vision. They’ll have you read an eye chart and test how well you see at different distances. They may also look for signs of eye diseases. This visit is free as long as additional tests or services are not performed.
Does Medicare cover diabetic eye exams?
Yes, Medicare Part B covers an eye exam once per year for diabetic retinopathy if you have diabetes. Diabetic retinopathy is a condition that damages the blood vessels in your eyes. It can lead to vision loss.
After you have cataract surgery, an ophthalmologist might prescribe several types of eye drops. Medicare Part D may cover some medications, but here’s how to save on the cost of eye drops.
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After meeting your Part B deductible, you’ll pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for the exam. If you have the test in a hospital outpatient setting, you may have another copay.
Does Medicare cover macular degeneration?
Medicare Part B covers tests and treatments for age-related macular degeneration. This eye condition damages the center of your retina and can cause central vision loss. Medicare coverage includes treatment with eye injections that help slow vision loss.
You’ll typically pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for the medication and tests after meeting your Part B deductible. Before starting treatment, confirm what’s covered with an eye specialist. This helps you know what costs to expect for your eye care.
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Does Medicare cover eye exams for glaucoma?
Medicare Part B covers annual glaucoma screenings for people at high risk for the disease. Glaucoma occurs when fluid pressure builds up in the eye. This can damage the optic nerve and lead to vision loss.
You’re considered high risk for glaucoma if at least one of these applies to you:
You have diabetes
You have a family history of glaucoma
You’re African American and age 50 or older
You’re Hispanic and age 65 or older
For covered screenings, you’ll pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount. This is after you meet your Part B deductible.
Medicare will cover glaucoma screenings if they’re performed by a licensed eye care professional. If you’re not in a high-risk group, you’ll likely pay the full cost yourself.
Does Medicare cover cataract surgery?
Yes, Medicare Part B covers cataract surgery, depending on where you live. Cataract surgery removes a cloudy lens from your eye. It’s replaced with a clear intraocular lens to improve vision. Medicare covers this surgery whether it’s done using traditional techniques or lasers.
After cataract surgery, Medicare also covers one pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses.
You’ll pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for the surgery and the intraocular lens after meeting your Part B deductible. If the procedure is done in a hospital outpatient setting or an ambulatory surgical center, you may also have a facility fee.
Does Medigap cover eye exams, glasses, and contact lenses?
Medicare supplement insurance (Medigap) doesn’t cover routine vision exams and corrective eyewear. This type of policy helps with deductibles, copays, and coinsurance for Medicare-covered services.
For example, if Medicare covers your cataract surgery, Medigap may help pay your 20% coinsurance. But these plans don’t add new benefits that original Medicare doesn’t cover. So they won’t help with routine eye exams, prescription eyeglasses, and contact lenses.
If you want coverage for routine vision care, you’ll need to buy a stand-alone vision insurance plan. Some Medigap insurers offer vision discount programs or vision riders for an extra cost. But these aren’t part of the standard Medigap benefits.
Medicare Advantage vision coverage
Most Medicare Advantage plans offer extra benefits that original Medicare doesn’t cover. These include vision care. MA plans typically include yearly eye exams and help pay for eyeglasses or contact lenses. But there may be limits. Most MA plans cover only one eye exam per year. If you need glasses, many MA plans limit you to one new pair each year or every 2 years. You may not have a copay for eye exams, but there’s usually a cap on how much MA plans will pay for glasses or contact lenses.
Medicare Advantage typically saves an enrollee $20 on eyeglasses compared with original Medicare. But you may still end up paying about $200 for glasses even with MA coverage. Before choosing a plan for its vision benefits, ask the following:
What vision services are covered
How much the plan will pay each year toward glasses or contact lenses
How often you can get new glasses or contact lenses
Which eyecare professionals and specialists are in the plan’s network
What your copays are for vision exams or eyewear
Even with vision benefits, enrollees don’t receive more eye care with MA plans than with original Medicare. Half of MA members don’t realize they have vision coverage.
For medical eye conditions, MA plans must cover what original Medicare covers. This means your MA plan will cover yearly diabetic eye exams, screenings for glaucoma if you’re high risk, treatments for macular degeneration, and cataract surgery.
Some MA plans may offer more coverage for these services or lower cost sharing than original Medicare. But you’ll need to use healthcare professionals in your plan’s network. And you may need referrals to see specialists. Check your plan details to understand your coverage for these medical eye conditions.
Are there other ways to supplement Medicare to help cover the cost of eye care?
If you need help with vision care costs that Medicare doesn’t cover, consider these options:
Vision insurance
Many insurance companies offer stand-alone vision plans. Some Medicare Supplement insurers also sell vision coverage as an add-on. These plans typically help pay for routine eye exams, eyeglasses, and contact lenses. You can often save money by choosing a combined vision and dental package instead of separate policies.
Like health insurance, vision plans often have networks. Before you enroll, it’s a good idea to confirm that an eyecare professional or retailer accepts the plan.
Generally, you can buy vision insurance regardless of your age or health condition. But premiums can vary based on location and type of plan.
Discount programs
Some vision care providers offer financing or discount programs to help reduce costs. For example, larger optical retailers may have membership programs that provide savings. Seasonal sales or promotions could help you save on glasses or contacts.
Free or low-cost vision care
It pays to look into charitable programs. Here are some that provide free or reduced-cost eye care for older adults:
EyeCare America offers free eye exams for qualifying older adults through volunteer ophthalmologists.
VSP Eyes of Hope partners with local organizations to provide free exams and glasses. The program has income-eligibility requirements.
Optometry schools
Optometry schools often provide eye exams and glasses at significantly reduced costs. Services are performed by supervised students as part of their training. You might see a student first before a licensed optometrist reviews your case. Check with optometry schools to see which services they offer.
If you need help figuring out how to handle your out-of-pocket Medicare vision costs, you can contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program for free one-on-one counseling.
Frequently asked questions
Original Medicare doesn’t cover routine eye exams for eyeglasses or contact lenses. But it does cover yearly eye exams for people with diabetes, annual glaucoma screenings for those at high risk, and certain tests for age-related macular degeneration.
Yes, Medicare Part B covers visual field tests when used to check for glaucoma or other nerve-related eye conditions. These tests use a computer to measure how well you can see and detect if you have blind spots in your vision.
Medicare covers basic cataract surgery with standard lenses. But it doesn’t pay for upgraded lens implants, like those that correct astigmatism. Medicare also covers one pair of glasses or contact lenses after cataract surgery. But it doesn’t cover additional eyewear. You’ll still need to pay your Part B deductible and 20% of the approved costs.
The bottom line
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) doesn’t cover routine vision care or eye exams for glasses. But Medicare does cover medically necessary eye care for certain conditions. These include cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration. Medicare Advantage plans often include vision benefits, such as routine eye exams and help with eyewear. But coverage varies by plan. Medigap doesn’t cover vision care, but some insurers offer separate vision insurance.
If you need help covering eye care costs, consider private vision insurance, discount programs, or free and low-cost services through charitable organizations.
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References
Cai, C. L., et al. (2025). Use and costs of supplemental benefits in Medicare Advantage, 2017-2021. JAMA.
Freed, M., et al. (2021). Dental, hearing, and vision costs and coverage among Medicare beneficiaries in traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage. KFF.
Freed, M., et al. (2024). Medicare Advantage in 2024: Premiums, out-of-pocket limits, supplemental benefits, and prior authorization. KFF.
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Medicare.gov. (n.d.). Cataract surgery. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Medicare.gov. (n.d.). Eye exams (for diabetes). Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Medicare.gov. (n.d.). Eye exams (routine). Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Medicare.gov. (n.d.). Glaucoma screenings. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Medicare.gov. (n.d.). Macular degeneration tests & treatment. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Medicare.gov. (n.d.). “Welcome to Medicare” preventive visit. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Turbert, D. (2025). Visual field test. American Academy of Ophthalmology.
