If you’ve been putting off an eye exam because you can’t afford it, you’re not alone. A comprehensive eye exam can easily cost over $100 — and without a current prescription, you can’t get new glasses, contacts, or treatment for eye conditions.
The good news? There are far more free and low-cost eye exam programs available than most people realize. Whether you’re an adult, a parent, a senior, or a veteran, here’s exactly where to look for help.
Government Programs That Offer Free Eye Exams
Government benefits usually offer the most comprehensive coverage, so this is always the smartest place to start. Check each program you might qualify for — you may be eligible for more than one.
- Medicaid covers comprehensive eye exams for children under 21 in every state. Children can also get free eye exams and replacements as needed. Adult coverage varies by state, though. Apply through your state’s Medicaid office.
- CHIP covers children’s eye exams in many states. This program is for families who earn too much for Medicaid. Find out if you qualify by contacting your state’s Medicaid office.
- Certain Medicare Advantage plans may cover routine eye exams even though Original Medicare probably doesn’t. Review your plan or call our partner Chapter at (417) 319-2139 to see what options may be available to you.
- VA may offer free routine ey exams and preventative vision care to veterans. Contact the VA to confirm your coverage level.
- Indian Health Service may provide free vision care for eligible American Indians or Alaska Natives. Contact your local IHS clinic to see if they offer eye exams.
- Community Health Centers serve patients regardless of insurance status and may offer free or low cost eye exams. You will need to call and ask if your local center has an eye clinic.
Nonprofit Programs That Offer Free Eye Exams
If government programs aren’t an option, several national nonprofits exist specifically to connect uninsured and low-income adults and children with free eye exams.
- EyeCare America offers free comprehensive eye exams for eligible adults, plus follow-up care for certain qualifying conditions. See if you’re eligible on the EyeCare America website.
- VSP Eyes of Hope offers free eye exams and glasses through mobile clinics. Your income generally must be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level in order to qualify. Get the details on the VSP Eyes of Hope website.
- OneSight EssilorLuxottica runs free clinics and community events in underserved areas. Details on the OneSight website.
- Lions Clubs may pay for eey exams, prescription glasses, or emergency vision care but coverage depends on your local club’s rules. You’ll need to contact your local club and see what they offer.
- Call 211 to see if there are other resources in your area that may be able to help.
Additional Resources for Children
- InfantSEE provides free comprehensive eye assessments for babies 6-12 months old, with no income or insurance requirements. You can find a participating optometrist through InfantSEE.
- Vision to Learn partners wtih schools in low-income communities to offer vision screenings, eye exams and free glasses directly to students. You will need to ask your child’s school nurse or social worker to see if they work with Vision to Learn.
Other Community Resources
- Churches and other charitable organizations such as United Way, Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, senior centers, homeless shelters, local churches and more may be able to provide vision assistance funds. Call and ask directly — even if they can’t help, they usually know who can.
- Independent optometrists may also offer charity funds or participate in programs that compensate them for charitable services. You can contact local eye doctors and ask if they offer sliding scale fees or charity care.
Low Cost Options
There may be additional options available to you if you don’t qualify for any of the free options. These include:
- Optometry school teaching clinics may offer supervised student care at a fraction of private practice prices. Search for the nearest optometry school and call their clinic to confirm details.
- Physicians Mutual offers a low-cost vision care coverage. That’s what my family uses, and it seems to offer good coverage for the price.
Relief Recap
Vision care has become expensive, but a “no” from one program doesn’t mean you’re out of options. Every organization has different eligibility rules, so keep asking until you find the right fit.
Know of another free eye exam program we should add? Share it in the comments below so we can help more people find the care they need.
The views and opinions expressed in the content on this website are solely those of the content creators and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or positions of the Social Security Administration, Medicare, Chapter, or its affiliates. Chapter makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided. All content is intended for informational, educational, or entertainment purposes only and should not be interpreted as official positions of the Social Security Administration, Medicare, Chapter, or its affiliates. Chapter disclaims any liability for actions taken based on this content.
If you need assistance with Medicare, please reach out to Medicare, your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP), your current Medicare insurance agent/broker/plan, or contact our Medicare partner, Chapter, at 417-319-2139 or visit their website at https://lirlinks.com/chapter. Chapter: Memoir, Inc. d/b/a Chapter is a privately owned, data- and technology-enabled advisory service helping older Americans navigate retirement. Insurance agency services are provided by Chapter Advisory, LLC, a licensed health insurance agency and wholly owned subsidiary of Memoir, Inc. In California, Chapter Advisory, LLC does business as Chapter Insurance Services (Lic. No. 6003691).
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