Step 1: Check Your Usage Patterns
How often do you actually get eye exams and new glasses or contacts? If you update your prescription every year, a plan with a strong frame/contact allowance pays for itself. If your prescription is stable and you rarely buy new eyewear, a lower-cost plan — or a discount plan instead of insurance — may make more sense.
Step 2: Confirm Your Eye Doctor Is In-Network
VSP has the broadest network of independent optometrists; EyeMed is stronger at retail chains like LensCrafters and Target Optical. If you have a preferred provider, check their network affiliation before comparing plans on price alone.
Step 3: Compare the Frame and Contact Allowance
This is the benefit that matters most for most people — typically $130–$200 per year. Check whether unused allowance carries over, whether there's a discount (commonly 20%) on amounts above the allowance, and whether contacts are covered as an alternative to frames or in addition to them.
Step 4: Check Lens Coverage Details
Single-vision lenses are usually covered in full. Bifocals, progressives, and specialty coatings (anti-glare, blue light, transitions) often cost extra even on a "comprehensive" plan — confirm exactly what's included before assuming a plan covers your specific lens type.
Step 5: Decide Between Insurance and a Discount Plan
Vision insurance charges a monthly premium in exchange for a fixed allowance and copay structure. Discount plans have no or minimal premium and instead give you a percentage off retail prices. Insurance tends to win if you use vision care every year; discount plans tend to win if you use it less than once a year.
Step 6: Check for Employer-Sponsored Options
Vision insurance offered through an employer is almost always cheaper than buying an individual plan directly, thanks to group rates. Check what's available to you before shopping the open market.
Common Mistakes When Choosing a Plan
- Picking the cheapest premium without checking whether your regular eye doctor is in-network
- Assuming all lens types are covered under a "comprehensive" plan without checking the specific exclusions
- Choosing insurance when a discount plan would actually be cheaper for infrequent use, or vice versa
- Not checking whether frame allowance and contact allowance can be combined or used together in the same year
Frequently Asked Questions
Usually not — most plans require you to choose either glasses or contacts each benefit year, not both. Check your specific plan's terms if you regularly need both.
Most family and individual vision plans include children as covered dependents with the same exam and allowance benefits as adults — confirm this is included when adding dependents to your plan.
Most plans cover one comprehensive eye exam per 12-month benefit period, though some employer plans allow more frequent exams for members with certain medical conditions like diabetes.