As the year draws to a close, many people focus on wrapping up holiday shopping, planning festive gatherings, and reflecting on the past 12 months. However, one crucial task people often overlook during this busy time is making the most of your vision benefits before they expire.
Whether you have a flexible spending account (FSA) or vision insurance, you must typically use these benefits on a "use it or lose it" basis, meaning any unspent funds won’t roll over into the new year. This makes December the perfect time to take stock of your eye care needs and ensure you're maximizing the value of your benefits.
Why It's Important to Use Your Vision Benefits
Vision benefits are a valuable resource to help you maintain optimal eye health. Unfortunately, many people inadvertently leave money on the table by not fully utilizing their benefits. If you don’t use your FSA funds or vision insurance benefits by December 31, they will likely expire, leading to potential out-of-pocket expenses in the new year.
Using your vision benefits before they expire ensures you receive the care and products you need without unnecessary financial strain. Routine eye exams, for instance, are vital for detecting changes in your vision, updating prescriptions, and catching early signs of eye conditions. Additionally, this time of year is ideal for considering an upgrade to your eyewear — whether purchasing a new pair of eyeglasses, investing in quality prescription sunglasses, or exploring the latest contact lens technology.
What Can You Use Your Vision Benefits On?
You can typically use your vision benefits for various services and products. These may include:
- Comprehensive Eye Exams: Regular eye exams are crucial for maintaining good vision and eye health. They help detect conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration early when they are most treatable.
- Prescription Eyeglasses and Sunglasses: If your prescription has changed or if you want to update your style, now is the perfect time to invest in new eyewear. Many plans cover a portion of the cost of frames and lenses.
- Contact Lenses: Whether you’re a seasoned contact lens wearer or looking to make the switch, your benefits can cover the cost of your annual supply, including specialty lenses for conditions like astigmatism or presbyopia.
- Lens Coatings and Treatments: Anti-glare coatings, blue light filters, and transition lenses are just a few enhancements you can add to your eyewear to improve comfort and protect your eyes.
It's important to review your vision plan to confirm what specific services and products your insurance covers.
Navigate Your Insurance with Junction Optometrists
Understanding the ins and outs of your insurance plan can be confusing, especially when it comes to knowing what it covers and how much of your expenses you will get back. Our knowledgeable team can help you navigate these details with ease. We work closely with you to understand your insurance coverage, explain your benefits, and identify the best ways to maximize them before the year ends.
We aim to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible so you can focus on your eye health and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’ve made the most of your vision benefits.
Schedule an Eye Exam in Toronto, ON
As December approaches, take a moment to consider your eye care needs and how you can best utilize your vision benefits before they expire. Whether you need a comprehensive eye exam, new eyewear, or simply advice on using your benefits, Junction Optometrists is here to support you every step of the way. Schedule an appointment and enter the new year with clear, healthy vision.