Why Should You Get a VSP Individual Vision Plan?

Category: Vision Insurance
Richard Lee, 10/07/2026 12:00 am

Not everyone can get vision insurance through work, which is why we built the VSP® Individual Vision Plan for people and families to buy easily on their own. It is available, affordable, and open all year, so you do not have to wait for an open enrollment window.

Getting VSP Vision Insurance

Group vision plans have long made coverage available to some people, but they were never an option for anyone without an employer plan. When you enroll in a VSP Individual Vision Plan, you protect one of your most important senses and get vision coverage you can customize to your own needs.

What does a VSP Individual Vision Plan include?

A VSP Individual Vision Plan helps you save on everything from eye exams to glasses, plus lens enhancements like progressives, scratch resistance, and light-reactive lenses. Select plans also offer generous allowances on frames or contacts. Here are the details that answer most plan questions:

Annual comprehensive eye exams: With an individual or family plan from VSP, each person on the plan gets a yearly eye exam, fully covered after a $15 copay. Your exam is the most important part of keeping your vision and eyes healthy, and it can even catch early signs of other chronic problems like diabetes and high blood pressure.
Prescription eyeglasses: Every year you are eligible for a new pair of prescription frames. That is handy for keeping up with styles and for anyone whose prescription changes often. Your plan also adds discounts on some of the top frame brands.
Prescription lenses: Once you have the frames you like, it is time to sort out the lenses. Your prescription lenses are covered in full after a $25 copay, though lens enhancements may add a little to the cost. That covers single vision, bifocals and trifocals, and lightweight, impact-resistant polycarbonate lenses.
Contact lenses: Depending on the plan you choose, contacts are covered either in addition to or instead of frames. If you go with contacts, you can often put your allowance toward the contact lens exam and fitting, which would otherwise be out of pocket.

Extra savings and deals: If one pair of glasses a year is not enough, you’ll save an additional 20% on extra pairs, including those designer sunglasses you have been eyeing. VSP members save up to 50% on premium or custom progressive lenses and they get up to 30% savings on lens enhancements when they use their benefits with a VSP network doctor.

Is a VSP Individual Vision Plan worth it?

Any way you look at it, a VSP Individual Vision Plan gives you the coverage you need with the flexibility to get the most out of it. Use your plan to schedule an eye exam with your doctor, and see how much VSP can help you save on your next exam or pair of glasses.

Ready for the next step? Take a look around VSP Direct, compare VSP Individual Vision Plans, or let the VSP Individual Vision Plan Selector match you with a plan in a couple of minutes. You can also see everything a plan includes on the Benefits & Savings page.

Sponsored by VSP Information received through VSP Individual Vision Plans' social media channels is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, medical recommendations, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Reviewed by Chris A. Smiley, O.D.

Chris Smiley, O.D. is the owner of Vision Professionals, a multi-location private practice in Central Ohio. With more than 25 years of experience, he focuses on comprehensive eye care, early detection of eye disease, dry eye, contact lens fitting, and helping patients maintain clear, comfortable vision.

In addition to clinical practice, Dr. Smiley is a VSP Vision Care provider and serves as a VSP Vision Ambassador, where he works with other doctors to improve patient access to care and promote eye health awareness. He is passionate about helping patients understand the connection between eye health and overall health.

Your vision. Your way.

Not covered for vision? Get an individual plan, customized for you – including where you want to use it: at the doctor, in a retail location, or even online.

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