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- Dane Carlson, 24 Feb 2026
3 Reasons Retirees Need Vision Insurance
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With an increasingly large number of employers providing vision insurance coverage as part of their group benefits packages, many people enter retirement not knowing much about the possibility of purchasing an individual vision insurance plan. When your paycheck stops and retirement begins, a surprising number of people discover their retiree vision needs are no longer fully protected. Because of the confusion surrounding vision insurance for retirees, many choose either an insufficient plan or even no vision plan at all. This mistake, however, can potentially be physically and financially costly, especially when you consider the out-of-pocket costs that come with uncovered eye care and routine eye exams. By taking time to compare plans, review the coverage options, and understand exactly which vision services are covered, you can protect both your eyes and your wallet.
Here are three reasons why those who are entering retirement should consider enrolling in an individual vision insurance plan after retirement.
As our bodies age, our eyes age with them. Because of this, by the age of 65, one in three Americans has some form of a vision-impairing eye condition. These conditions include macular degeneration, glaucoma, and cataracts, and they are often first detected during routine eye exams. Choosing a VSP® network doctor from the extensive provider network makes it easy to schedule those annual exams.
Regular eye exams are important as they can often help catch problems before they develop into something more serious. A good rule of thumb is to see your eye doctor at least once a year. By having these regular visits, you can ensure the health of your aging eyes. And even if your eyes continue to be in great health, your eye doctor can also give you tips on how to maintain healthy eyes as you age. In short, routine eye exams delivered by an eye care professional is an essential part of retirement vision care.
As mentioned above, you should expect to see an eye doctor regularly as you age. Between regular examinations, contact lenses, new eyeglasses, and any specialty eye needs, the cost of keeping your eyes healthy and vision clear can quickly grow. With VSP coverage, lenses covered under the plan receive a generous frame allowance, and members enjoy additional vision discount opportunities on prescription glasses, sunglasses, and lens upgrades. Over time, these savings add up and help retirees keep pocket costs affordable. Unfortunately, Original Medicare does not cover the costs of routine vision care. Having an affordable vision insurance plan can help you save money.
Many employers continue to offer health insurance when you retire. However, if your employer does not continue to offer you vision insurance benefits into retirement, VSP Individual Vision Plans offers a wide variety of several individual vision insurance plans starting as low as $13 a month. These vision insurance plans offer benefits that cover most of your vision needs. You do not need to wait for a special enrollment period when getting a new vision plan with VSP. You can enroll at any time and your vision benefits begin the day after you enroll.
Question: Does Medicare cover vision care?
Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not cover routine eye exams, glasses, or contact lenses. It typically only covers vision care related to medical conditions, such as eye injuries, glaucoma tests, or cataract surgery.
Question: Does Medicare Advantage include vision benefits?
Some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans include limited vision benefits, such as eye exams or allowances for glasses. Coverage varies by plan, so it’s important to review benefits carefully before enrolling.
Question: Can I keep my employer vision insurance after retirement?
In most cases, employer-sponsored vision insurance ends when you retire. Some employers offer retiree benefits, but many retirees transition to individual vision insurance plans.
Question: What should retirees look for in a vision insurance plan?
Retirees should look for plans that include annual eye exams, allowances for glasses or contacts, access to a large provider network, and predictable, affordable costs to help manage eye care expenses.
Question: Is vision insurance worth it in retirement?
For many people entering retirement, vision insurance is worth it because eye care needs often increase with age. Coverage can help lower costs for exams, glasses, and ongoing eye health management.
Question: How often should retirees get an eye exam?
Most eye care professionals recommend that retirees get a comprehensive eye exam once a year, even if vision seems stable. Annual exams can help detect age-related eye conditions early and maintain long-term eye health.
Even after retirement, there is still so much to see, do, and experience. By continuing to have individual vision insurance later in life, you can ensure to be aware of any developing vision issues and care for your eye health. And best of all? You can do it for an affordable price that fits your retirement budget. Once you’ve completed your vision plan enrollment, keep your eyes open for dental insurance plan options from Guardian Direct®. Get the care your eyes and smile need with VSP Individual Vision Plans.
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.
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Healthy vision association discounts
Some plans can only be accessed through membership in the Healthy Vision Association (HVA), which helps its members see well and stay healthy.
For $1.50/mo, your membership will give you access to exclusive discount programs* on everyday goods and services including:
Plus, your membership supports vision-related charities too.
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*All rebates and special offers are subject to change