Eye Exam Costs

Eye exam costs will vary depending on your eye insurance plan, your location and the services you receive.

At Pearle Vision, we want everyone to get the eye care they deserve, which is why we accept patients with or without vision insurance. Learn about our different eye exam costs below.

How Much Does an Eye Exam Cost Without Insurance?

How much does an eye exam cost out of pocket? That depends on your location and the services you need.

On average, you can expect to pay $50 to $200 for an eye exam without insurance.

You can call ahead for a rough estimate to help you budget accordingly. If you’re worried about the eye exam price, contact your local EyeCare Center and a specialist will be able to provide you with more information on discounts and any special offers we may have.

How Much Does an Eye Exam Cost with Insurance?

If you're covered by vision insurance, your eye exam could cost considerably less. Average co-pays range from $10 to $40 but some insurance plans may even cover the entire cost of a comprehensive eye exam.

For those under 19, the Affordable Care Act stipulates pediatric vision coverage as a requirement in all federally approved health insurance plans. As a result, your routine eye exams may be covered if you fall within this age range.

Pearle Vision works with all major vision insurance plans to help our patients receive affordable eye care.

In terms of exact cost, how much you pay for an eye exam will depend on your specific vision plan and your co-pay. All of our eye exams are provided by Independent Doctors of Optometry, which means not all insurance plans are accepted at all of our locations. To find out if an eye doctor is in your network, contact your neighborhood Pearle Vision EyeCare Center.

Factors that Affect the Cost of an Eye Exam

Eye exams aren’t one-size-fits-all. Several factors come into play that can influence the final price, including where you have the exam, the types of tests performed during the exam, the specifics of your insurance coverage, and any customizations or extra services you opt for.

Where You Get the Exam

Eye exam costs can vary depending on the type of provider. In general, retail providers like Pearle Vision tend to offer competitive prices and package deals, while independent optometrists or ophthalmologists may charge higher prices.

A common misconception is that retail providers employ eye doctors who are less qualified than those who operate independently. This is simply not true. All optometrists, regardless of where they practice, must undergo proper medical training and hold the credentials necessary to perform eye exams.

What Tests Are Performed

The range of tests performed during your eye exam will also impact the cost. A basic or routine eye exam typically costs less than a comprehensive exam that includes more specialized tests, such as a retinal examination or glaucoma screening. It may also cost more if the optometrist uses an Optomap to examine your eyes as opposed to dilating them.

If you require contact lens fitting, this typically incurs an additional cost since it involves further testing and evaluation.

What Your Insurance Covers

The specifics of your insurance plan play a significant role in the cost of your eye exam. While many insurance plans cover a portion of the exam cost, they often require a copay, which is an out-of-pocket expense for you.

Additional costs not covered by your insurance, such as certain tests or procedures, will also incur out-of-pocket costs.

Customizations

Optical customizations can also add to the cost of your eye care. Progressive lenses will typically cost more than single vision lenses. And add-ons such as anti-reflective coating, tinting, and blue light protection may cost extra.

The cost of eyeglass frames will vary based on materials and features. However, you can use benefits from your vision insurance or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to offset these costs.

What’s Typically Included in an Eye Exam?

When you schedule an eye exam at your local Pearle Vision EyeCare Center, you can expect a thorough evaluation of your vision and eye health. Our eye doctors don’t just update your prescription, they are here to help check for signs or treat any  eye conditions you may have. Our comprehensive eye exams last about 20-30 minutes and include:

• Review of your patient history: During your eye exam, your optometrist will discuss your patient history to learn more about the health of your eyes. During this time, you may be asked if you’re experiencing any symptoms, such as blurriness, pain, or eye strain. It’s also important to mention any medications you’re currently taking during your exam.
• Eye testing: Our comprehensive eye exams usually include several tests. In general, an eye care specialist will check your visual acuity, track your eye movement, and evaluate the overall health of your eyes. Further testing may be recommended depending on your age and symptoms.
• Contact lens testing (optional): Patients interested in using contact lenses will need to take a few additional tests to ensure contact lenses fit properly.

Schedule Your Eye Exam

Regular eye exams are instrumental in maintaining your overall eye health. Beyond updating your prescription for glasses or contacts, annual eye exams are crucial for the early detection of potential health problems, such as cataracts and glaucoma.

Schedule an appointment at your neighborhood Pearle Vision EyeCare Center today and get the care you and your eyes deserve.

Eye Exam Cost FAQs

How much do eye exams usually cost?

The cost of an eye exam can vary widely depending on factors such as location, the types of tests that are performed, and whether you have vision insurance. Without insurance, you can expect to pay between $50 and $200 for a standard eye exam. With insurance, your copay for an eye exam will typically range from $10 to $40.

How much does an eye exam cost with insurance?

With vision insurance, your out-of-pocket cost for an eye exam can be significantly reduced. Most insurance plans require a copay for each visit, typically ranging from $10 to $40. The exact cost will depend on the specific terms of your insurance plan.

 

How much does an eye exam cost without insurance?

Without insurance, the cost of an eye exam can vary based on where you live and which provider you choose. On average, expect to pay between $50 and $200, or possibly more if specialized tests are needed.

 

Sources:
https://www.ehealthinsurance.com/resources/vision-insurance/eye-exams-importance-costs