Quick Answer
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover routine eye exams for glasses or contacts, eyeglasses, or contact lenses. However, Medicare Part B does cover medically necessary vision services including: cataract surgery (and one pair of glasses or contacts afterward), glaucoma screenings for high-risk patients (annually), diabetic retinopathy exams (annually for diabetics), and treatment for macular degeneration and other eye diseases. Medicare Advantage plans often include routine vision benefits that Original Medicare does not.
Coverage Comparison by Plan Type
| Plan Type | Coverage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Original Medicare (Part B) | Medically necessary eye care only; no routine exams or glasses | Covers cataract surgery, glaucoma screenings (high-risk), diabetic eye exams, treatment for eye diseases |
| Medicare Advantage | Often includes routine vision benefits | Many MA plans cover annual eye exams, glasses, contacts, and allowances for frames/lenses; varies by plan |
| Medigap (Medicare Supplement) | Covers Part B cost-sharing for covered vision services | Does not add routine vision coverage; only covers your share of Medicare-approved vision services |
| Standalone Vision Plan | Routine exams, glasses, contacts | Available from VSP, EyeMed, and others; can be purchased separately to supplement Original Medicare |
Understanding Your Coverage Options
What Original Medicare Does not Cover for Vision
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover most routine vision care. This is one of the most significant gaps in Medicare coverage for seniors.
What It Doesn't Cover
- Routine eye exams (refractions) for prescribing glasses or contacts
- Eyeglasses (frames and lenses) - except after cataract surgery with IOL implant
- Contact lenses - except after cataract surgery with IOL implant
- Routine vision screenings not related to a medical condition
- Low vision aids (magnifiers, telescopic lenses)
Routine Vision is not Covered
If you need an eye exam for new glasses or contacts, Medicare will not pay for it. You will pay 100% out-of-pocket unless you have a Medicare Advantage plan or standalone vision plan.
What Medicare Part B DOES Cover for Vision
Medicare Part B covers vision services that are medically necessary - meaning they are needed to diagnose or treat a medical condition, not simply to correct refractive errors.
What It Covers
- Cataract surgery: Covered by Part B; includes the surgeon fee, facility fee, and anesthesia. One pair of standard eyeglasses or contacts is covered after each cataract surgery that implants an intraocular lens (IOL)
- Glaucoma screenings: Covered annually for high-risk patients (diabetics, family history of glaucoma, African Americans age 50+, Hispanic Americans age 65+)
- Diabetic retinopathy exams: Covered once per year for people with diabetes
- Macular degeneration diagnosis and treatment: Covered when medically necessary
- Treatment for eye injuries, infections, and diseases: Covered under Part B
- Prosthetic eye (ocular prosthesis): Covered after eye removal surgery
Part B Cost-Sharing for Vision
For covered vision services, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after meeting the Part B deductible ($257 in 2026). Medigap plans can cover this 20% cost-share.
Medicare Advantage Vision Benefits
Many Medicare Advantage plans include routine vision benefits as a supplemental benefit. These benefits vary significantly by plan and location.
What It Covers
- Annual routine eye exam (refraction): Covered by most MA plans with vision benefits
- Eyeglass frames and lenses: Many plans provide an annual allowance ($100–$300+)
- Contact lenses: Covered by many MA plans in lieu of glasses
- Prescription sunglasses: Covered by some plans
- Medically necessary vision services: Also covered (same as Original Medicare)
What It Doesn't Cover
- Vision benefits vary widely - some MA plans have reduced or eliminated vision benefits in 2026 due to funding cuts
- Out-of-network providers may not be covered or may have higher cost-sharing
- Cosmetic contact lenses or non-prescription eyewear
Compare MA Plans for Vision
During Annual Enrollment Period (Oct 15 – Dec 7), compare Medicare Advantage plans in your area for vision benefits. Some plans offer $0 eye exams and $200+ annual eyewear allowances.
Standalone Vision Plans for Medicare Beneficiaries
If you have Original Medicare and want routine vision coverage, you can purchase a standalone vision insurance plan. These are separate from Medicare and are not regulated by CMS.
What It Covers
- Annual eye exams (refraction)
- Eyeglass frames and lenses (with annual allowance)
- Contact lenses
- Discounts at network providers (VSP, EyeMed, Davis Vision, Spectera)
- Typical monthly premium: $10–$30/month for individuals
What It Doesn't Cover
- Does not cover medically necessary eye care - that remains under Medicare Part B
- Coverage limits and network restrictions apply
Medicare Vision Coverage Summary 2026
| Service | Original Medicare | Medicare Advantage | Your Cost (Original Medicare) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Routine eye exam (refraction) | Not covered | Often covered | 100% out-of-pocket |
| Eyeglasses / contacts (routine) | Not covered | Often covered ($100–$300 allowance) | 100% out-of-pocket |
| Cataract surgery | Covered (Part B) | Covered | 20% after $257 deductible |
| Glasses after cataract surgery | 1 pair covered | Covered | 20% of standard frames |
| Glaucoma screening (high-risk) | Covered annually | Covered | 20% after deductible |
| Diabetic retinopathy exam | Covered annually | Covered | 20% after deductible |
| Macular degeneration treatment | Covered (Part B) | Covered | 20% after deductible |
✦ Important Exceptions & Notes
Glasses after Cataract Surgery
Medicare Part B covers one pair of standard eyeglasses (or contact lenses) after cataract surgery that implants an intraocular lens. This is the only situation where Original Medicare covers eyeglasses. You pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for standard frames; upgrades to premium frames are your responsibility.
One pair of glasses covered after each cataract surgery with IOL implant.
Glaucoma Screening High-Risk Criteria
Medicare covers annual glaucoma screenings only for patients at high risk: those with diabetes, a family history of glaucoma, African Americans age 50 or older, or Hispanic Americans age 65 or older. Low-risk patients are not covered.
Low Vision Aids
Medicare does not cover low vision aids such as magnifiers, telescopic lenses, or other devices used to maximize remaining vision. These are considered routine vision items. Some MA plans may cover them as supplemental benefits.
LASIK and Refractive Surgery
Medicare does not cover LASIK, PRK, or other refractive surgeries to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. These are considered elective procedures.
✦ 2026 Vision Coverage Updates
Medicare Advantage Vision Benefit Reductions (2026)
PassedSome Medicare Advantage plans reduced or eliminated vision benefits in 2026 due to CMS funding changes. Beneficiaries should review their plan's Evidence of Coverage during AEP.
Part B Deductible Increased to $257 in 2026
PassedThe Medicare Part B deductible increased to $257 in 2026 (from $240 in 2025), affecting cost-sharing for covered vision services like cataract surgery.
How to Get Vision Coverage with Medicare
If you need routine vision coverage, here are your options.
Vision Coverage Options
- Enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan with vision benefits during AEP (Oct 15 – Dec 7)
- Purchase a standalone vision plan (VSP, EyeMed) to supplement Original Medicare
- If you have diabetes, schedule your annual diabetic retinopathy exam - covered by Part B
- If at high risk for glaucoma, schedule your annual glaucoma screening - covered by Part B
- After cataract surgery, use your covered pair of standard glasses or contacts
- Compare MA plan vision allowances at Medicare.gov Plan Finder during AEP
- Ask your eye doctor if your visit qualifies as medically necessary (covered) vs. routine (not covered)
✦ Frequently Asked Questions
David Haass
AuthorDavid Haass is a licensed insurance agent and Medicare specialist at MedicareFAQ.com.
Ashlee Zareczny
ReviewerAshlee Zareczny is the Compliance & Editorial Manager at MedicareFAQ.