Does Medicare Cover Eye Care and Vision? What Seniors Need to Know
Original Medicare has limited vision coverage -- but there are options. Here is what Medicare covers for eye care, what it does not, and how to get the vision coverage you need.
Does Medicare Cover Eye Care and Vision? What Seniors Need to Know
Vision problems are extremely common among seniors -- cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy affect millions of older Americans. Yet Original Medicare's vision coverage is surprisingly limited. Here's what you need to know.
What Original Medicare Covers for Vision
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) covers eye care only when it's medically necessary -- not routine vision care.
Covered eye care services:
Glaucoma screening: Annual glaucoma test for people at high risk -- those with diabetes, a family history of glaucoma, African Americans age 50+, or Hispanic Americans age 65+. Covered at no cost.
Diabetic retinopathy exam: Annual dilated eye exam for people with diabetes. Covered at 80% after the Part B deductible.
Cataract surgery: Covered when medically necessary, including one pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses after cataract surgery. This is the one instance where Medicare covers corrective lenses.
Macular degeneration treatment: Injections (such as Avastin, Lucentis, Eylea) for wet age-related macular degeneration are covered under Part B.
Eye disease treatment: Treatment for eye diseases and conditions (glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, eye injuries) is covered as medically necessary care.
What Original Medicare Does NOT Cover
Routine eye exams: Annual eye exams to check your vision and update your glasses or contact lens prescription are NOT covered by Original Medicare.
Eyeglasses: Not covered (except after cataract surgery).
Contact lenses: Not covered (except after cataract surgery).
Low vision aids: Not covered.
How to Get Vision Coverage
Medicare Advantage: Most Medicare Advantage plans include routine vision benefits -- annual eye exams, an allowance for eyeglasses or contacts ($100-$300/year), and sometimes discounts on LASIK. This is the most common way Medicare beneficiaries get vision coverage.
Standalone vision plans: Some insurers offer standalone vision plans for Medicare beneficiaries. These are separate from Medicare and typically cost $10-$25/month.
VSP, EyeMed, and similar discount programs: Vision discount programs are not insurance but offer reduced rates at participating providers. Costs are typically $10-$20/month.
AARP Vision Discounts: AARP members have access to vision discounts through several programs.
Cataracts: What Medicare Covers
Cataracts are the most common eye surgery in the US, and Medicare covers the procedure. Here's what's included:
- The cataract surgery itself (covered at 80% after Part B deductible)
- Standard monofocal intraocular lens (IOL) implant
- One pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses after surgery
What Medicare does NOT cover for cataracts:
- Premium IOLs (multifocal, toric lenses that correct astigmatism) -- you pay the upgrade cost
- LASIK to reduce dependence on glasses after cataract surgery
Age-Related Macular Degeneration
AMD is the leading cause of vision loss in Americans over 60. Medicare covers:
- Diagnosis and monitoring
- Injections for wet AMD (the more severe form)
- Low vision rehabilitation services (in some cases)
Dry AMD has no proven treatment, but Medicare covers monitoring and management.
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.
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About the Author
William Gray
Independent Medicare BrokerUS Air Force Veteran · Florida Medicare Specialist
William Gray is an independent Medicare insurance broker based in Daytona Beach and Palm Coast, FL. A US Air Force veteran (A-10 crew chief, Germany), he spent years in corporate insurance before going independent to serve Florida seniors directly. He has helped more than 1,000 clients across Northeast Florida compare Medicare Advantage, Medigap, and Part D plans — always at no cost to the client.