It happens more often than you think: families pay for a vision insurance plan all year long, only to forget about it by December. The result? Missed eye exams, unused contact lens allowances, and a whole lot of wasted money. In Plainsboro Township, where the mix of busy professionals, active families, and tech-heavy lifestyles keeps everyone on the go, this oversight is more common than you’d expect.
Why It’s Smart to Use Your Vision Benefits Before They Expire
Many insurance benefit plans run on a calendar-year basis. That means if you haven’t used your vision care benefits by December 31st, those services are lost. Here’s why now is the time to schedule your eye exam or order that second pair of glasses:
- Plan benefits won’t roll over. Most vision insurance for children and adults resets annually. If you skip your eye exam, you can’t “catch up” next year.
- Appointments book up fast. End-of-year demand for vision services surges. Waiting too long may limit your options.
- Vision can change fast. Children’s eyesight can shift quickly, especially during the school year. Adults may also experience subtle vision changes due to age or screen exposure.
- Out-of-pocket savings are significant. Even if your insurance doesn’t cover 100%, it likely offsets most costs, especially for contact lenses and glasses.
Making the Most of Your Vision Plan: 6 Smart Ways to Use It
Many patients are surprised to learn just how much support their vision insurance provides, especially for preventive care, eyewear, and everyday comfort. These six strategies can help you stretch your benefits further while keeping your eye health a priority:
1. Book Your Comprehensive Eye Exam
Most vision plans include one comprehensive eye exam per year. This appointment checks your prescription and screens for early signs of conditions like glaucoma or cataracts.
2. Order Glasses or Contact Lenses
If your plan includes a products and services allowance, don’t let it go unused. Whether you need backup glasses or fresh contact lenses, now’s the time.
3. Ask About Pediatric Eye Care
Many plans offer vision insurance for children, which may include frames, lenses, and eye exams. Don’t assume your child’s vision is fine; kids often don’t recognize vision problems until school performance suffers.
4. Use Your FSA or HSA
Have a Flexible Spending Account? Funds often expire at the end of the year. Use them on vision care products like prescription sunglasses, contact lenses, or eye drops.
5. Review Your Coverage
Not all insurance plans are the same. Call your provider or check your plan’s portal to confirm what’s covered, what’s left to use, and whether there’s a deadline.
Don’t Wait: Put Your Vision Benefits to Work at Allied Vision Plainsboro Before They Expire
Plainsboro Township is home to families, working professionals, and a growing senior population. Add in a concentration of tech jobs and academic institutions, and you’ve got a community spending long hours in front of screens. That can lead to eye strain, dry eyes, and a greater need for regular eye care.
Whether it’s your child’s overdue eye exam or your own need for updated contact lenses, using your vision care benefits now is an easy way to protect your health and avoid unnecessary costs. Book your eye care appointment with our friendly, experienced team; you won’t have to figure it all out alone.
Vision Insurance Benefits FAQs
What vision services are usually included in insurance plans?
Most vision programs include a routine eye exam, an allowance for glasses or contact lenses, and discounts on additional eyewear or lens upgrades.
Can I use vision insurance and medical insurance at the same time?
Vision insurance covers routine care, while medical insurance applies to diagnosed eye conditions. If both apply, Allied Vision Plainsboro can help coordinate your benefits.
What happens if I miss my annual eye exam?
If your plan resets annually, you may lose that year’s benefit entirely. Scheduling your comprehensive eye exam now helps avoid gaps in care and protects your long-term eye health.