Original Medicare (Parts A and B) generally does not cover routine eyeglasses, contacts, or eye exams, but it does cover one pair of standard glasses or contacts after cataract surgery that implants an intraocular lens. Medicare Part B pays 80% of the Medicare-approved amount, while you pay 20% after meeting the deductible.
To get glasses with Medicare, you'll need a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan, as Original Medicare (Parts A & B) only covers glasses after cataract surgery for standard frames/lenses; Medicare Advantage plans bundle vision benefits like annual exams, allowances for glasses, and contacts, or you can buy separate vision insurance. Use the official Medicare Plan Finder tool to compare local plans with vision coverage, looking for those with a vision benefit.
People who get free glasses are typically low-income individuals, children, seniors, or those with specific vision needs, qualifying through government programs (like Medicaid/CHIP for kids) or non-profits such as VSP Eyes of Hope, New Eyes for the Needy, and Lions Clubs, often needing an eye exam referral from a social worker or school, and meeting specific income guidelines (e.g., under 200-250% of poverty level).
To get affordable glasses when you can't afford them, seek help from charitable organizations like New Eyes for the Needy or VSP Eyes of Hope, inquire about local Lions Clubs or community health centers, ask your eye doctor for payment plans or referrals, check if VA benefits or Medicaid cover you, or explore low-cost online retailers and university optometry schools for cheaper options.
The 2 for $99 glasses offer includes single vision uncoated plastic (CR39) lenses and frames from our $99 price selection.
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Free NHS eye tests and optical vouchers
If you have a medical card, you can get a free eye examination every 2 years from the HSE. If you need glasses or spectacles, you can get free standard spectacles. If you have a medical condition that means you need an eye exam more often than every two years, these eye exams are also free.
Free eyeglasses
Eyes of Hope, a Vision Service Plan ( VSP) program, offers gift certificates that provide adults and children in need with access to eye care and new glasses at no cost through a VSP network eye doctor in their community.
The extra $144 added to Social Security usually comes from the Medicare Part B Giveback benefit, offered by some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans, which pays back some or all your Part B premium, showing up as extra money in your check if it's deducted from your Social Security. To qualify, you need Original Medicare (Parts A & B), pay your own Part B premium, live in a plan's service area, and enroll in a specific Medicare Advantage plan that offers this "rebate," with the amount varying by plan and location.
Here are some of the biggest Medicare mistakes to avoid:
Regular eye exams and teeth cleanings can help you stay healthy by catching issues and illnesses early. However, Original Medicare‡ does not cover routine dental and vision care. This means you'll have to pay out of pocket for routine teeth cleanings and eye exams, as well as more costly procedures and services.
Starting in 2025, there is an annual limit on what you pay out-of-pocket for prescription medications through Medicare and Medicare Advantage prescription drug plans. All prescription medications, including specialty medications, covered by Part D plans are included under this cap.
The Medicare "3-Day Rule" requires a beneficiary to have a qualifying 3-day inpatient hospital stay (admission day counts, discharge day doesn't) before Medicare will cover services in a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) for rehabilitation or skilled care, though this rule can be waived in certain Medicare Advantage plans or through specific Accountable Care Organization (ACO) initiatives. Time spent in observation or the Emergency Department doesn't count towards these 3 days, but new demonstration projects and waivers are emerging to offer more flexibility for patients needing SNF care.
Vermont, Utah and Minnesota topped the Commonwealth Fund's Medicare performance scorecard in 2025, whereas Kentucky, Mississippi and Louisiana struggled the most.