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Now for the Eyes

March 15th, 2015 at 02:16 pm

My daughters and I all need glasses. I actually wear contacts. I went to the eye doctor on Friday while they were still in school. They each have appointments on different days this week during spring break.

The basic exam is covered by our insurance but there is no other vision insurance to cover contact lens exams, contacts or glasses. In other words we pay for these out of pocket. I paid $60 for my contact exam. My contacts are on order for about $180. I think one time I was able to order online for about $90 for the pair, unless I was only buying one...which is a possibility. The doctor won't write me a prescription until he sees how these lenes work, which means I will have already purchased them. I do get a refund if they don't. The thing is I've been wearing these contacts since I was in high school. I'm pretty sure they will work!

The girls will not have contacts to purchase just glasses. We did get glasses online one time and that worked really well. We will likely look around for the right frame and price before we commit. I generally like to spread these costs out, but decided that since all of us were overdue for an exam, I wanted to get them done now before the move.

So the point of my post is we will be able to see clearly, but it is going to cost us...which means more money flowing out. I think my 52 Week Challenge money is going to cover these costs. I have $285 right now, which covers the cost I just incurred. I will use savings to pay for the girls glasses, but pay myself back using the 52 Week Challenge money which is $57 twice per month. It may take me four months to pay myself back, but at least the money is figured out.

I remember at one time thinking I should save about $800 to $1000 year to cover vision costs. I haven't set it up. Part of the 52 Week Challenge money could be our vision fund. Maybe the remainder should be our vet fund, or oil changes in our vehicles. Something I will be considering. Really I can usually cash flow this stuff, but the spending lately is sky high!

Do you have vision insurance? What is covered? Do you save for your vision expenses?

Posted in Spending, Saving, Family | 5 Comments »

5 Responses to “Now for the Eyes”

  1. snafu Says:
    March 15th, 2015 at 03:15 pm 1426432520
    1426432520

    Vision exams on Canada are covered 100%. Lenses get 80% of basic prescription every 3 years but I can't remember the weird formula they use for frames. I buy photo gray lenses + one other choice so I pay those differentials out-of-pocket. DSs wear both contacts and glasses. They're in a different province and get term life and supplemental medical insurance as part of their employment benefits. I believe they pay 20% up front and need to submit forms to be reimbursed.

    I've tried to get them to have Lasik surgery but the idea seems to upset them. I'd have it done in a flash if it fixed my problem. Eventually it will get to people like me...not yet. Dr Gimbel initiated radial keratotomy. a refractive surgery technique to correct vision surgically. He lived in our neighbourhood and was much admired.

    Have you looked into Lasik surgery? Would you like to eliminate the need for glasses/contact lenses?

  2. FrugalTexan75 Says:
    March 15th, 2015 at 03:55 pm 1426434918
    1426434918

    I don't have vision insurance nor money set aside for vision expenses ... so far (knock on wood) I haven't needed it.

  3. scottish girl Says:
    March 15th, 2015 at 06:07 pm 1426442842
    1426442842

    Eye tests are free on the NHS, contact lenses check up are about 20 GBP last time I had one. It's been a few years though. I haven't bought new frames in years although I have a health plan with work that will cover some of the costs if I needed a new pair. I used to wear daily disposable contact lenses but I've stopped for a while now.I don't have money saved for vision expenses.

  4. PNWMom Says:
    March 15th, 2015 at 08:11 pm 1426450267
    1426450267

    We are lucky and do have vision. One exam per year, lens every year and frames every two years. I do wear contacts and have back up glasses but I usually save my lens benefit for glasses. I'm due for a new pair though, just haven't gotten around to doing it. We used to get glasses at the shop attached to the office but found we get a better deal at Vision Works. They also run a lot of specials, so maybe you can get a bogo deal for the girls? That is, if you have a Vision Works in your area. I usually pay for my contact with our FSA account.

  5. Kiki Says:
    March 15th, 2015 at 08:53 pm 1426452837
    1426452837

    My Eye insurance is fantastic with the state. It's something like a $250 credit for lenses and glasses every year which I typically take advantage of and donate whatever are my oldest lenses to one of those nonprofits trying to collect glasses for Third World countries. I also wear contacts and I paid for those out-of-pocket usually purchasing online someplace where it's cheaper. I do save money monthly somewhere between 5$0 and $75 a month to pay for contacts and any of the co-pays just in case my frames goes over my allotted amount.

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