While you do not want to ignore the health of your eyes, you also want to stay within your budget when seeking an exam from an eye doctor. Our eye doctors have the latest on what to expect in fees and rates in 2022.
National Costs Stats: How Much Is An MyEyeDr Eye Exam Without Insurance?
The national average for an eye exam with and without insurance differ significantly.
For individuals without insurance, the average cost of an eye exam depends on the eye test, location and the type of eye doctor you choose to visit in your local area.
Combining national averages from FAIR Health and VSP, you can expect to pay:
- $171-$200 is the average cost of an eye exam without insurance (first visit)
- $128 for recurring patient visits
- $46 for refractive vision tests
With that said, keep in mind these are averages.
Eye exams fees without insurance can start as low as $50.
You’ll find big brand names like Walmart and America’s Best will offer the cheapest options. We suggest calling several optical/optometry offices near you to find the best eye exam rates for your needs.
Other important facts to remember:
- You can expect to pay slightly more on your 1st visit compared to future visits.
- People in large metropolitan areas (especially those who live by the coast) can expect to pay more for eye care services than those inland.
According to VSP, 80% of initial eye exams are priced at or below $200. But keep in mind the cost of a contact lens exam will be more.
Of course, the average cost of an eye exam may be slightly lower and or higher per individual depending on the factors mentioned above.
To check the cost of an eye exam without insurance near you, check out FairHealth.
Why Is The Cost Of A Contact Lens Exam More?
Simply put — because a contact lens exam involves additional testing.
A typical contact lens exam will include:
- Several tests to determine what size and type of contacts are best for you
- Verify that the contact lenses fit correctly
- A contact lens prescription
- A follow up visit after your appointment to make sure the lenses are fitting properly
EYE EXAM FAQS:
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AT MY EYE EXAM?
If you haven’t had an eye exam in a couple of years, if you’re a parent looking to schedule your child’s first eye exam, or if you’re new to MyEyeDr. vision care centers, this section is for you!
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I HAVE AN EYE EXAM?
We recommend that everyone over the age of five have a complete eye exam every year. If you’re experiencing eye discomfort, vision loss, or blurry vision, you should schedule an eye exam even if your last eye exam was less than a year ago.
WHEN SHOULD MY CHILD HAVE HIS/HER FIRST EYE EXAM?
Doctors recommend that every child have their first eye exam by an eye doctor before they start school. If parents notice vision problems before, make sure to schedule an appointment with one of our trusted doctors.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD CHILDREN HAVE EYE EXAMS?
Children should have eye exams every 12 months.
HOW MUCH DOES AN EYE EXAM COST?
Accept most major vision insurance plans, including VSP, and we will gladly file your insurance claim for you. If you don’t have insurance, MyEyeDr. offers options to help make vision care affordable.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN EYE EXAM AND A CONTACT LENS EVALUATION?
A comprehensive eye exam consists of a series of tests to determine overall eye health and vision correction needs. A contact lens exam is additional testing to fit the patient in the best contact lenses for their eye and prescription.
WHAT ARE RETINAL PHOTOS AND WHY DO I NEED THEM?
The retina is the cellophane-thick layer in the back of the eye composed of rods and cones that is responsible for sending light images to the brain for processing what we experience as vision. Retinal photos allow your doctor to evaluate your retina the day of your exam and furthermore document its appearance for comparison at subsequent exams. This is crucial to maintaining lifelong vision health.
WILL MY EYES BE DILATED DURING MY EXAM?
Dilation is not necessary for every patient, every year. However, this is largely dependent on the health of your eyes at the time of your visit.
CAN I DRIVE IF MY EYES HAVE BEEN DILATED?
Dilation usually affects near vision the most, leaving distance vision relatively unchanged. This means that with a good pair of sunglasses, most people are able to comfortably drive. If you are concerned about this, however, we suggest you bring someone with you to drive.
WHY DO I NEED THE PUFF OF AIR TEST?
During a routine eye test, we test your intraocular pressure (IOP), which measures your risk for several potentially blinding diseases such as glaucoma. This is done with an instrument known as a non-contact tonometer. This “puff of air” is an excellent way for patients to have this test, as it is quick and painless. If you prefer, we have other options for measurement. We want to ensure that our patients are as comfortable as possible!
