Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Part B) may cover one set of eyeglasses with standard frames or one set of contact lenses when a beneficiary has cataract surgery to implant an intraocular lens. Original Medicare does not, however, cover eyeglasses for common vision problems such as astigmatism or near-sightedness.

Medicare beneficiaries who want routine vision coverage can consider looking for a Medicare Advantage plan (Medicare Part C) that offers vision. Plans that cover routine vision care may not be available where you live, so it’s important to compare plan benefits available in your local area.

99 percent of 2025 Medicare Advantage plans offer vision benefits that Original Medicare doesn’t cover, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.²

We offer plans from Humana, UnitedHealthcare^®, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield*, Aetna, Cigna Healthcare, Wellcare, or Kaiser Permanente.

Enrollment may be limited to certain times of the year. See why you may be able to enroll.

Does Medicare Advantage cover eyeglasses?

While Original Medicare doesn’t typically cover glasses, Medicare Advantage plans can cover things Original Medicare doesn’t, which can include the cost of eyeglasses and contact lenses. The actual plan benefits available where you live can vary, as well as their costs.

As mentioned above, Medicare Part B covers one pair of standard eyeglasses frames or one pair of contact lenses after qualifying cataract surgery. Medicare Part B does not, however, cover most eyeglasses or prescription contact lenses.

Other vision care services that may be covered by Original Medicare

Although Original Medicare coverage of eyeglasses is minimal, it does cover some other services related to vision care. Because Medicare Advantage plans are required to cover at least the same benefits as Original Medicare, they also offer the following benefits:

• Cataract surgery
  Cataract surgery may be covered by Medicare when deemed to be medically necessary.
  
  
• Glaucoma tests
  Medicare beneficiaries who are determined to be at an increased risk for glaucoma can have a glaucoma test covered by Medicare Part B once every 12 months. Hispanics aged 65 and older, African Americans aged 50 and older, people with diabetes and those who have a family history of glaucoma are at an increased risk for developing glaucoma.
  
  
• Macular degeneration tests and treatment
  Medicare Part B may provide coverage for certain tests and treatments for beneficiaries with age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
  
  
• Eye exams for people with diabetes
  Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes can have an annual eye exam covered by Medicare Part B to test for diabetic retinopathy.

Learn More About Medicare

Join our email series to receive your Medicare guide and the latest information about Medicare and Medicare Advantage.

Email Address

Sign me up!

Leave this field empty

By clicking "Sign me up!” you are agreeing to receive emails from MedicareAdvantage.com.

close

Thanks for signing up for our emails!

Your Medicare guide will arrive in your email inbox shortly. You can also look forward to informative email updates about Medicare and Medicare Advantage.

If you'd like to speak with an agent right away, we're standing by for that as well. Give us a call!

LICENSED AGENTS AVAILABLE NOW

1-800-557-6059

|

TTY 711, 24/7

Continue online

Finding a Medicare Advantage plan

To compare Medicare Advantage plans in your area and the benefits they offer, call to speak with a licensed insurance agent today.