As the year winds down and the holidays take over our calendars, it’s easy to forget the basics, like how your 2025 vision insurance benefits might expire soon.
At Hartland Eye Care, we want to make sure patients in Hartland Township and the surrounding communities get the most out of the coverage they’ve already paid for.
Whether you’ve been meaning to book an eye exam, try contact lenses for the first time, or finally replace those glasses you’ve had since college, now’s the time to act.
What “Use It or Lose It” Actually Means
Most vision insurance plans renew on January 1st. That means any unused benefits left in your 2025 plan will not roll over.
The average vision insurance plan covers:
- One comprehensive eye exam per year
- A stipend for glasses or contact lenses
- Partial or complete coverage for specialty lenses or treatments
- Discounts on medical eye care services
If you haven’t used these benefits yet this year, you're leaving money on the table. More importantly, you’re missing out on preventive care that could catch issues before they become serious, especially for dry eye, glaucoma, and visual efficiency concerns.
Commonly Missed Eye Care Opportunities
You’d be surprised how many families come in during the last few weeks of the year and realize how much value they still have in their plans. Some of the most overlooked uses for vision benefits include:
- Dry Eye Treatments: Colder weather and indoor heating make dry eyes worse. If you’ve noticed more irritation, now’s the time to address it with covered therapies.
- Contact Lens Fittings: Switching to contacts or upgrading to scleral lenses might be more affordable than you think, especially if your benefits are about to reset.
- Vision Therapy: If your child has been struggling with reading, focus, or headaches at school, your FSA or HSA dollars may be applied toward a vision therapy evaluation and plan.
- Myopia Management for Kids: Nearsightedness tends to progress during the school year. If your child is due for an eye exam or a check-in on their myopia control plan, don’t wait until January.
Make the Most of What You’ve Already Paid For
Vision insurance isn’t a bonus; it’s part of your compensation. Whether it’s through an employer, a private plan, or your partner’s benefits, you’re already paying for coverage. But national surveys show that nearly half of all insured individuals don’t use their full benefits by year’s end.
Between work, school, and the stress of the holidays, the last thing on your list might be eye care. But here’s the good news: you don’t need to overthink it.
Most people in Hartland can get a complete eye exam and pick up new glasses or contacts with little or no out-of-pocket cost. If your plan includes an FSA or HSA, you may even be able to use those funds on specialized care, like dry eye treatments, updated prescriptions, or therapeutic lenses.
And yes, we’ll help you understand what your plan covers before your visit, so there are no surprises.
Common Questions We Hear in November & December
“Can I use my FSA for eyeglasses or contact lenses?”
Yes, and it’s one of the most efficient ways to use up your funds. If your prescription is current, you can come in and shop for glasses or order contacts with your FSA card before the deadline. If it’s not, schedule a quick exam, and we’ll get you squared away before the year ends.
“What if I don't manage to book before New Year’s?”
Appointments in November and December fill up quickly, but we do everything we can to accommodate patients who need to use benefits before they expire. The sooner you call, the more likely we’ll be able to find a time that works for you.
“Does my child need another exam if they passed the school screening?”
Absolutely. School screenings check for basic vision, but they don’t catch more complex issues, especially ones related to how the eyes track and work together. We offer comprehensive pediatric exams and vision therapy evaluations that go far beyond reading letters on a wall.
Hartland Eye Care: Your Local Partner in Vision Health
We’re proud to care for the families of Hartland Township and our neighboring communities, especially during the busy holiday season. Our eye doctors are here to make sure you understand your benefits, get the care you need, and leave our office feeling confident about your eye health heading into the new year.
We offer everything from medical eye exams to advanced contact lens fittings, dry eye care, and customized vision therapy for kids and adults. If you’ve been putting off care or simply haven’t had the time, we’d love to help you wrap up the year on a high note.
Schedule your eye care appointment to use your remaining 2025 benefits before they expire. Your eyes and your wallet will thank you.