Why Year-End Deadlines Matter for Vision Plans
You pay for your vision benefits. This can be through your employer, your insurance premium, or a flexible spending account (FSA). But what happens if you don’t use them before the year ends? In many cases, those benefits simply expire.
Most vision insurance plans follow the calendar year, meaning any unused coverage resets on January 1.
That includes:
- Annual eye exams
- Coverage for new glasses or contact lenses
- FSA dollars set aside for vision care
Haven't had your eye exam this year, or need new frames? Now is the time. You can still get it done before your benefits disappear.
Don’t Leave Money (or Vision) on the Table
Think of it this way: if your plan includes one fully covered eye exam per year and you skip it, you’re letting that value go to waste. Even if your vision seems stable, your eye health can change without warning. Conditions like glaucoma, retinal damage, or early signs of diabetes can be found during an exam.
In terms of eyewear, most insurance plans provide an allowance toward frames or lenses. If you haven’t used that yet, you could be missing out on hundreds of dollars in coverage. Why not use those benefits to get that second pair of glasses, transition lenses, or backup contacts?
Get Seen Before the Rush
It’s no secret: the end of the year is a busy time for everyone. But it’s also the busiest time in our appointment book. That’s because more patients start to realize they’re running out of time to use their vision benefits.
Whether you need a routine check-up or want to update your look with new frames, we recommend booking your appointment early to lock in a convenient time.
What Can I Use My Vision Benefits For?
Vision coverage varies by plan, but many patients often overlook the extent of what it typically includes.
If you have insurance or a flexible spending account (FSA), you may still have access to:
- A comprehensive eye exam with little to no out-of-pocket cost
- An allowance for prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses
- Coverage for lens upgrades like anti-glare, transitions, or blue light filters
- FSA funds you can apply toward dry eye treatments, specialty contacts, or even prescription sunglasses
Still not sure what your plan includes? Our eye care team can help you review your benefits and make sure you don’t miss a single dollar.
Can I Roll Over My FSA or Vision Benefits?
In most cases, no. Vision insurance plans typically reset on January 1, and unused benefits don’t roll over into the next year.
FSAs are even stricter—if you have leftover funds, they usually vanish at midnight on December 31. Some employers give a short grace period. They may also let you carry over a small amount, usually up to $640 in 2025. However, most of your FSA funds are “use it or lose it.”
Your Eyes Deserve Priority
The end of the year sneaks up fast, and between holidays, travel, and everything else on your plate, it’s easy to push off an eye exam. But your vision is too important to treat as an afterthought.
Using your benefits now is a smart choice, both for your wallet and your health.
Eye Care in North Miami Beach — Before the Clock Runs Out
At BenNissan Eyes, we’ve been helping families in North Miami Beach make the most of their benefits since 1991. If you still have unused coverage this year, now’s the time to take advantage of it.
Give us a call at 305-538-1201 or /request-an-appointment/ today. Let’s make sure your benefits go toward protecting your eyes—not back into your insurance company’s pocket.