December arrives with more than holiday celebrations. It also brings a deadline most people overlook: the expiration of annual vision benefits. Most vision insurance plans reset on January 1st, which means unused benefits don’t carry over to the next year. If you haven’t had your annual eye exam or updated your glasses this year, those benefits you’ve already paid for through your premiums simply disappear.
At Focused Eye Care, we work with a broad range of medical insurance carriers and vision care plans throughout New Hampshire. Our team in Nashua and Milford can help you maximize your insurance coverage before the calendar year ends. We make it easy to verify your benefits and schedule your appointment so you can use what you’ve already earned.
How Vision Insurance Actually Works
Vision insurance benefits vary significantly depending on your specific plan type and coverage period. Many plans follow a “use it or lose it” structure where benefits reset annually, though the reset date depends on your plan’s benefit period—some follow the calendar year while others may renew at different times throughout the year.
Your plan may include coverage for eye exams, an allowance for eyewear, or discount-only benefits on services and products. The specific benefits available depend entirely on your individual plan structure. You’ve already paid for these services through your insurance premiums or enrollment. Using your benefits means claiming what you’ve purchased. When you skip your scheduled exam or delay getting new eyewear, you may be leaving money on the table.
Focused Eye Care works with a broad range of medical insurance carriers and vision care plans. We accept most VSP and EyeMed plans, along with various medical insurance providers. Visit our insurance page to learn more about accepted plans, or call our office to confirm we work with your specific carrier.
What Most Plans Cover
An annual comprehensive eye exam is typically covered with little to no copay. This exam does more than check your vision. We screen for serious conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic eye disease, and dry eye symptoms. Early detection of these conditions can preserve your vision and prevent more serious complications down the road.
Most plans provide an allowance for frames and lenses. If you’ve worn the same glasses for several years, now is the time to update them at minimal cost. Your prescription may have changed gradually, and older frames might no longer provide optimal clarity and comfort. Even small prescription changes can cause eye strain, headaches, and fatigue.
Additional Coverage Options
Many insurance plans offer coverage or discounts for contact lenses. Some plans let you choose between contacts and glasses each year. Beyond basic vision correction, your insurance may provide discounts on advanced services like dry eye treatment, specialty lens coatings, or prescription sunglasses. These extras can significantly improve your visual comfort and protect your eyes from harmful UV rays.
Common Vision Insurance Providers We Accept
We work with major vision insurance carriers to make your care accessible and affordable. Whether you have coverage through your employer or purchased an individual plan, our team can verify your benefits and explain exactly what’s covered. Common plans we accept include UnitedHealthcare, Humana, and many others. We handle the paperwork so you can focus on your eye health.
Each insurance plan structures its benefits differently. Some provide full coverage for exams with a separate allowance for materials. Others offer package deals or tiered coverage based on provider networks. Our staff takes time to explain your specific benefits so you know what to expect before your appointment.
Why Scheduling Before December Makes Financial Sense
Booking your eye exam before December allows you to use your current year’s benefits while setting yourself up for next year. If you need new glasses or additional treatment, you may be able to split costs between two benefit years. This approach helps you afford higher-quality frames, progressive lenses, or multiple pairs of eyewear.
December appointments fill quickly as patients rush to use their benefits, so we recommend scheduling now. Calling as soon as possible gives you better flexibility with scheduling. We’re available 24/7 for emergency eye care, but routine appointments should be scheduled ahead to secure your preferred time.
Special Considerations for Families
If you have family coverage through your vision plan, before December is the time to schedule exams for everyone. Children’s eye exams are particularly important as vision problems can affect learning and development. Many parents don’t realize their child’s vision has changed until they see the difference new glasses make in school performance and daily activities.
Family scheduling also makes logistical sense. Booking multiple appointments before the end of the year means everyone starts the new year with clear vision and up-to-date prescriptions. You can often schedule back-to-back appointments to minimize trips to our office.
Schedule Your Appointment at Focused Eye Care
Using your vision benefits before they expire is a smart health decision this year. Our doctors have been voted “Best Optometrist” in the greater Nashua area multiple times by readers of the Nashua Telegraph. All of our experienced doctors are members of both the American Optometric Association and the New Hampshire Optometric Association. Our highly trained team of opticians, certified para-optometric and contact lens technicians, and office staff is committed to providing you with exceptional care.
We use advanced diagnostic technologies and maintain a state-of-the-art finishing lab in our Nashua office so we can fabricate, adjust, and repair your eyewear accurately and quickly. Don’t let your vision benefits go to waste. Book your appointment today and see clearly as you enter the new year.
