Are Eyeglasses Covered Under an FSA?

A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) allows individuals to set aside pre-tax money from their salary to cover qualified medical and healthcare expenses. Contributions are deducted from an employee’s paycheck before taxes, lowering taxable income and reducing out-of-pocket spending.

Eyeglasses and FSA Eligibility

Prescription eyeglasses are generally eligible for Flexible Spending Account reimbursement. This includes prescription lenses and frames, as they are medical devices correcting vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. IRS guidelines classify products that diagnose, treat, or correct a medical condition as reimbursable, which includes prescription eyewear.

This eligibility extends to various prescription lenses, including single vision, bifocal, and progressive lenses, which all serve to improve eyesight. Additionally, prescription sunglasses are covered by an FSA, as they combine vision correction with protection from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. However, non-prescription items are generally not eligible for FSA reimbursement. This means decorative frames without corrective lenses or non-prescription sunglasses, unless deemed medically necessary by a doctor, usually cannot be purchased with FSA funds.

Other Eligible Vision Expenses

Beyond prescription eyeglasses, FSAs cover a range of other vision-related expenses. Routine eye examinations are eligible, as they are essential for maintaining eye health. The cost of prescription contact lenses, along with necessary supplies like contact lens solutions, also qualifies for FSA reimbursement.

Certain vision correction surgeries, such as LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) and PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy), are also typically covered by an FSA. They are eligible if an ophthalmologist deems them medically necessary. Funds can also be used for related expenses like pre-operative evaluations, post-operative medications, and even repair kits for existing eyeglasses.

How to Use Your FSA for Vision Costs

To use FSA funds for vision expenses, careful attention to documentation is important. When making a purchase, it is advisable to obtain an itemized receipt from the eye care provider or optical shop. This receipt should clearly display the date of service, a detailed description of the item or service received, and the total cost. If seeking reimbursement for prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses, retaining a copy of the prescription is also recommended, as it validates the medical necessity of the purchase.

Many FSA plans provide a dedicated debit card, which can be used directly at the point of purchase, similar to a regular credit or debit card. When using an FSA debit card, the merchant’s system often automatically verifies the eligibility of the expense. If an FSA card is not available or accepted, individuals typically pay out-of-pocket and then submit a claim for reimbursement. This usually involves completing a claim form through an online portal, mobile application, or by mailing the form along with the required itemized receipts. After submission, claims are processed, and reimbursement is typically issued via direct deposit or check, with processing times varying but often ranging from a few business days to about a week.