Can You Use Your FSA for an Eye Exam?

A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) allows individuals to set aside pre-tax money from their paycheck to cover eligible healthcare expenses. This arrangement provides a tax advantage, reducing taxable income. Eye exams are generally considered an eligible expense for FSA reimbursement, making them a common use for these accounts.

Vision Expenses Eligible for FSA

Routine eye exams are eligible for FSA reimbursement. This includes comprehensive check-ups by an optometrist or ophthalmologist to assess vision and eye health. Diagnostic tests during an eye exam to identify or monitor medical conditions, such as glaucoma or cataracts, also qualify.

Beyond the examination, other vision-related costs can be covered by an FSA. Prescription eyeglasses, including frames and corrective lenses, are eligible expenses. Similarly, prescription contact lenses and associated cleaning and storage solutions qualify for reimbursement.

Medically necessary vision correction surgeries, such as LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) or PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy), are also FSA-eligible. These procedures must be performed to correct a vision impairment, not for cosmetic purposes.

Using Your FSA for Vision Care

Using your FSA for vision expenses involves two primary methods. Many FSA plans issue a dedicated debit card, usable directly at the time of service or purchase. This offers immediate payment from your FSA funds.

Alternatively, you can pay for the vision care expense out-of-pocket and then seek reimbursement from your FSA administrator. For reimbursement, submit a claim with supporting documentation. Documentation commonly includes an itemized receipt from the vision care provider or optical shop.

If insurance was involved, an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) statement is required to show what was covered and your out-of-pocket responsibility. For prescription items like glasses or contact lenses, a copy of the prescription may be needed to verify medical necessity. Claims are usually submitted through the FSA administrator’s online portal or via mail, with reimbursement typically issued within a few business days.

Key FSA Rules for Vision Expenses

The “use it or lose it” principle means FSA funds not used by the end of the plan year are forfeited. However, some employers offer a grace period, extending the deadline for spending funds by up to 2.5 months into the new plan year. Other plans may allow a limited amount, such as up to $670 for the 2025 plan year, to be carried over into the next year.

All vision expenses must be incurred within the FSA plan year to be eligible for reimbursement. This means the service must be rendered or the item purchased during the specific dates defined by your plan. Planning your vision care needs, such as scheduling eye exams or purchasing new corrective lenses, within this timeframe helps maximize your FSA benefit.

Certain items are not covered by FSAs. These include cosmetic procedures, non-prescription sunglasses, or decorative contact lenses, as they do not serve a medical or corrective vision purpose. Understanding these limitations helps ensure your FSA funds are used for eligible expenses.