How Many Pairs of Glasses Can You Buy With FSA?

A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is an employer-sponsored benefit allowing individuals to set aside pre-tax money for various out-of-pocket healthcare expenses. Contributions to an FSA are deducted from an employee’s paycheck, reducing taxable income. This financial tool helps individuals manage anticipated health costs, including those related to vision care.

FSA Eligibility for Eyewear

There is no specific limit on the number of pairs of glasses an individual can purchase with FSA funds; the constraint is the total dollar amount available in their FSA account. Funds can be used for various types of prescription eyewear, including distance, reading, bifocal, and trifocal lenses. Prescription sunglasses are also eligible, provided they correct vision and are medically necessary.

Over-the-counter reading glasses may be eligible if they help improve vision. However, non-prescription fashion glasses or non-prescription colored contact lenses are generally not eligible, as they do not serve a medical purpose to correct vision. Beyond glasses, FSA funds can cover other essential vision expenses such as eye exams, contact lenses, and contact lens solutions.

Using Your FSA for Vision Purchases

Individuals typically have two primary methods for using their FSA funds for vision purchases. Many employers issue an FSA debit card, which functions similarly to a regular debit card but is linked directly to the FSA account. This card can be used at the point of sale, such as optical shops, optometrist offices, or eligible online retailers, for immediate payment of qualified expenses. When using the card, it is advisable to select “credit” at checkout, even though it is a debit card.

Alternatively, individuals can pay for eligible expenses out-of-pocket and then submit a claim for reimbursement from their FSA. For reimbursement, specific documentation is required by the IRS. This typically includes an itemized receipt detailing the date of service or purchase, the vendor’s name, a clear description of the item (e.g., “prescription eyeglasses”), and the amount paid. A copy of the prescription is also often needed, especially for new eyewear or specialized items like prescription sunglasses.

Credit card receipts, canceled checks, or balance forward statements alone are generally insufficient as supporting documentation; an itemized statement is usually required. Claims can often be submitted through online portals, mobile apps, or by mail. Reimbursement timelines can vary, but generally range from a few business days to approximately one week after submission.

Common Questions About FSA and Glasses

A feature of FSAs is the “use-it-or-lose-it” rule, which generally requires funds to be spent by the end of the plan year or they are forfeited. To mitigate this, employers may offer a grace period, typically extending up to two and a half months into the new plan year for incurring eligible expenses, or a carryover provision, allowing a portion of unused funds (e.g., up to $660 for plan years ending in 2025) to roll into the next year. It is important to confirm with the specific plan administrator which, if any, of these options are available, as an employer can offer either a grace period or a carryover, but not both.

FSA funds can be used for eligible expenses incurred by the account holder, their spouse, and qualified dependents. This includes biological, adopted, or foster children who are under age 27 by the end of the taxable year. Online purchases of glasses are permissible with FSA funds, provided the retailer is eligible and the same documentation rules apply.

In situations involving returns or exchanges, the impact on the FSA balance requires follow-up with the FSA administrator to ensure proper adjustment and adherence to IRS rules. When vision insurance is also in place, FSA funds can often be used to cover out-of-pocket costs such as deductibles, co-payments, or expenses exceeding insurance coverage limits. This allows for maximizing benefits by using pre-tax funds for expenses not covered by insurance.