Eye test cost USA
US eye exam pricing has the widest spread of any country covered on this site. Cash prices run from $50 at warehouse chains to $250+ at private ophthalmology practices. Vision insurance (VSP, EyeMed, Davis Vision) typically caps the patient co-pay at $0 to $25 in-network. Medicare covers medical (diagnosis-driven) eye exams but not routine ones.
Cash prices at the main US chains
| Provider | Cash price |
|---|---|
| America's Best | $59 with 2-pair purchase, $79 standalone |
| Sam's Club Optical | $55 to $75 (members) |
| Costco Optical | $60 to $90 (members) |
| Walmart Vision Center | $75 to $100 |
| EyeMart Express | $70 to $95 |
| LensCrafters | $90 to $130 |
| Target Optical | $95 to $135 |
| Pearle Vision | $95 to $140 |
| Visionworks | $80 to $120 |
| Independent OD | $100 to $200 |
| Ophthalmologist (MD) | $150 to $300+ |
Prices reflect published US chain rates as of May 2026 and vary by location and promotion. Contact lens fitting adds $40 to $100 on top. See the dedicated cash-price guide for low-cost and free options.
CPT codes and what the optometrist bills
US eye care providers bill exams under Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes maintained by the American Medical Association. The four main eye exam codes are:
| CPT | Description | Medicare reference |
|---|---|---|
| 92002 | Intermediate eye exam, new patient | $54 to $72 |
| 92004 | Comprehensive eye exam, new patient | $130 to $160 |
| 92012 | Intermediate eye exam, established patient | $60 to $75 |
| 92014 | Comprehensive eye exam, established patient | $120 to $150 |
| 92310 | Contact lens fitting, initial | $80 to $120 |
| 92250 | Fundus photography | $50 to $80 |
| 92133 | OCT scanning of optic nerve | $40 to $50 |
| 92134 | OCT scanning of retina | $40 to $50 |
Medicare reference rates are nominal allowed amounts from the CMS Physician Fee Schedule; actual payment varies by region and provider type. Private insurance rates may be higher or lower; cash prices vary independently.
What insurance pays for an eye exam
VSP Vision Care
Typically $10 to $25 co-pay for an in-network exam every 12 months. Frame allowance $130 to $200, lens benefits included. Largest US vision network with around 39,000 providers.
EyeMed
Owned by Luxottica (parent of LensCrafters, Pearle Vision, Target Optical). $0 to $20 co-pay in-network. Strong network at Luxottica-owned locations.
Davis Vision
Common in employer-sponsored plans, particularly federal government and union benefits. $0 to $20 co-pay in-network, $100 to $130 frame allowance typical.
Spectera (UnitedHealthcare Vision)
Bundled with many UnitedHealthcare medical plans. Similar co-pay structure to VSP and EyeMed. In-network at most major US chains.
Out-of-network coverage is usually a partial reimbursement up to a stated allowance. You pay up front, submit a claim, and receive a portion back. The reimbursement is rarely enough to cover the full cash price at an out-of-network provider, so in-network is almost always more cost-effective.
Medicare: what is and is not covered
Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) deliberately excludes routine refraction exams for glasses. The rationale, set in the original 1965 Medicare statute, was that vision correction was not a hospital or physician medical service. That distinction still holds in 2026.
What Part B does cover, as medical (not routine) services:
- Annual diabetic retinopathy screening for beneficiaries with diabetes, performed by an ophthalmologist or optometrist licensed by the state.
- Glaucoma testing once every 12 months for beneficiaries at high risk: those with diabetes, family history of glaucoma, African Americans age 50+, or Hispanic Americans age 65+.
- Age-related macular degeneration assessment and treatment including diagnostic imaging and approved intravitreal injection therapies.
- Cataract surgery and pre/post-op care including a basic set of glasses or contact lenses after cataract surgery (the only routine glasses coverage in Original Medicare).
Patient cost share for covered medical eye services: 20% coinsurance after the Part B deductible ($240 in 2026), unless you have a Medigap policy that picks up the coinsurance.
Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans frequently add a routine eye exam benefit not present in Original Medicare. Coverage is plan-specific: most cover one routine exam annually with $0 to $30 co-pay, plus a frame and lens allowance. Always verify with the plan before booking; the federal Medicare Plan Finder shows vision benefits side by side.
Common questions
How much does an eye exam cost in the US without insurance?
Typical cash prices range from $50 at America's Best (with a two-pair purchase) to over $250 at private ophthalmologist practices. Big-box chains such as Costco Optical ($60 to $90 for members), Walmart Vision Center ($75 to $100), and Sam's Club Optical ($55 to $75 for members) are towards the lower end. National chains LensCrafters, Pearle Vision, Visionworks, and Target Optical cluster around $90 to $130 cash.
Does Medicare cover routine eye exams?
Original Medicare (Part B) does not cover routine eye exams for glasses or contact lenses. It does cover medical eye exams when there is a diagnosis: annual diabetic retinopathy screening, glaucoma testing for high-risk patients, age-related macular degeneration treatment, and cataract assessment. Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans often add a routine eye exam benefit; coverage varies plan by plan.
What is the difference between an eye exam and a contact lens exam?
A standard eye exam is for glasses prescription and eye health. A contact lens exam adds a fitting evaluation: measuring corneal curvature, assessing tear film, and trial lens fitting. It is billed separately and typically adds $40 to $100 to the standard exam fee. CPT codes 92310 (initial fitting) and 92312 (replacement) cover the contact lens evaluation.
Does VSP or EyeMed cover the full eye exam cost?
Most major vision plans cover a routine eye exam every 12 months with a co-pay of $0 to $25 at in-network providers. Contact lens fittings, OCT scans, retinal photography, and other extras may have separate co-pays or fees. Out-of-network providers usually offer partial reimbursement only. Check your specific plan details; networks and co-pays vary substantially.
Can I use FSA or HSA funds for an eye exam?
Yes. Eye exams, prescription glasses, prescription sunglasses, and contact lenses are all qualified medical expenses under both Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) rules. Many vision plans coordinate automatically; otherwise pay out of pocket and submit receipts for reimbursement.
What CPT codes do US optometrists use for eye exams?
The main four CPT codes are 92002 (intermediate new patient), 92004 (comprehensive new patient), 92012 (intermediate established patient), and 92014 (comprehensive established patient). Most routine exams are coded 92004 or 92014. CMS publishes the Medicare reimbursement rate each year; these set a benchmark that private insurance and cash prices reference.
Sources
Related guides
Eye exam cost without insurance USA
Cash prices and low-cost options.
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UK, US, Canada, Australia, Ireland side by side.
NHS vs private (UK)
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OCT scan cost
CPT 92133/92134 reimbursement detail.