How Much Do Prescription Lenses Cost? A Complete Guide to Vision Saving

More than 164 million Americans use spectacles or contact lenses, yet how much are they paying for prescription lenses? Many people worry about rising prescription eyewear costs. Vision care is vital, but the cost of eye exams, lenses, frames, and other accessories can easily pile up. Indeed, most individuals face challenges, paying for the prescription glasses and eye care they require. Luckily, solutions exist to reduce the cost of prescription lenses and vision care services.

One of these is the Beem Healthcare Program, which offers access to discounted prescription lenses, eye exams, and more. Whether you require single-vision lenses or special coatings, Beem saves you money without sacrificing quality. In this guide, we will explain what affects the price of prescription lenses and how you can lower those costs while still receiving the care your eyes need.

What Goes Into the Cost of Prescription Lenses?

When you purchase prescription lenses, there’s much more involved than just picking a pair of frames and lenses. Various factors contribute to the cost, including the type of lenses, any add-ons you opt for, and where you buy them. Let’s break down the components that can impact the overall price of your prescription eyewear.

• Types of Lenses: The most basic lenses are single-vision lenses, which are designed for one type of vision correction, whether for nearsightedness or farsightedness. For people who need help seeing at different distances, there are bifocal lenses, which feature two distinct areas: distance and near vision. Progressive lenses are another option, offering a smooth transition between different focal lengths without the visible lines you see in bifocals.
  
• Add-ons: Besides the basic lenses, many people opt for special coatings and treatments to protect their lenses and improve their visual experience. Anti-reflective coatings help reduce glare from screens and headlights, blue light filters help protect against digital eye strain, scratch resistance extends the life of your lenses, and photochromic lenses adjust to changes in light by darkening in bright conditions. These extras can significantly add to the cost of your prescription lenses.

Read Related Article: Common Misconceptions About Diabetic Supplies Discounts

Average Costs by Type

Prescription lenses can range from affordable to quite expensive, depending on what you choose. Here’s a breakdown of average costs by lens type:

• Basic Single-Vision Lenses: These are typically the least expensive option, ranging from $50 to $100 or more. The cost will rise if you opt for additional features like an anti-reflective coating.
• Progressive Lenses: These lenses provide a gradual shift between different focal lengths and are more expensive. They typically range from $150 to $400 or higher, depending on the quality of the lens, the type of material used, and the brand.
• Specialty Coatings: Additional coatings like scratch resistance, anti-glare, and blue light filters can cost anywhere from $20 to $150, depending on the type of treatment and the provider.

While these are general ranges, it’s essential to understand that prices vary based on location, retailer, and insurance coverage.

Retail Markups and Insurance Gaps

Retail markups are among the biggest reasons for the wide range of prescription lens prices. Optical retailers often significantly mark up the cost of frames and lenses, sometimes by hundreds of dollars. For instance, a pair of frames might cost $50 to make, but can be sold for $200 or more in-store. On the other hand, insurance often covers only part of the cost, leaving you to pay the remainder out of pocket.

In addition to the markup, insurance coverage for prescription lenses is typically limited. Most insurance plans only cover basic frames and lenses and may not cover add-ons like specialty coatings or progressive lenses. As a result, many people pay more than expected, even with insurance coverage.

Retail Prices vs. Discounted Programs: What’s the Difference?

Standard Optical Retailers

When you visit an optical chain like LensCrafters, Visionworks, or Walmart Vision, you’ll likely encounter many frames and lenses, but the prices can be steep. For example, basic single-vision lenses can start at around $100, and premium options like progressive lenses can run $400 or more. While these retailers offer convenience and a wide selection, the markup on lenses and frames can be significant.

Additionally, some optical chains offer package deals, which bundle the price of frames and lenses. While this can be convenient, the prices for these packages may still be higher than what you’d pay with a discount program like Beem.

Online Optical Retailers

Online retailers like Warby Parker and Zenni Optical are becoming increasingly popular due to their lower prices and convenience. These stores often offer basic prescription lenses and frames at a fraction of the cost of in-person retailers, with prices starting as low as $20 for frames and lenses. However, there are some drawbacks to shopping online.

One of the main challenges is the fit. It can be difficult to determine the right fit for your face when purchasing online, and some online retailers may not offer the same level of customer service or personalized care as traditional optical shops. Additionally, online retailers may have limited options for customized prescriptions or coatings.

Beem Healthcare Program

The Beem Healthcare Program provides an excellent alternative for those looking to save on prescription lenses. Beem partners with a network of trusted vision professionals and optical providers to offer discounted prices on lenses, exams, and frames. Using Beem, you can access savings on various vision care services, ensuring you don’t have to sacrifice quality for affordability.

The best part is that Beem’s discounts can be combined with other savings options, such as insurance. This allows you to maximize your savings without compromising on care.

Read Related Article: Budget-Friendly Vision Care: How to Save on Eye Health

The Cost of Cutting Corners on Vision Care

Cheap Doesn’t Always Mean Value

While it may be tempting to opt for the cheapest prescription lenses available, it’s important to remember that you get what you pay for. Low-quality lenses may save you money upfront, but they can cause problems. Issues like eye strain, headaches, and blurry vision can occur if the lenses don’t match your prescription or are made from subpar materials.

Additionally, lenses without coatings like anti-reflective or scratch-resistant layers can be more prone to damage. They may require frequent replacements, ultimately costing more in the long run.

Limited Warranties or Adjustments

Another risk of going for the cheapest option is the lack of warranties or adjustments. Some online retailers or discount stores may not offer in-person fittings or the ability to adjust your lenses if they’re not fitting properly. This can lead to discomfort and a suboptimal visual experience.

How Beem Bridges the Gap

Beem provides an affordable solution that doesn’t compromise on quality. Through Beem’s network of vision care providers, you can access high-quality lenses, frames, and exams at discounted prices. Beem ensures you receive the best possible care, with access to personalized fittings and long-term support.

Other Ways to Save on Prescription Lenses

Use Your HSA or FSA

If you have a Health Savings Account or Flexible Spending Account, you can use these funds to pay for your prescription lenses and related vision care expenses. Most lens purchases, even from online retailers, qualify for HSA or FSA reimbursement, making saving on eyewear easier.

Shop Around—Literally

Another way to save is by comparing prices across different retailers. It’s always a good idea to shop online at local optometrists or optical stores to find the best deals on prescription lenses and frames.

Combine Beem With Insurance

Beem’s savings can be stacked with your existing insurance coverage, allowing you to get the most out of both. You can use your insurance to cover eye exams and other services while taking advantage of Beem’s discounts on lenses and frames.

Read Related Article: Does Health Insurance Cover Hair Transplant?

Conclusion

Prescription lenses can cost hundreds of dollars, but with the right strategies and programs like Beem, you don’t have to break the bank. By understanding what goes into the cost of prescription lenses and exploring different ways to save, you can keep your vision care affordable without sacrificing quality.

Sign up for the Beem Healthcare Program and start saving on prescription lenses, eye exams, and more. Protect your eyes and your wallet with Beem’s affordable vision care options. Don’t overpay for prescription lenses again—take control of your eye care today! Download the app here.

FAQs for How Much Do Prescription Lenses Cost