Unused Vision Insurance: Use it or Lose it
- Allied Vision

- Nov 24, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: 16 hours ago
If you have vision insurance, there’s a good chance your benefits reset at the end of the calendar year. And once they expire, they’re gone. No rollover. No reimbursement. Just lost opportunities to protect your vision and lower your out-of-pocket expenses.
At Allied Vision, we help families in Lawrenceville stay on top of their vision care before those benefits disappear.
What Your Vision Insurance Actually Covers
Not sure what your vision plan covers? Many patients aren't aware of the full benefits they’re already paying for. Here's what most vision insurance benefits include:
Routine Eye Exams: Most insured plans include coverage for one comprehensive eye exam per year. Even if you have 20/20 vision, this appointment can catch signs of eye disease like glaucoma or macular degeneration early.
Eyeglass Frames & Lenses: Your plan likely includes an allowance toward eyeglass frames and lenses. If your prescription has changed, or you’re ready for something new, now’s the time to update your look.
Contact Lenses: Some insurance benefits plans offer contact lenses within the benefit year. If you’ve been meaning to try lenses or need a refill, your insurance may offset the cost.
Pediatric Vision Care: Vision insurance for children is a critical part of their overall health. Annual eye exams help detect issues that can affect school performance, such as blurry vision or difficulty reading.
Lens Enhancements: Upgrades like anti-glare coatings or photochromic lenses may be partially covered under your benefits. Ask our team which options make sense for your lifestyle.
Discounts on Additional Services: Many vision discount programs offer reduced pricing for services beyond your core coverage, including LASIK co-management, second pairs of glasses, and more.
6 Ways to Use Your Vision Insurance Before it Expires
Many patients in don’t realize how much they’re actually losing when they don’t take full advantage of their vision insurance plans. Here’s how to make sure you’re getting every dollar’s worth:
1. Schedule Your Comprehensive Eye Exam
Your annual eye exam isn’t just a box to check, it’s a crucial part of safeguarding your eye health. Eye exams can detect more than vision problems. They often reveal early signs of diabetes, high blood pressure, or other systemic health concerns.
2. Order Glasses or Contact Lenses
If your insurance plan includes an eyewear allowance, use it to upgrade your prescription glasses or stock up on contact lenses. Our optical team can help you find the right fit, especially if you’re juggling between work screens, reading glasses, or family eye insurance plans
3. Use Your FSA or HSA Funds
Got a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA)? These are typically “use it or lose it” funds, too. Glasses, routine eye exams, and even specialty lenses may qualify.
4. Check Vision Benefits for Your Children
As pediatric providers, we know that uncorrected vision can hinder learning. Many plans offer generous vision insurance for children, so don’t let that benefit expire. Our team is great with children and will make their eye exam quick and stress-free.
5. Ask About Vision Discount Options
If you’ve already used your annual benefits, some vision service plans, like Davis Vision or Superior Vision, still offer discount rates on additional eyewear, lens coatings, and services.
6. Talk to Our Team About Your Coverage
We work with a variety of insurance companies, and we’ll help you decode the fine print of your plan benefits. Not sure how much your vision insurance is covering? We’ll review what’s left in your benefit year and help you make the most of it.
Get Vision Care That Works for Your Life in New Jersey
Life in New Jersey is fast-paced, especially for families juggling school, sports, and busy work schedules. And with so many of us staring at screens for hours a day, vision fatigue is more common than ever.
At Allied Vision, our eye doctors understand the lifestyle and health needs of this community. Book your eye care appointment before the deadline passes to protect your vision and your wallet.




