Like many health care expenses, the cost of eye exams, eyeglasses and contact lenses can be significant.

Thankfully, vision insurance plans like those provided by EyeMed Vision Care can make eye care and vision correction much more affordable.

Here are key facts about EyeMed vision insurance and how eye doctors who accept EyeMed plans can help you purchase the best quality eyewear at a significant discount.

NEED A DOCTOR? Click here to find an eye doctor who takes EyeMed vision insurance.

What is EyeMed?

EyeMed is a major U.S. vision benefits company that serves 46 million members. EyeMed members can choose from as many as 87,500 eye care providers nationwide to obtain their vision care and eyewear benefits, according to the company's website.

How much money can I save with EyeMed?

EyeMed Vision Care provides significant discounts on the cost of an annual eye exam and the cost of eyeglasses and contact lenses.

Compared to what you might pay for a comprehensive eye exam and pair of glasses without vision insurance, EyeMed members can save as much as 73 percent, according to the company. (The actual amount you save will depend on which EyeMed plan you have and the type of eyeglass lenses, frames and special features you choose.)

EyeMed vision care insurance is like a gift card that makes premium eyewear more affordable.

In addition to significant discounts on annual exams and eyeglasses, EyeMed members are eligible for other savings when using an in-network EyeMed provider, including:

• 40 percent off additional pairs of glasses after the initial benefit has been used
• 20 percent off any item not covered by the plan, including non-prescription sunglasses
• 20 percent off any frame balance after the initial benefit has been used

Savings also are available when purchasing contact lenses, with benefits varying depending on the type of EyeMed vision care plan you choose.

Also, EyeMed discounts are available for LASIK and PRK vision correction surgery when the procedures are performed by refractive surgeons in the U.S. Laser Network (owned and operated by LCA-Vision).

How much does EyeMed Vision Care cost?

EyeMed Vision Care offers a variety of vision plans with different levels of benefits. Costs start at $5.00 per month for individual plans to $30 per month for family plans.
Where can I get EyeMed?

EyeMed Vision Care plans frequently are provided as part of your overall benefits package from your employer. Contact your Human Resources department to see if EyeMed is offered at your workplace.

You also can purchase an individual or family plan at the EyeMed Vision Care website.

Where can I find an EyeMed provider?

More than 44,000 independent and retail-affiliated eye doctors are part of the EyeMed network, according to the company. EyeMed providers include optometrists affiliated with LensCrafters, Pearle Vision, JCPenney Optical, Sears Optical and Target Optical.

Can I go to an out-of-network provider?

You can, but savings are limited compared with seeing an in-network EyeMed provider.

Also, you'll need to pay at the time of service if you use an out-of-network provider, then submit a claim form to EyeMed for reimbursement. If you see an in-network provider, EyeMed takes care of all the paperwork for you.

What's the best way to use my EyeMed Vision Care benefits?

Eye care is important and quality eyewear isn't cheap. No vision insurance will cover the entire cost of your eye exam, eyeglasses and contact lenses — especially if you want the best eyewear possible.

With EyeMed Vision Care benefits, you don't have to compromise when selecting eyewear — in particular, when choosing lenses for your glasses.

Premium eyeglass lens features like anti-reflective coating, photochromic lenses, and the latest progressive lenses can give you clearer, more comfortable vision than standard plastic lenses.

Without EyeMed vision insurance benefits, however, the cost of these products may challenge your budget.

Essentially, your EyeMed plan works like a gift card — it helps make the best eyeglass lenses and frames significantly more affordable.

With EyeMed Vision Care, you don't have to settle for second-rate eyewear with basic, no-name or unfamiliar "private brand" lenses. EyeMed can help you afford premium brands for clearest, most comfortable vision possible.

No vision insurance will provide 100 percent coverage, but the valuable benefits and gift card function of your EyeMed plan can make even the best brands of eyewear affordable and within your reach.

What if I don't have EyeMed insurance?

If you aren't an EyeMed Vision Care member, you may have other vision insurance benefits at work administered by a different vision benefits company. EyeMed's largest competitor is a company called VSP Vision Care.

Read our article about VSP, which offers helpful tips on how to get the greatest value from your vision insurance plan — these steps apply to EyeMed Vision Care insurance as well.

Where can I get more information about EyeMed?

For more information about EyeMed Vision Care benefits and EyeMed providers, visit www.eyemedvisioncare.com.

NEED A DOCTOR? Click here to find an eye doctor who accepts EyeMed vision insurance.