ShopAsked and Answered: Can I use my FSA for my child's eye care?
It's back-to-school time, and as you scramble to get your kids ready for the new academic year, there may be more to think about than just picking up school supplies.
This is because August is Children's Eye Health and Safety Month, sponsored by the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO). Each year, the organization aims to provides information to the public that can help protect and preserve your child's eye health.
Luckily, whether you have a standard flexible spending account (FSA) or a limited care flexible spending account (LCFSA), your benefits can cover a significant portion of vision care expenses that can help your child see clearly throughout the coming school year. Here are just a few of the AAO's suggestions of what you should cover as the calendar flips to September and school gets underway.
Vision exams
According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), an eye exam is recommended for school-aged children every two years if there is no vision correction issue present, and those who need glasses or contact lenses should visit on an annual basis.
Before your kids get back in the classroom this fall, make an appointment with your optometrist to ensure your child's eyesight is healthy - and use your FSA to offset the costs.
Eyeglasses/contact lenses
Another good plan is to make sure your kids have up-to-date glasses and contact lenses that can stand up to the rigors of childhood. Your FSA covers reading glasses, prescription eyeglasses and prescription contact lenses.
If your child's eye wear is in need of an update, your FSA can cover the fresh new look they've been looking for. Visit our Optical Store to browse our selection of leading eye care brands.
Are all types of contacts covered?
If contacts are designed to correct vision problems, they're FSA-eligible. Though insurance companies might have their own policies regarding coverage of specific types or brands of lenses, they're usually reimbursable with your tax-free funds. Plus, unlike some insurance providers, which may not cover contact lenses in place of eyeglasses, if the contacts are prescribed to correct vision they are eligible, regardless of insurance plan coverage.
Vision correction accessories
Are you running low on contact lens solution? Has your child misplaced a carrying case? In addition to vision correction methods, your FSA covers a huge slate of products that can protect and prolong the lifespan of your kids' eyeglasses and contact lenses. Contact lens solution, eyeglass repair kits, cleaning cloths and much more are eligible for FSA reimbursement.
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From FSA basics to the most specific account details, in our weekly Asked and Answered column, our team gets to the bottom of your most-pressing flex spending questions. It appears every Wednesday, exclusively on the FSAstore.com Learning Center. And for the latest info about your health and financial wellness, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Use an FSA for Healthy Vision Month
May brings along lots of health initiatives, but did you know it's also Healthy Vision Month? This yearly initiative founded by the National Eye Institute (NEI) promotes getting regular eye exams and take care of eye health.
If you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), you can use the plan for lots of eye-related medical expenses. With an FSA, you can shop for prescription eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other applicable eye care accessories. You can also get an annual eye exam and visit different specialists to stay on top of your eye health year-round.
Here are some tips and FSA eligible products for eye care at FSAstore.com:
1) Schedule An Eye Exam & Get New Prescription Eyeglasses
Get a yearly eye exam and use your FSA to cover the cost, and then shop for glasses with your Flexible Spending Account.Glasses.com and FSAstore.com have partnered to provide a wide selection of prescription eyeglasses. Shop from top brands like Ray-Ban, Burberry, Oakley, Armani Exchange and more. Save $25 off orders of $100 or more!
Shop for glasses with your FSA
2) Shop for Eyeglass Accessories like Flents Wipe N Clear Pre-Moistened Lens Wipes
Cleaning your glasses becomes a daily chore as they accumulate dirt, sweat and more,throughout the day. And, you should be using a proper cloth to clean your glasses to avoid scratching and permanently damaging your lenses. Luckily, your FSA can help
Flents Wipe N Clear Pre-Moistened Lens Wipes are a quick and easy way to clean your glasses. They're convenient, easy to carry, and remove dust and debris, and even have an anti-fogging solution.Shop for Flents Wipe N Clear Pre-Moistened Lens Wipes
3) Shop for Contact Lenses and Contact Lens Care with your FSA
Contact Lenses. There are a lot of differences to consider when choosing the right kind of contact lenses for you. One major distinction is that of duration. You can choose to wear dailies, which are disposable contacts you throw away at the end of each day and replace with a fresh one the next day. You can also choose extended wear contact lenses that can be worn anywhere from up to 7 days to one month depending on what option you choose.
Shop for Contact Lenses with your FSA
Contact Lens Care. Did you know you should regularly clean your contact lenses? You can shop for contact lens care with your FSA to ensure lens cleanliness, lens surface moisture and clear, comfortable vision. Opti-Free RepleniSH MultiPurpose Disinfection Solution (2 pack) provides gentle cleaning agents to keep your lenses clean and comfortable, reducing protein build-up and lens deposits. This solution also kills bacteria responsible for eye infection.
Shop for Opti-Free RepleniSH Multipurpose Disinfection Solution at FSAstore.com
4) Treat Puffy, Tired Eyes with the TheraPearl Hot or Cold Therapy Eye Mask
During Healthy Vision Month, reduce puffy, tired eyes and keep your eyes comfortable. The eye mask can be used for both hot or cold therapy to reduce inflammation, soreness and other symptoms.
Shop for TheraPearl Hot or Cold Therapy Eye Mask at FSAstore.com
Prescription or reading Eyeglasses? Understanding the difference
Let's examine the difference between the two most popular eyeglasses options.
Reading Glasses
Reading glasses are designed to treat presbyopia, which is a condition that most adults experience once they reach the age of 35 to 45. Presbyopia is caused by decreased elasticity in the eye's lens that makes objects difficult to see from close range. These glasses come in generic strengths to improve the wearer's vision when reading. Standard reading glasses are only designed to view objects at close range, which is why bifocals are commonly used to shift between short range and distance vision. Reading glasses are not designed to correct vision problems, and unlike prescription glasses, are not designed for full-time use.
Shop for reading glasses with your FSA
Prescription Glasses
Prescription eyeglasses are specially designed for a patient's specific vision problem, and can be used to correct just about any condition. Unlike reading glasses that can be purchased over-the-counter, patients must consult an eye doctor to obtain an accurate prescription that will work to alleviate his/her eyesight condition. Prescription eyeglasses are more expensive than reading glasses, but they are typically made with higher quality materials, lenses and frames, as well as offering great variety in style and enhanced durability.
Shop for prescription glasses with your FSA
If you're in the market for eyeglasses, make sure to visit FSAstore.com! Check out our Optical Store to see how far your FSA dollars can go!
