Eye care professionals are one of the most frequented doctors today, as getting your eyes checked every one to two years, depending on your age, can help you catch or avoid vision-related problems. Ophthalmologists are doctors who specialize in optics and vision care, while other providers, like optometrists and opticians, offer primary care and optical and vision care products. Eye health is a crucial part of overall health, so it should not be neglected.

Importance of eye care
Without a healthy vision, daily tasks like working at home or outside, driving vehicles, or recognizing people or things can become difficult. Health problems like diabetes and high blood pressure can be detected through problems with vision. Vision-related conditions can develop anytime, but those with a family history of such diseases are at a higher risk. Regular eye exams can ensure early detection of diseases, ensuring a better prognosis. You should get a complete eye exam at a vision care center to maintain your eyesight and visual acuity. Regular baseline eye exams are necessary even if you are healthy so that you can detect the onset of age-related conditions.

Vision insurance
A comprehensive eye exam is a crucial step in maintaining optimal eyesight. So, you should get your vision checked regularly, especially when dealing with eye conditions or any other problems. However, a key concern here could be the cost of regular checkups. Vision insurance can help cover some or most of the cost, relieving the burden of expensive exams. Your eye specialist might recommend suitable eye insurance plans, or you can choose some of the top providers by doing your own research.

Health insurance vs. vision insurance
Health insurance covers all procedures that are considered medical necessities. So, the management of eye illnesses or conditions is usually covered, like the cost of treating eye infections or cataracts. However, vision insurance covers other needs like eye tests and getting eyeglasses and contact lenses.

Top vision insurance providers
Anthem: With over 40,000 providers in over 30,000 locations, Anthem is one of the best eye insurance companies. You can check out its top plan: the Blue View Vision Enhanced. The monthly rates for vision insurance are generous, and you get a yearly frames-and-contacts allowance of $150. Anthem offers a $10 copay for eye exams, making it one of the best vision insurance deals you can find.

EyeMed: The best plan here is EyeMed Bright. Boasting over 70,000 locations and providers, EyeMed is a superior insurance service with excellent allowance for frames and contacts and a low copay. The annual allowance is $200, and at an amount exceeding the allowance, you get 20% off on glasses or 15% off on contact lenses. The one drawback is the higher monthly cost compared to other plans, but EyeMed has a wide network of eye specialists who can offer the best optics and vision care.

UnitedHealthcare: With a monthly cost of $11, UnitedHealthcare is an affordable eye insurance provider. Plan A is one of its best plans. The vision insurance network has over 120,000 access points. It is inexpensive and offers several low-cost plans and a higher allowance for bifocals than other providers. The frame allowance is $150 annually, and you can utilize it to buy frames or lenses.

Top brands for vision care products
Getting glasses, contacts, and eye care products has become much easier with online sellers customizing the items based on your specific vision needs. Here are some of the top brands to consider if you want to buy optical products online:

GlassesUSA: With an unbeatable selection, GlassesUSA is one of the best online marketplaces for optical products. You can do a virtual try-on and get your order delivered within 7 to 10 business days. It has a return policy of 14 days with no questions asked. But there is little reason to avail this, considering the company’s wide selection and quality inspections. You can find glasses at various prices from several brands here, prescription or non-prescription, and even lenses.

Eyebuydirect: If affordability is a priority, EyeBuyDirect is the ideal online marketplace. With virtual try-on and a turnaround time of 7 to 14 business days, clear vision is closer than ever before. You can choose from name brands or in-house designs. The best part is that its standard lenses cost as little as $7. The store offers a 365-day product guarantee which covers defects for up to one year.

Warby Parker: If you prefer in-person trials but prefer the ease of buying online, consider Warby Parker, an online retailer that offers at-home try-on. The firm endeavors to provide impressive designer-style frames at pocket-friendly prices. The cost can be covered by most vision insurance providers, and you avail of the 30-day return or exchange policy if you are not satisfied. However, the retailer only offers in-house designs.