top of page

Does Medicare Cover Vision?

  • Writer: Brad Gunning
    Brad Gunning
  • Apr 17, 2018
  • 1 min read

Updated: May 22, 2019


Senior Vision Care

Routine eye exams are not covered by Medicare. You'll need separate vision insurance if you're looking for coverage for your prescription eyeglasses or for contact lenses, with one exception: Medicare pays for corrective lenses following cataract surgery where an intraocular lens is implanted.

There are, however, certain types of eye care that Medicare will cover. Medicare covers glaucoma tests, macular degeneration, and a yearly eye exam for diabetics.

Medicare: Glaucoma Tests

If you are at high risk of glaucoma, Medicare Part B covers an annual glaucoma test. To qualify as "at risk", one of the following factors must apply:

  • currently have diabetes

  • have a family history of glaucoma

  • are African American and at least 50 years old

  • are Hispanic and at least 65 years old

Medicare: Macular Degeneration

Patients with age-related macular degeneration may have certain diagnostic tests and eye treatments covered.

Medicare: Yearly Eye Exam

If you have diabetes, Medicare Part B will cover an annual exam for diabetic retinopathy.

With each of these services, Medicare Part B will cover 80% of the cost of the service (after you've reached your Part B deductible) and you'll be responsible for the remaining 20%. Depending on which Medicare Supplement plan you have, the Part B deductible and remaining 20% may also be covered entirely. Medicare.gov is a great resource for determining if Medicare covers specific procedures and types of care.

If you are looking for routine vision care, it is recommended that you enroll in a stand-alone vision plan.

Commentaires


Call

Phone:(406) 548-3135

Toll Free:(888) 505-3822

 

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all your options. We are not connected with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program. The trademarks and logos appearing on this page are owned by the respective companies named or depicted therein.

Medicare Life Group's website is operated by Montana Life Group LLC, a licensed health insurance agency doing business as MLGLLC Insurance Agency for the solicitation of insurance in California. California residents click here.

© 2025 by Montana Life Group LLC

All rights reserved. Licensed name varies by state: Montana Life Group, Troy Baccus,

CA License OH37614.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter Clean
bottom of page