December brings celebration, and deadlines. For many, it’s the final chance to use vision benefits before they expire. Unlike other types of insurance, most vision plans don’t carry unused perks into the new year. If you don’t use them, they’re gone.
Vision insurance often includes more than people expect, especially when it comes to preventive care. If you’ve paid into a plan throughout the year, now’s the time to take full advantage of what’s included.
At Silicon Valley Eye Physicians, we offer the full spectrum of vision care products and services to help you use your plan wisely before it expires. From eye exams and prescriptions to contact lenses and eyeglasses, our eye care professionals are here to help you take advantage of what you’ve already earned.
Understanding Vision Insurance for Eye Exams
Vision plans sound simple on paper. But when it’s time to actually use them, the details aren’t always clear. Many patients assume plan benefits work like general health care coverage. But most vision plans are separate from your life insurance or medical insurance company.
Here’s what you should know:
- Eye Exams: Most insurance plans include one fully covered eye exam each year. This exam is more than just checking your prescription. It includes screenings for glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and more. This helps catch issues early, before they affect your vision.
- Eyewear Allowances: Your insurance company may offer a set amount for glasses or contacts. Many plans include a set dollar amount toward glasses or contacts. If you don’t use it, it vanishes. These funds don’t roll over, and you won’t get a second chance.
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs): FSAs can be used for prescription eyewear, contact lenses, and more, but unused funds typically expire on December 31.
If you're unsure how your benefit program works, we’re happy to help. Our front desk team understands the ins and outs of administration services and can help you make the most of your insurance plans before they expire.
Why December Bookings Fill Up Fast
Our Sunnyvale optometry clinic tends to book up quickly in December, not just because benefits expire, but because it’s a convenient time to get things done.
Shorter days, cooler mornings, and a packed holiday schedule make now the perfect moment to prioritize your care program. Many of our patients swing by after coffee or a school drop-off. We’re just minutes from Serra Park, Challenger School, and the Fremont Avenue Starbucks.
You’ll find us at 1010 W. Fremont Avenue, with evening hours available on Thursdays. And with our on-site optical boutique, you can get your exam and pick out new glasses all in one trip.
It’s Not Too Late to Use Your Benefits
If you’re thinking it’s too late in the year to do anything, it’s not. There’s still time to act before your benefits reset. Here are a few smart ways to use them:
- Schedule an eye exam: If you haven’t had one in the past 12 months, now’s the time. Clear vision is important, but your annual exam also helps us catch eye conditions early - before they impact your daily life.
- Pick up a second pair of glasses: Many plans allow you to use benefits on prescription sunglasses, blue-light glasses, or backup frames. If you’ve already paid into the plan, this is a smart way to get more value.
- Restock your contacts: If you’re due for a refill, your vision insurance may cover some or all of the cost.
- Treat dry eyes or other ongoing concerns: Vision insurance sometimes includes treatments or therapies you didn’t know were covered. We provide medical eye care services that your benefits package can often include.
Eye Care Rooted in Sunnyvale
At Silicon Valley Eye Physicians, we’re proud to serve the Sunnyvale community with care that’s both advanced and personal. We see kids getting their first pair of glasses, adults looking for style upgrades, and patients managing chronic conditions.
We provide trusted care that blends experience with warmth, using advanced tools and personalized attention to help every patient feel at ease. Here, you’re never just a name on a benefits sheet; you’re a neighbor, and we’ll treat you like one.
Our services include:
- Comprehensive eye exams
- Dry eye treatment
- Myopia management
- Vision therapy
Schedule Your Vision Exam Before Your Plan Resets
Vision plans don’t wait. And neither should you. Make the most of your benefits now, and start the new year seeing clearly and confidently.
We’re here to help you get in before the rush. Visit our appointments page or call our Sunnyvale office to book your visit.