December tends to move quickly. But here’s one thing you don’t want to carry into the new year: unused vision benefits. Most vision insurance plans and flexible spending accounts (FSAs) expire on December 31. When that happens, you lose any unused benefits for good.
If you've been putting off your eye exam or waiting to upgrade your glasses or contact lenses, now is the perfect time to take action. At Ancaster Family Eyecare, we’re here to help you make the most of your coverage before it resets.
These benefits are part of the care you already pay for. Letting them expire is like leaving money on the table. Whether you’ve noticed changes in your vision or not, your annual exam plays a key role in protecting your eyesight long-term.
You can learn more about our eye exams and contact lens services to help you plan your visit.
Why Use Your Vision Benefits Before They Expire?
Every year, patients lose out on hundreds of dollars in unused eye care benefits. It’s not because they don’t need them, but because they run out of time. Here’s what you might be missing out on:
- Annual eye exam coverage: Most vision plans include one comprehensive exam per year
- Eyewear allowances: Many plans offer full or partial coverage toward new glasses or contact lenses
- Early detection: Routine exams can help catch changes in vision or signs of eye conditions like glaucoma and macular degeneration
It’s not just a financial loss. Skipping an annual exam could mean missing early signs of eye disease or a change in your prescription.
What Happens If You Don’t Use Your Vision Insurance Benefits?
When the calendar resets on January 1, most vision benefits do too. This often includes:
- Unused FSA dollars or HSA funds
- Vision exam coverage
- Eyewear or contact lens allowances
Changes in vision aren’t always noticeable at first. Many patients assume they’d just know if something were wrong, but eye diseases like glaucoma or macular degeneration can progress quietly for years. That’s why annual eye exams matter. Your optometrist can spot what you can’t, often before you notice a single symptom.
Do You Need to Book an Eye Exam Before the Year Ends?
Everyone benefits from an annual eye exam. But it’s especially important if you:
- Haven’t had an eye exam in the past 12 months
- Wear glasses or contacts and notice vision changes
- Have unused funds in your FSA or HSA
- Are due for a contact lens fitting
- Have kids who didn’t get their back-to-school eye exam
- Are managing conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure
Routine exams help ensure your prescriptions are accurate and safeguard your long-term eye health.
How to Make the Most of Your Eye Exam or Vision Coverage
At Ancaster Family Eyecare, we make it easy to use your benefits wisely. We direct bill many insurance providers, offer a wide selection of frames, and provide full-scope eye care for the whole family.
Our eye care team will help you if you haven't visited in a while or aren’t sure what your plan covers.
From pediatric eye care to adult eye exams, we’re here to support your family’s vision health before your benefits expire for the year.
Book Your Eye Exam in Ancaster Before Benefits Expire
The closer we get to the end of December, the harder it becomes to book last-minute appointments. If you're planning to use your vision insurance before it resets, don’t wait. Our friendly team at Ancaster Family Eyecare can answer questions about your coverage and help you find a time that works.
Request your eye exam in Ancaster, ON, and make sure you start the new year seeing clearly.