Original Medicare does not cover routine eye exams for glasses or contact lenses. It does cover certain diagnostic and preventive eye services and one set of corrective lenses after qualifying cataract surgery.
Original Medicare generally does not cover a routine refraction, the vision test used to write a prescription for glasses or contact lenses. It also does not usually pay for the glasses or contacts themselves.
Eye Care Medicare May Cover
Part B may cover medically necessary eye care, including:
- Diagnostic tests and treatment for eye disease or injury
- Glaucoma screening for people at high risk
- Certain diabetic eye exams
- Tests and treatment for age-related macular degeneration
- Cataract surgery when requirements are met
After each qualifying cataract surgery that replaces the cloudy lens with an artificial lens, called an intraocular lens, Medicare covers one pair of eyeglasses with standard frames or one set of contact lenses. You must use a Medicare-enrolled supplier. The Part B deductible and 20% coinsurance generally apply. Upgraded frames or lenses can add charges beyond the covered standard benefit.
Routine exams remain excluded even when you need a new prescription. Medicare's routine eye-exam page explains the distinction.
What About Medicare Advantage?
Some Medicare Advantage plans offer routine vision benefits. They may include an annual exam and an allowance for frames, lenses, or contacts.
Check the plan's:
- Network of eye doctors, including optometrists and ophthalmologists
- Eyewear retailer network
- Exam copayment
- Eyewear allowance
- Frequency limits
- Rules for upgrades such as progressive or specialty lenses
Ask for separate estimates for the eye evaluation, refraction, and eyewear. For example, an exam to evaluate eye disease may be covered while the refraction used to write a glasses prescription is not. After cataract surgery, ask which lenses and frames qualify for the standard benefit after surgery.
Medicare policy sources last checked: October 8, 2026.