Traditional vision insurance costs $15-25/month but has limited benefits. Vision discount plans cost $10-15/month and may actually provide better value for many people.
Cost Comparison
- VSP Vision Insurance: $20/month, covers exam + $150 toward frames + lenses
- EyeMed: $18/month, similar coverage
- Vision discount plan: $12/month, 20-60% off everything
- Costco/Warby Parker without insurance: often cheaper than copays
The dirty secret: vision insurance is really a discount plan with extra steps. If you buy frames online from Zenni or Warby Parker ($50-100 complete glasses), you'll likely spend less than insurance premiums alone.
