The year-end countdown is officially on! If you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or a Health Savings Account (HSA), now is the crucial time to check your balance and make a plan.
For many, FSA funds operate under a “use-it-or-lose-it” policy, meaning any money left after the deadline (usually December 31st, but check your specific plan for grace periods or small rollovers) simply disappears. While HSA funds roll over, using them now for your vision needs is a smart way to invest in your health with pre-tax dollars.
Here are five ways you can put your remaining FSA and HSA funds to work right here at your optometry practice!
1. Schedule Your Comprehensive Eye Exam
This is the cornerstone of great eye health and the most important step!
- Don’t skip your annual check-up. A comprehensive eye exam is far more than just a vision test. It’s a critical preventative health screening where your doctor checks for serious conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, and even systemic diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure.
- Use your funds for co-pays or deductibles. Even if you have vision insurance, your FSA/HSA funds can cover any out-of-pocket costs associated with your annual exam.
- Time is running out! As the deadline approaches, appointment slots fill up fast. Call us today to secure your preferred time before the rush.
2. Update Your Prescription Eyewear
Is your prescription a year old? Are your frames scratched, bent, or simply out of style? Your FSA/HSA funds can give you clear vision and a fresh look!
- New Prescription Glasses: Apply your funds toward a new pair of frames and lenses. This includes upgrades like anti-glare coatings, blue light filters for screen time, scratch-resistant coatings, and progressive lenses.
- Prescription Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from harmful UV rays with prescription sunwear. Polarized lenses, which reduce glare from water and roads, are especially popular and eligible!
- Specialty Eyewear: Consider a dedicated pair of computer glasses to reduce digital eye strain, or prescription sports goggles for active lifestyles.
3. Stock Up on Contact Lenses and Supplies
If you wear contacts, this is the easiest way to ensure you use up every last dollar.
- Order a Year’s Supply: Don’t wait until you’re down to your last pair. Purchase a full supply of contact lenses now to cover you well into the new year.
- Eligible Solutions and Products: Your funds also cover essential contact lens care items, including disinfecting solutions, cleaning kits, and even rewetting drops.
- A New Fitting or Evaluation: If your current lenses aren’t as comfortable as they used to be, use your funds for a contact lens fitting or evaluation to ensure your eyes remain healthy and your prescription is perfect.
4. Invest in Specialized Eye Care
Go beyond routine checkups and glasses to address specific eye health needs.
- Dry Eye Treatment: If you suffer from chronic dry, itchy, or watery eyes, your FSA/HSA can cover many diagnostic tests and specialized treatments offered in our practice.
- Advanced Testing: Consider using your funds for advanced diagnostic imaging (like retinal or optical coherence tomography/OCT scans) that provides a deeper look at the health of your eyes and helps us monitor conditions before they become serious.
- Out-of-Pocket Surgery Costs: If you’ve been considering LASIK or cataract surgery, your funds can often be used for co-pays, deductibles, or non-covered portions of these procedures.
5. Purchase Essential Over-the-Counter Eye Products
Sometimes, a few small purchases are all you need to spend down that last bit of FSA cash.
- Prescription Eye Drops/Medication: Any prescription eye drops or medications (for allergies, dry eyes, etc.) are eligible.
- Over-the-Counter (OTC) Products: Even some OTC products like certain brands of artificial tears or eyelid cleansers for conditions like blepharitis may be eligible. Be sure to check with your FSA/HSA administrator for a full list of approved OTC items.
Don’t let your hard-earned, pre-tax savings go to waste! The end of the year is not just a deadline—it’s an opportunity to prioritize your vision and safeguard your overall health.
Ready to maximize your benefits? Our team is here to help you review your remaining balance and find eligible services and products.
Call us at 816.533.5336 or CLICK HERE to schedule your year-end visit today!
