I’ve been wearing eyeglasses since the second grade, so I (and my mother) know how expensive eyeglasses can be. A decent pair can cost hundreds of dollars. And if you need a stronger prescription or bifocals or want to upgrade to transition lenses, the price goes up even more.
The average pair of eyeglasses in the US costs $196, according to a report by the American Optometric Association (AOA). If you can’t afford to pay for eyeglasses or are just a cheapskate like me, don’t worry. There are a few ways to get totally free eyeglasses.
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Free Eyeglasses Offers Online
Several online eyeglass retailers offer free eyeglasses for new customers to try their services. And there’s no rules that you can’t take advantage of the all of free eyeglasses offers online! There is no obligation to buy anything further after your first purchase.
ABBE Glasses
To make buying glasses risk-free, ABBE Glasses came up with the idea of a free glasses campaign. This allows you to get familiarized with our online process and prescription options without having to worry about the quality of service. There’s no downside, right?
To make sure to get free glasses lenses, choose single vision and select “clear” at lens type index 1.50 clear single vision lenses. Includes power range SPH+ADD: -6 to 6, CYL -2 to 2. Shipping and handling charges are not included. Shop AbbeGlasses.com now and use Code: FREEABBE to get your first pair of glasses free.
Glasses Shop
Glasses Shop offers your first pair free when you use Code: FIRSTFREE at checkout. Click here to see the wide variety of frames available. Complete free pair include 1.50 single vision lenses (choose “clear lens” as your lens type and click “customize” to get 1.50 standard index), free anti-scratch coating, and a free protective case and cloth. Shop GlassesShop.com now! Shipping and handling fees will apply.
Finest Glasses
Get free prescription glasses including free frames and free lenses from Finest Glasses. Includes 1.50-1.57 index single lenses (SPH ±6.00 CYL ±2.00). Shop FinestGlasses.com now through our link to access the free eyeglass offer! Excludes optician and shipping fees.
Expired Free Eyeglasses Offers
Here are some more free eyeglass offers that we have not had time to personally review yet, but we wanted to share (and now appear to be dead deals):
- Kits .com – Choose from over 100 frames for free with lenses included with Code: FREEKITS
- Swift Eyewear – Free offer includes frame, uncoated CR39 plastic Single Vision lenses, and a case. You will need to pay for shipping, handling and lab fees.
Programs That Offers Free Eyeglasses
These programs listed below provide free or low-cost eye care. Keep in mind that you may be required to apply for these services, and some of them have certain criteria, such as being a low income or having a greater risk of certain eye diseases. The majority of these organizations serve the United States, but there may also be local groups and services who can assist you.
InfantSEE
The InfantSEE public health program, managed by Optometry Cares – The AOA Foundation, guarantees that infant eye and vision care becomes a staple of wellness routines to improve a child’s quality of life. Through this program, AOA member optometrists provide infants 6-12 months old with a free comprehensive assessment of their eyesight and vision, without any family income or insurance restrictions.
Lion’s Club
Lions Clubs International is a service organization for men and women who are interested in helping the community. The Lions Club provides a number of services, including vision screening and eye exams for children and adults. They also have an eyeglass recycling program that provides free or low-cost glasses to those in need.
New Eyes
New Eyes for the Needy, which provides free eyeglasses to low-income individuals in the United States. To qualify, you must be a US citizen or legal resident and have a household income below 250% of the US poverty level guidelines.
Vision To Learn
Vision To Learn helps children in 13 states get the eye exams and glasses they need to succeed. More than 2 million American kids lack adequate vision, whether it’s because they can’t see the board from the back of the classroom or reading a book is more difficult for them.
VSP Vision
VSP’s Eyes of Hope provides adults and children with free eye care and eyeglasses. This program is for those who don’t have health insurance and limited income. You’ll need help from a school nurse or a community partner organization to apply for Eyes of Hope.
You can ask your local church or community center if they know of any programs that provide free or low-cost eyeglasses. Another way to get free eyeglasses is to check with your local optometrist or ophthalmologist. Some of these professionals will give away free eyeglasses on a regular basis.
Free Eyeglasses From Health Insurance
Most health insurance plans are now required to cover the entire cost of vision checks for children and teenagers under the Affordable Care Act (up to age 19). Some even pay for adult screenings and all or a portion of the cost of eyeglasses.
If you have an FSA or HSA (click here to read the difference), you can use your FSA and HSA dollars on eyeglasses. If your employer contributes to your FSA or HSA, then your eyeglasses purchase really will be free to you!
Eyeglass Stores That Accept FSA & HSA Dollars
Here is a list of online stores that sell prescription eyeglasses and accept FSA dollars and/or HSA dollars for payment:
If you google “free eyeglasses” or “low-cost eyeglasses,” you’ll probably find a few results for more free eyeglass offers.
Government Assistance Programs
There are several government assistance programs that can help you pay for eyeglasses. For example, Medicaid and CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program) provides free or low-cost health insurance for eligible low-income adults, children, pregnant women, and people with disabilities. If you qualify for Medicaid or CHIP, they will cover the cost of your glasses.
If you’re a military veteran or service member and qualify for health benefits through the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), your VA will pay for routine eye exams and preventative vision testing. The VA may also cover eyeglasses and other vision care.
Buy Eyeglasses Now, Pay Later
If you don’t qualify for any of the above free eyeglasses offers and worse comes to worse that you have no money and need new glasses right now, don’t fear as you can buy eyeglasses now and pay later with deferred payment plans with no money. Simply order your eyeglasses now and pay for them over time by making installment payments.
BNPL Online Eyeglasses Stores
All of the following online stores sell eyeglasses and offer deferred billing options to buy now and pay later:
- EyeBuyDirect – Select Afterpay as the payment method at checkout to pay for your glasses with interest-free installments.
- FramesDirect – Accepts Klarna and PayPal Credit.
- GlassesUSA – Also accepts Klarna and PayPal Credit.
- LensCrafters – Accepts Afterpay, Affirm, Klarna, and PayPal Credit.
- Lensmart – Accepts Klarna and PayPal Credit.
- Oakley – Yes, Oakley offers prescription glasses! And they accept Affirm, Klarna and PayPal Credit for financing.
- SmartBuyGlasses – Shop for eyeglasses now and pay later interest-free with Afterpay.
- Web Eye Care – Accepts Affirm, PayPal Credit and/or Sezzle to buy now pay later.
Free Eye Exams
If you can’t afford an eye exam to get new eyeglasses, don’t worry! There are plenty of programs that will cover the cost for you. Here is a list of organizations and programs that offer free exams.
EyeCare America
If you are over 65 years old and do not have insurance, Eye Care America Programs provided by the American Academy of Ophthalmology may be able to help you. They offer free eye exams through a network of participating doctors. If there is an increased risk of glaucoma, a free screening will also be provided. However, eyeglasses are not included in this program.
Lions Club International Foundation
The Lions Club International Foundation, a large charitable organization, has partnered with Johnson & Johnson to offer the Sight for Kids program. The project’s objective is to train school staff how to perform basic vision screenings and refer kids for follow-up care if necessary. If your child needs glasses, they can get them free of charge through this program. To see if your child’s school offers this service, please check with them directly.
New Eyes
If you live in specific states, New Eyes permits you to update your eyeglasses prescription online. Even though this renewal is not a comprehensive eye exam, it will still enable you to purchase new glasses if your old prescription is more than 2 years old.
Free Eyeglasses FAQs
Want free eyeglasses? Here are the answers to frequently asked questions about free eyeglasses programs.
Can veterans get free eyeglasses?
Yes, veterans may be eligible to receive free eyeglasses through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The VA offers free eye exams and free eyeglasses to veterans who are enrolled in the VA healthcare system and meet certain eligibility requirements. Veterans can contact their local VA Medical Center or a VA-authorized optometrist to learn more about free eyeglasses. Additionally, there are some stores that offer veteran discounts on eyeglasses.
Can I get free eyeglasses with Medicare?
Although Medicare usually doesn’t cover eyeglasses or contact lenses, Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) does help with the cost of corrective lenses if you have cataract surgery to implant an intraocular lens. Your options for corrective lenses include one pair of eyeglasses with standard frames or one set of contact lenses.
Additionally, Medicare Advantage plans may cover free eyeglasses as part of their benefits package. Benefits like vision, hearing, and dental coverage may be offered through some Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C). Contact the plan directly to learn more.
Does Medicaid cover eyeglasses?
Yes, Medicaid may cover vision services such as free eyeglasses and eye exams. Each state’s Medicaid program has its own set of rules and requirements for free vision services, so it is best to contact your local Medicaid office directly to learn more about eligibility and coverage.
Does CHIP cover eyeglasses?
Yes, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provides insurance for eye exams and glasses for eligible children. Check with your state’s program to learn more about the requirements.
Can I get free prescription sunglasses?
Prescription sunglasses are typically not covered by free eyeglasses programs. However, some plans may offer discounted or free prescription sunglasses as a benefit. Check with your insurance provider or local free eyeglasses program to learn more about available services.
Are free bifocal eyeglasses available?
Yes, free bifocal eyeglasses may be available through free eyeglasses programs. Check with your local free eyeglasses program to learn more about eligibility requirements and the types of eyeglasses available.
Conclusion
We hope we’ve been able to help you with these few ways to get free eyeglasses if you need them. Check with local organizations, optometrists, and stores in your area to see if they have any additional programs or resources that can help you. With a little effort, you should be able to find a way to get the glasses you need at no cost.
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