How often do you get glasses with VSP?

Editorial team Published on

Most VSP (Vision Service Plan) policies cover eye exams every calendar year and glasses (frames and lenses) every two calendar years.

VSP Coverage Frequency

  • Eye Exams: Covered once every calendar year (usually subject to a small copay like $10 or $15).
  • Lenses: Covered every two calendar years (standard prescription lenses are typically covered in full or have low copays).
  • Frames: Covered every two calendar years up to your specific plan's retail allowance (commonly $150 to $200+, plus potential extra allowances for featured brands).
  • Contact Lenses: Covered every two calendar years as an alternative to glasses (using your contact lens allowance instead of frames and lenses).

(Note: Exact frequencies and allowances can vary depending on whether you have an individual plan or an employer-sponsored group plan, as some custom employer plans offer annual frame/lens benefits.)

How often will VSP pay for glasses?

VSP typically pays for a new pair of prescription glasses (including frames and lenses) once every 12 months or once every 24 months, depending on your specific employer or individual plan.

Coverage Breakdown

  • Eye Exams: Covered once every 12 months (every calendar year).
  • Frames: Usually covered once every 12 or 24 months, providing a set allowance (e.g., $130 to $200+).
  • Lenses: Standard plastic single-vision, lined bifocal, or lined trifocal lenses are typically covered once every 12 or 24 months in sync with your frame benefit.
  • Contacts: If you choose contact lenses instead of glasses, they are also covered on the same 12- or 24-month frequency cycle.

Because VSP Individual Vision Plans and employer-sponsored group packages vary, you should log into your VSP Member Account to check your exact renewal dates and eligible allowances.

How many frames can I get with VSP?

VSP standard vision plans typically cover one pair of prescription glasses (frames and lenses) or contact lenses per calendar year.

Coverage and Additional Pairs Details

  • Primary Allowance: Most standard plans cover one comprehensive eye exam and one pair of lenses/frames every 12 months, subject to a copay and your specific frame allowance (usually $150 to $230 depending on your tier).
  • Extra Pairs Discount: VSP offers a 20% to 30% discount on unlimited additional pairs of prescription or non-prescription glasses and sunglasses from a VSP network doctor within 12 months of your last routine eye exam.

How to maximize VSP benefits?

To maximize your VSP vision benefits, visit an in-network Premier Edge provider and use featured frame brands to unlock extra allowances and guarantees.

Use In-Network and Premier Edge Providers

  • Choose Premier Edge locations: Visit designated private practices, Visionworks, or Eyemart Express to get high-tech care, rebates, and extra perks.
  • Look for the heart logo: Find frame brands labeled with the VSP heart logo at network doctor offices to get an extra $20 allowance on top of your standard plan.
  • Shop online via Eyeconic: Connect your VSP account directly on Eyeconic to save up to $250 on glasses, contacts, and sunglasses.

Optimize Eyewear and Lens Choices

  • Leverage extra pairs discounts: Save 20% to 50% on additional pairs of glasses or prescription sunglasses.
  • Ask about lens enhancements: Take advantage of reduced copays or partial coverage on premium upgrades like anti-glare coatings, progressive lenses, and blue-light protection.

Track and Manage Your Plan

  • Log into your member portal: Check your VSP Member Account before your appointment to review specific copays, frequency allowances, and eligibility dates.
  • Use Member Extras: Access over $3,000 in additional savings on LASIK, hearing aids, and wellness supplies.

Does VSP reset every year?

Yes, most VSP vision insurance plans reset every year on January 1st based on a calendar-year cycle.

Key Reset Details

  • Use-It-or-Lose-It: Unused benefits do not roll over into the next year. Any remaining allowance for exams, frames, or contacts expires on December 31st.
  • Service Frequencies: While many allowances reset every 12 months (calendar year), certain specific items—like frames on some plans—might operate on a 24-month frequency.
  • Employer Variations: A small number of employer-sponsored plans may use a fiscal year instead of a calendar year, meaning your benefits might reset on a different month designated by your company.

You can check your exact renewal date and remaining balance by logging into your VSP Member Account.

How Much Do Glasses Cost With My Vision Plan?

9 related questions found

Is VSP a good vision insurance?

VSP (Vision Service Plan) is generally considered a good and reliable vision insurance provider, offering a large national network and affordable individual plans starting around $13 a month, though value depends heavily on how you use it.

The Pros of VSP

  • Large Network: VSP features one of the largest networks of independent private-practice doctors, plus major retailers like Visionworks and Eyemart Express.
  • Low Costs: Monthly premiums are budget-friendly, and routine annual eye exam copays are typically low (around $15 to $25).
  • High Ratings: Major financial and review publications like Forbes Advisor and Consumer Advocate frequently rank VSP at or near the top for overall vision care coverage.
  • No Waiting Periods: Individual plans generally let you use your benefits immediately upon enrolling.

The Cons of VSP

  • Limited Retail Choices: Some popular chains or specific brands (like certain Warby Parker or LensCrafters locations) may not accept VSP.
  • Mixed User Opinions: While a consensus on platforms like Facebook shows members save money on routine care, users on Reddit have mixed opinions, noting that if you rarely need glasses or buy low-cost frames out-of-pocket, the annual cost of premiums might outweigh your actual savings. Customer service and cancellation policies have also drawn complaints on review sites like Trustpilot.

How much are eyeglasses with VSP insurance?

VSP standard plans typically cover the full cost of basic prescription lenses after a small copay (usually $25) and provide a frame allowance ranging from $130 to $200+.

Because VSP offers hundreds of different employer and individual plans, your exact out-of-pocket costs will depend on your specific policy. However, most standard in-network VSP plans break down their coverage using the following structure:

1. Eyeglass Frames (Allowance)

Instead of paying a percentage, VSP gives you a flat dollar amount called a frame allowance.

  • Standard Allowance: Usually $150 to $200 depending on your plan.
  • Featured Brand Bonus: If you choose a featured frame brand (such as Calvin Klein, Nike, or bebe), VSP gives you an extra $20 on top of your standard allowance.
  • Going Over Budget: If you choose frames that cost more than your allowance, VSP will cover the allowance amount and give you a 20% discount on the remaining balance.
  • Note: Retail chains like Costco, Walmart, or Sam's Club sometimes have a slightly modified frame allowance structure (often around $70–$130) because their base frame prices are already lower.

2. Prescription Lenses (Fully Covered after Copay)

Basic lenses are fully covered by VSP once you pay your prescription glasses copay (typically $20 to $25). Covered basic lenses include:

  • Single vision lenses
  • Lined bifocals
  • Lined trifocals
  • Polycarbonate/impact-resistant lenses for dependent children

3. Lens Enhancements (Upgrades)

If you want upgrades, you will usually pay a fixed, discounted copay for them rather than full retail price. On average, VSP members save about 30% on lens enhancements.

  • Anti-glare / Scratch-resistant coatings: Usually a set copay between $35 and $85 depending on the tier.
  • Progressive Lenses: Standard progressives often carry a $0 to $50 copay, while premium or custom progressives can range from $95 to $175.
  • Light-reactive (Transitions) or Tints: Typically range from a $15 copay for basic tints to $75 for light-reactive materials.

How to Check Your Exact Plan

To avoid surprise costs at the doctor's office, you can log into your account dashboard on the VSP Vision Care Official Site to view your personalized Vision Benefit Statement. This will show you exactly what your frame allowance is and what copays apply to your lens upgrades.

Can I use my VSP allowance at Costco?

You cannot directly use your VSP allowance as an in-network benefit at most Costco Optical locations, though some specific employer plans or locations may vary.

How VSP and Costco Work

  • Out-of-Network Status: VSP generally classifies big-box stores like Costco as out-of-network providers.
  • Direct Billing: Costco Optical cannot directly bill VSP for your allowance or materials in most cases.
  • Reimbursement: You must pay for your exam, glasses, or contacts upfront at Costco. You can then submit your itemized receipt to VSP through your VSP Member Account to claim out-of-network partial reimbursement.

What to Do Next

  • Check your precise coverage details and out-of-network allowances by logging into your VSP Member Account.
  • Call your local Costco Optical department ahead of time to verify if any recent plan updates or specific agreements apply to your tier of VSP coverage.
  • Use the VSP Provider Locator to find an in-network retail chain or private practice if you prefer to use your full allowance instantly at checkout.

Is $500 a lot for prescription glasses?

Yes, $500 is on the higher side for prescription glasses, but it is very normal if you are buying from a private eye doctor's office or getting specialized lenses.

Average Costs

  • Budget ($50 – $150): Available from online retailers or basic big-box options.
  • Mid-Range ($200 – $400): Typical out-of-pocket cost at chain optical stores or standard independent shops.
  • High-End ($500+): Common at private boutiques or when purchasing designer frames and premium lenses.

Why Glasses Cost $500

  • Progressive Lenses: Multi-focal lenses without visible lines add hundreds of dollars to the price.
  • Lens Coatings: Anti-reflective, scratch-resistant, UV-blocking, or light-sensitive (Transition) coatings increase the total.
  • High-Index Materials: Thinner lenses required for strong prescriptions cost more to manufacture.
  • Designer Frames: Name-brand frames or durable materials like titanium or Italian acetate drive up retail markups.

What is the VSP controversy?

The VSP controversy involves allegations that major vision insurer VSP Vision abused its market power to restrict competition, force independent eye care practices to buy subsidiary products, and implement restrictive reimbursement policies.

Core Issues and Lawsuits

  • Antitrust Claims: Independent providers, such as Total Vision, sued VSP alleging unlawful "tying" arrangements that forced practices to purchase specific frames, lenses, and practice management software.
  • Market Leverage and Retaliation: The lawsuits and complaints from the American Optometric Association (AOA) claim VSP used its dominant market share (controlling over 65% of the vision insurance market) to squeeze independent competitors, lower reimbursements, and threaten network terminations.
  • Policy Disputes: Optometrists have frequently pushed back against VSP-mandated product requirements, linked reimbursements, and efforts to lobby against federal and state reforms like the DOC Access Act.