What if I need glasses but can't afford them?

Asked by: Alexanne McLaughlin III  |  Last update: August 20, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (39 votes)

Some clubs may also provide eyeglasses. New Eyes provides prescription eyeglasses to children and adults who can't afford them. A social worker or someone at a community health center may be able help you apply. Mission Cataract USA offers free cataract surgery to people of all ages who can't afford it.

How can I get glasses if I can't afford them?

You can get free eyeglasses from the Lions Club and Medicaid. Other agencies can be found that help low vision people who cannot afford to buy them. Also the Veterans Administration provides exams and glasses to former servicemen. Prisons give gla...

Is needing glasses classed as a disability?

The law says to discount the effects of any medication, aids or treatment when considering whether someone has a disability. The exception to this is wearing glasses or contact lenses. Employers should not try to diagnose someone – only a medical professional can do that.

Who qualifies for free prescription glasses?

are aged 60 or over. are registered blind or partially sighted. have been diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma. are aged 40 or over and have a close relative (parent, sibling or child) with a history of glaucoma.

Is there a way to get free prescription glasses?

Another resource for exams and free eyeglasses for low-income families and adults is Lions Club International. The organization offers financial assistance for eye-related services through local clubs, which you can find on their website.

Why so many people need glasses now

24 related questions found

How much are glasses without eye insurance?

Without insurance, a complete pair of eyeglasses (including frames and prescription lenses) averages around $350. Note that progressives are more expensive than single-vision lenses. It also costs more to add extra coatings and tints to your lenses.

How much is an eye exam at Walmart without insurance?

A. A comprehensive eye health and vision exam starts at $75.00. A basic contact lens exam starts at $110.00. If you have astigmatism or need bifocal correction and want to wear contact lenses, there is a modest additional cost.

How many people Cannot afford glasses?

Read the article from BBC News about 2.5 billion people in the world who cannot afford or access eyeglasses. Tim Harford writes the Financial Times's Undercover Economist column.

What age can you get free glasses until?

NHS vouchers help people with the cost of buying glasses if they fall under the given rules: Individuals under 16 years of age. An individual with the age of 16, 17 or 18 and in full-time education (this includes being taught full-time at a school, college, university or at home) A prisoner on leave from prison.

Do insurance companies pay for glasses?

Does insurance cover contacts and glasses? Vision insurance typically does cover contacts and glasses. Adult health insurance alone often doesn't cover corrective lenses unless the plan includes vision coverage.

Is needing prescription glasses a disability?

Is wearing glasses a disability? Wearing glasses is not considered a disability, regardless of the prescription strength.

What is the most approved disability?

Overall, however, the most approved disability for Social Security is disabilities involving the musculoskeletal system and/or connective tissues. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), such conditions include arthritis, back pain, and lupus.

What does 6-60 vision look like?

What exactly is 6/60 vision? (You may also like to know what is legal blindness.) Simply put, it means you need to be 6 metres away to see what someone with normal vision can see from 60 metres away. It's like watching life through a very blurry telescope. But numbers don't tell the entire story.

Can I go to the eye doctor without insurance?

If you are looking to get an eye exam without insurance, you have plenty of options. Don't let a lack of insurance deter you from seeing an eye doctor who can help monitor your eye health and overall wellness. eyecarecenter offers affordable comprehensive eye exams, eyeglasses, and contact lenses.

How can I pay less for glasses?

The best way to ensure you're getting the best deal on glasses and contacts if you don't have insurance is to shop around and look for deals. For more options, check out or list of the best places to buy contacts online and the best places to buy prescription glasses.

How do you get glasses when you have no money?

New Eyes provides prescription eyeglasses to children and adults who can't afford them. A social worker or someone at a community health center may be able help you apply.

Who is exempt from paying for glasses?

You're entitled to an optical voucher for help towards the cost of your glasses or contact lenses if you: are under 16. are 16, 17 or 18 and in full-time education (this includes being taught full-time at a school, college, university or at home) are a prisoner on leave from prison.

At what age do you start needing glasses?

Most Common Age for Reading Glasses

But most people find that they need help with reading glasses between the ages of 41 and 60. Pay attention to how easy it is to read a book or pages in front of you, then talk to an eye doctor to determine if the timing is right to get reading glasses.

What if you are too poor to buy glasses?

If you can't afford the vision care you need, VSP Eyes of Hope gift certificates and mobile clinics may be able to help. This is a web-based organization selling generic frames and lenses for as little as $8. This is a web-based organization that offers discounts up to 70% on prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses.

Is it OK to not get glasses?

Many people worry that neglecting their glasses might lead to deteriorating eyesight. While the answer generally is no, not wearing your glasses doesn't lead to any particular damage to your vision, it does mean your eyes have to work harder, possibly leading to problems with eye strain or blurry, unclear vision.

Why do glasses cost so much money?

Have you ever wondered why glasses cost so much? When you buy glasses from a traditional brick-and-mortar retailer, you're not just paying for the frame and lenses; you're also paying big money to cover the retailer's hefty outsourcing costs, which usually include manufacturing, licensing fees, warehousing, and more.

How much are glasses without insurance?

Using these numbers, you can see that, on average, a complete pair of glasses will run you between $200-$300+ if you don't have vision insurance. However, average cost of a complete pair of eyeglasses in the U.S. truly runs the gamut.

Does Walmart fix glasses for free?

To obtain repair or replacement of your broken frames or damaged lenses you must return your eyewear to a Walmart Vision Center along with the receipt of purchase. No deductibles or co-pays are required under the Plan.