Did you know that eyecare expenses can quickly accumulate for many individuals? In the UK, 74% of people either wear corrective eyewear or have undergone laser eye surgery. Wearing glasses or contact lenses not only helps improve your vision but also reduces the risk of common side effects like headaches, migraines and eye strain.
Having less–than–perfect eyesight is quite common, so the experts at Westfield Health share how you could save money on your optical needs.
For most people, eyecare is a personal financial responsibility, and the cost of prescription glasses and contact lenses can be a burden. Many people simply accept these costs as necessary without exploring alternative, money–saving options. On the other hand, some may choose to forgo eyecare altogether to avoid immediate expenses, unknowingly jeopardising their long–term eye health.
How much do we spend on our eyes?
While eye tests are relatively affordable, the ongoing maintenance of glasses or contact lenses can become a significant financial commitment. Also, poor eyesight is often a permanent condition that worsens with age, making eyecare expenses a lifelong consideration.
- Eye tests. Depending on where you have your appointment, eye tests tend to cost around £20–30. It is recommended that the average person has their eyes examined at least every two years or when they notice changes in their vision. Individuals with particularly poor eyesight may need more frequent eye tests to ensure their prescription remains accurate.
- Prescription glasses. The cost of prescription glasses varies depending on the style and brand you choose. Designer brands tend to be pricier, so choosing more affordable options can help reduce costs. For a pair of glasses, including frames and lenses, it generally costs about £170. Keep in mind that additional features, such as thinner lenses or blue light lenses, can increase the total cost.
- Contact lenses. The price of contact lenses depends on your choice between monthly and daily disposables. Daily lenses are typically more expensive than monthly lenses. For monthly lenses, you are looking at paying around £28 a month, with a 3–month supply of lens solution being roughly £15.
So, how can you save money on your eyecare?
A health cash plan offers a solution for managing eyecare expenses. By paying a monthly fee, you can cover the costs of eye exams and prescriptions. This plan also extends its benefits to other medical expenses, including dental care and therapy treatments. The extent of optical care coverage depends on the specific health cash plan level you select. Westfield Health offers plans ranging from levels 1–5 to accommodate your needs and budget.
What’s included in the optical benefit?
Under the optical benefit, you can claim expenses over a two–year period. With a level three health cash plan, our most popular option, you can receive reimbursement of up to £145. Westfield Health cover 100% of the cost, up to the maximum for your chosen plan level.
This includes cover for:
- Eye tests
- Prescription glasses, sunglasses and/or contact lenses
- Solutions for use with your prescribed contact lenses
- Prescription lenses to an existing frame
- Repairs to prescription glasses
- Payments that you make for prescription contact lenses supplied under a monthly scheme when you obtain the receipt
A health cash plan can alleviate the stress associated with unexpected eyecare expenses, such as emergency glasses replacement. Additionally, it can enable you to indulge in designer frames rather than opting for the cheapest alternatives.
