A basic eye exam in the US usually costs between $75 and $150 when you pay out of pocket. A more detailed exam typically ranges from $150 to $300 or more, depending on the provider, tests performed, and where you live. Most uninsured patients end up paying around $110 to $136 for a standard visit.
Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. And that’s exactly why eye care matters.
Your eyes do a lot more than help you see clearly. They quietly signal changes in your health, catch early signs of disease, and play a major role in how you experience daily life. Regular eye exams are how you protect that.
And this is important: you should not wait for the “something feels wrong” moment. Eye exams are meant to be preventive, not reactive.
That brings us to the practical question most people ask first.
How Much Does an Eye Exam Cost?
This guide breaks it down clearly. Basic vs comprehensive exam pricing, what uninsured patients actually pay, why costs vary, how prices differ by state, and realistic ways to afford care if you are paying out of pocket.
Let’s start with the basics.
What Is an Eye Exam?
An eye exam is a set of tests performed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist to evaluate both your vision and eye health. It is not just reading letters on a chart.
A proper exam checks how clearly you see, how well your eyes work together, whether you need vision correction, and whether there are early signs of eye disease or broader health conditions.
Depending on the exam type, this may include visual acuity testing, refraction for glasses or contact lenses, eye muscle and alignment checks, eye pressure measurement for glaucoma screening, retinal and optic nerve examination with dilation, and digital imaging or OCT scans when appropriate.
Types of Eye Exams You Should Know About
1. Vision screening or basic refraction
This is the most basic level. It checks whether you can see clearly and whether you need a prescription. These are often done at schools, workplaces, or retail settings. They are quick and inexpensive but do not assess eye health in depth.
2. Routine or regular eye exam
This is what most people mean when they say “eye exam.” It includes vision testing and a basic health evaluation of the eyes. These are commonly done by optometrists and are often sufficient for healthy adults with no symptoms.
3. Comprehensive eye exam
A comprehensive exam goes deeper. It includes dilation, detailed inspection of the retina and optic nerve, eye pressure testing, and often imaging. These exams are common for first time patients, older adults, or anyone with risk factors.
4. Medically necessary or problem focused exam
These exams are done when there are symptoms, injuries, or known eye or health conditions such as diabetes, glaucoma, or macular degeneration. They often involve multiple tests and follow ups and are billed as medical visits rather than routine vision care.
Preventive exams are scheduled regularly to monitor eye health. Medically necessary exams are done to diagnose or manage disease. This distinction matters when it comes to cost and insurance coverage.
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Average Cost of an Eye Exam in the US
Here is a clear breakdown using conservative national averages from reputable consumer and industry sources.
Typical Eye Exam Prices (Uninsured)
| Type of exam | Average cost range | What it includes |
|---|---|---|
| Vision screening or refraction only | $20 to $60 | Basic vision check, no health evaluation |
| Routine eye exam | $75 to $150 | Vision testing and basic eye health check |
| Comprehensive eye exam | $150 to $300+ | Dilation, pressure testing, retinal exam, imaging |
| Medical or specialist visit | $200 to $400+ | Disease evaluation, advanced testing, follow ups |
Across the US, most uninsured patients pay between $75 and $200, depending on the type of exam and provider.
Factors That Affect the Cost of an Eye Exam
Eye exam prices are not fixed. Several factors influence what you end up paying.
1. Provider type
Retail vision centers and national chains often charge less for routine exams. Independent optometry practices and ophthalmology clinics typically charge more due to advanced equipment and longer appointment times.
2. New patient vs follow up
First time comprehensive exams usually cost more than return visits.
3. Tests performed
Dilation, retinal imaging, OCT scans, visual field tests, and corneal mapping all add to the total cost. These tests are often medically valuable but not always required for every visit.
4. Medical complexity
If the visit is medically necessary rather than preventive, it is billed differently and often costs more.
5. Location
Urban areas and states with higher costs of living generally have higher exam prices.
6. Add ons
Contact lens fittings, specialty lens measurements, and additional imaging are usually billed separately and can add $30 to several hundred dollars.
Average Eye Exam Cost by State* (Uninsured)
Eye exam costs vary by state due to differences in cost of living, provider density, and clinic type. The ranges below reflect typical out of pocket prices for a routine to comprehensive eye exam, based on aggregated consumer pricing data, provider fee disclosures, and regional benchmarks. Retail clinics tend to fall on the lower end, while private practices and ophthalmology clinics sit on the higher end.
| State | Average eye exam cost range |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $70 to $200 |
| Alaska | $100 to $300 |
| Arizona | $75 to $225 |
| Arkansas | $65 to $190 |
| California | $75 to $250 |
| Colorado | $80 to $240 |
| Connecticut | $90 to $260 |
| Delaware | $80 to $230 |
| Florida | $40 to $200 |
| Georgia | $70 to $210 |
| Hawaii | $100 to $300 |
| Idaho | $70 to $200 |
| Illinois | $80 to $240 |
| Indiana | $70 to $210 |
| Iowa | $65 to $200 |
| Kansas | $65 to $195 |
| Kentucky | $65 to $200 |
| Louisiana | $65 to $205 |
| Maine | $80 to $230 |
| Maryland | $90 to $260 |
| Massachusetts | $95 to $275 |
| Michigan | $75 to $220 |
| Minnesota | $80 to $235 |
| Mississippi | $60 to $190 |
| Missouri | $70 to $210 |
| Montana | $75 to $220 |
| Nebraska | $70 to $205 |
| Nevada | $80 to $240 |
| New Hampshire | $85 to $245 |
| New Jersey | $90 to $270 |
| New Mexico | $70 to $210 |
| New York | $100 to $300 |
| North Carolina | $70 to $210 |
| North Dakota | $75 to $215 |
| Ohio | $70 to $210 |
| Oklahoma | $65 to $200 |
| Oregon | $80 to $240 |
| Pennsylvania | $80 to $240 |
| Rhode Island | $90 to $260 |
| South Carolina | $70 to $205 |
| South Dakota | $70 to $210 |
| Tennessee | $70 to $205 |
| Texas | $70 to $200 |
| Utah | $75 to $220 |
| Vermont | $85 to $245 |
| Virginia | $85 to $255 |
| Washington | $90 to $260 |
| West Virginia | $65 to $195 |
| Wisconsin | $75 to $220 |
| Wyoming | $75 to $225 |
| Washington DC | $100 to $300 |
*Exact state averages change frequently.
Phase Wise Cost Breakdown: What a More Involved Eye Care Journey Can Look Like
This example helps illustrate how costs can add up when additional testing or treatment is required.
- Initial comprehensive eye exam and imaging: $150 to $300
- Additional diagnostic tests such as visual fields or advanced imaging: $50 to $250 per test
- Follow up medical visits: $100 to $250 per visit
- Ongoing management or procedures: billed medically and varies widely
This is why early preventive exams matter. They often reduce long term costs.
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Enroll NowDoes Insurance Cover Eye Exams?
1. Vision insurance
Vision plans usually cover routine eye exams with a small copay, often between $10 and $40. They also offer discounts on glasses and contact lenses.
2. Medical insurance
Medical insurance covers eye exams only when they are medically necessary. This includes exams related to eye disease, injury, or systemic conditions like diabetes. Routine refractions for glasses are typically not covered under Original Medicare.
3. Medicare
Medicare Part B covers eye exams for specific conditions such as glaucoma risk or diabetic eye disease. Medicare Advantage plans may include routine vision benefits, but coverage varies.
Always confirm how your visit will be billed before your appointment.
How to Afford Eye Exam Costs Without Insurance?
Paying out of pocket does not mean you are out of options.
1. Choose retail vision centers for basic needs
They often offer lower prices for routine exams.
2. Look for promotions and bundles
Some clinics offer discounted or free exams with eyewear purchases.
3. Use community clinics and nonprofit programs
Organizations listed by the National Eye Institute provide low cost or free exams for qualifying individuals.
4. Consider vision discount plans
These are not insurance but can reduce per visit costs.
5. Use payment plans when available
Many clinics offer payment plans. For example, providers that partner with solutions like Credee allow patients to split exam and treatment costs into manageable payments, which can make higher quality care easier to access without upfront strain.
6. Ask for estimates and prioritize tests
Clinics can often explain which tests are essential and which are optional.
Why Eye Exams Are Crucial?
Eye exams do more than protect your eyesight.
- They detect glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and cataracts early
- They can reveal signs of systemic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure
- They improve safety, productivity, and quality of life
- Early detection significantly reduces long term treatment costs
How Often Should You Get an Eye Exam?
| Group | Recommended frequency |
|---|---|
| Children | Screenings in early childhood, then as advised before school and during school years |
| Adults 18 to 60 | Every 1 to 2 years |
| Adults 61 and older | Annually |
| People with eye disease or diabetes | As prescribed by the doctor |
Anyone with sudden vision changes, pain, flashes, or floaters should seek immediate care.
Final Word
A routine eye exam is one of the simplest health investments you can make. For most people without insurance, the cost falls between $75 and $200. Comprehensive exams cost more, but they catch problems early and often save money over time.
If cost is a concern, retail clinics, community programs, and payment plans make care accessible. The real risk is skipping the exam.
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Schedule A DemoFAQs
Q. How Much Is an Eye Exam Without Insurance?
Most people pay between $75 and $200 depending on exam type and provider.
Q. What Is the Average Cost of an Eye Exam?
Conservative national averages place it around $110 to $136.
Q. Does Insurance Cover Eye Exams Cost?
Vision insurance covers routine exams. Medical insurance covers medically necessary exams. Medicare does not cover routine refractions.
Q. How Much Is an Eye Exam and Glasses Without Insurance?
Expect $200 to $500 depending on frames, lenses, and retailer.
Q. How Do I Find Eye Exams or Same Day Glasses Near Me?
Retail vision centers and local optometrists often advertise same day service when frames are in stock.
