How to Use Your Vision Insurance Benefits in the New Year for Eye Exams & Glasses in Austin, TX

A new year is the perfect time to check in on your vision and your vision insurance benefits. Many vision plans reset annually, meaning unused benefits from last year don’t roll over. If you live in Austin, TX, January is an ideal opportunity to schedule a comprehensive eye exam, update your prescription, and invest in new eyewear while maximizing your insurance savings. Here’s how to make the most of your vision insurance benefits this year at Texas State Optical.

Start the Year with a Comprehensive Eye Exam

A comprehensive eye exam in Austin, TX  is the foundation of healthy vision. Beyond checking how clearly you see, an exam evaluates your overall eye health and can detect early signs of conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic eye disease.

Most vision insurance plans fully or partially cover one comprehensive eye exam per year. Scheduling your exam early ensures you:

•           Take advantage of benefits before life gets busy

•           Establish an updated baseline for your eye health

•           Catch potential issues before symptoms appear

If it’s been a year or longer since your last eye exam, now is the time to prioritize your vision.

Update Your Prescription for Clearer, More Comfortable Vision

Vision changes gradually, which makes it easy to overlook subtle declines in clarity. After your comprehensive eye exam, your optometrist may recommend updating your prescription for glasses or contact lenses.

Using your insurance benefits toward prescription updates can help cover:

•           Single-vision, bifocal, or progressive lenses

•           Adjustments for digital eye strain or blue light exposure

•           Specialty lenses for astigmatism or presbyopia

An updated prescription can reduce headaches, eye fatigue, and blurred vision - especially important if you spend long hours on screens.

Refresh Your Look with New Frames

Many vision insurance plans include an annual or biannual frame allowance. The new year is a great excuse to refresh your style or replace worn-out frames.

At Texas State Optical, you can apply your benefits toward:

•           Designer and budget-friendly frames

•           Lightweight, durable materials for everyday wear

•           Frames that better fit your lifestyle, whether professional, active, or casual

Don’t Forget Prescription Sunglasses

Austin’s sunny climate makes prescription sunglasses more than a luxury - they’re a necessity. Vision insurance benefits often apply to prescription sunglasses, either as part of your frame allowance or as an add-on.

Prescription sunglasses can:

•           Protect your eyes from harmful UV rays

•           Reduce glare while driving or spending time outdoors

•           Improve comfort and visibility year-round

Using your benefits on prescription sunglasses is a smart way to protect your eyes while staying stylish.

Stock Up on Contact Lenses

If you wear contact lenses, the new year is the perfect time to reorder. Many vision insurance plans offer allowances specifically for contact lenses, helping offset the cost of:

•           Daily, bi-weekly, or monthly contacts

•           Toric lenses for astigmatism

•           Multifocal contact lenses

Ordering your annual supply early ensures uninterrupted vision and often provides additional savings.

Understand Your Vision Insurance Benefits

Every vision plan is different. Common benefits may include:

•           Coverage for one comprehensive eye exam per year

•           A frame or lens allowance

•           Discounts on lens upgrades or additional pairs

•           Contact lens allowances or rebates

If you’re unsure about your coverage, our eye care team can help review your benefits and explain how to use them efficiently.

Start the New Year Seeing Your Best

The new year is the best time to prioritize your eye health and make full use of your vision insurance benefits. From scheduling a comprehensive eye exam in Austin, TX to updating your prescription, choosing new frames, investing in prescription sunglasses, or restocking contact lenses, taking action early ensures you don’t leave valuable benefits unused.