Like all types of insurance, vision or eye care insurance is a way to reduce the burden or costs related to eye care and health in exchange for a monthly premium. It is a safeguard against unexpected illness or injury. For many individuals with insurance through employers, they may find that they already have access to vision insurance through that more comprehensive policy.

However, there are many people who do not have vision insurance through work or a more extensive general health insurance plan. If you fall into that category, you may be wondering if you really need vision insurance or if a discount plan, Flexible Spending Account (FSA), or paying out of pocket is better. 

Here is a look at the pros and cons you can expect from each type of plan and a general recommendation concerning insurance needs.

Our vision changes naturally throughout our lives. As we age, use, injury, and other health conditions can put us at increasing risk of developing eye disease and eventually vision loss. But this risk varies drastically from person-to-person and can leave many patients wondering what their actual risk is. 

The eyes are the window to the soul and our window to view the world around us. It's through them we experience the beauty of the mountains, the smile of a loved one, and our favorite movie. Good vision is an essential component of living an engaging and fruitful life for many of us. But eye care is one aspect of health that can fall to the wayside until it is too late. 

The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) holds World Sight Day every October. IAPB is an alliance of over 150 organizations in over 100 countries with the goal of working together to ensure everyone everywhere has access to universal eye care. They hope to end avoidable sight loss worldwide with appropriate access to care.

This year join us, the IAPB, and people around the globe in celebration and protection of our eyes.

In a world with constant bugging about extended warranties or invasive sales techniques, it can feel pushy when you hear the recommendation for having a backup pair of glasses. But for those with prescription lenses, you may depend on those glasses more than you realize to help travel, complete your work, participate in sports, and take care of your family.