Medicare & Eye Exams

Our office is a proud provider of Medicare for your Eye Care needs Not sure what Medicare will cover? Our friendly staff can answer your questions. Please give us a call today: (323) 655-6582

Medicare will pay for some eye care services if you are experiencing any kind of medical complaint with your eyes such as dry eyes (burning, itching, red eyes), light sensitivity, or have a chronic eye condition, such as cataracts or glaucoma. Medicare generally does not generally cover routine exams unless you are a diabetic, or are at risk for diabetes or glaucoma. Medicare will cover:

• An eye exam if you are experiencing a medical complaint such as flashes, floaters, itchy eyes, red eyes, burning stinging sensation . . . etc
• Eyeglasses or contacts once after cataract surgery during which an intraocular lens was placed into your eye. Medicare will cover the dark glasses that you must wear immediately after surgery to protect your eyes, and a standard pair of untinted prescription eyeglasses or contacts if you need them after surgery. If it is medically necessary, Medicare may pay for customized eyeglasses or contact lenses.
• An eye exam to diagnose potential vision problems. If you are having vision problems that indicate a serious eye condition, Medicare will pay for an exam to see what is wrong, even if it turns out there is not anything wrong with your sight.
• Surgical procedures to help repair the function of the eye due to these conditions. For example, Medicare will cover small procedure of punctal plugs for moderate to severe dry eyes that is not relieved by artificial tears.

Medicare will only pay for routine eye care in the following specific circumstances:

If you have diabetes, Medicare will pay for an eye exam once every 12 months to check for vision loss due to the condition

If you are at high risk for glaucoma Medicare will cover an eye exam by a state-authorized eye doctor once every 12 months. You are considered to be at high risk if you:

• have diabetes
• have a family history of glaucoma
• are African American and age 50 or older
• are Hispanic and age 65 or older.