cost of an eye doctor visit

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The cost of eye exams

Eye wellness.

How much is the cost of an eye exam ? It depends on where you live, whether you visit a retail vision provider or a local private optometrist, and whether or not you are a new or recurring patient.

An eye checkup fee can range from $50 to $250, with a typical eye doctor visit costing around $95.

What is included in the cost of the eye test

An eye examination could take up to an hour. The purpose of the eye tests is to allow your ophthalmologist to measure visual acuity and identify if you require vision correction , including whether or not you need a prescription for glasses, contacts, or maybe surgery like LASIK.

• the clarity of your vision
• the degree of refractive error in your vision and the prescription required to correct it
• pupillary response to light and close objects, which can be indicators of other health issues
• eye muscle function
• general ocular health

What about the average cost of an eye exam and glasses? Fittings for glasses and contact lenses generally need separate appointments.

How much do prescription glasses cost ? The price depends on several factors and can range from $100 and up.

Eye Doctors: average costs

Depending on if you have benefits or are paying out-of-pocket, an eye checkup typically costs around $95. An average eye exam is the lowest (often about $50) when you have it performed by an optometrist at a retail store or an optical chain. The price goes higher when performed by an ophthalmologist in a clinic or an office. The standard exam cost for each type of provider was:

• Individual practice: $140
• Vision center: $85
• Vision retailers: $90

Vision centers and vision retailers are usually very similar in price. Private practices charge more on average for an eye checkup to cover overhead costs.

What is the cost of an eye exam without insurance?

What is the cost of an eye exam without insurance ? Paying for an eye exam and glasses out-of-pocket without insurance can be expensive, especially if you also need to pay for other preventative care. An eye test cost typically ranges around $200 in the US , which is out of reach for many individuals. But there are many ways to save on eye exams, especially for children of low-income families and seniors. The cost of eye dilation and other optical exam costs depends on the exam required. You might spend more than that in a year if you need frequent eye exams for an eye issue.

What is the cheapest place to get an eye checked?

You cannot overstate enough the importance of vision health. Millions of people forgo getting their vision checked due to costs associated with eye health. When paying out of pocket, eye tests at larger eye care providers are frequently less expensive than those at neighborhood. Providers like Costco, Walmart, and Target often have optometrists who provide eye exams at more affordable prices, ranging from $45 to $80.

How often should you get an eye exam ? Make sure to schedule a vision appointment regularly to keep your eyes healthy.

Insurance coverage and eye tests

The coverage you receive from your insurance provider for preventative eye exams will vary depending on the provider and insurance plan. Most routine eye exams are not fully covered by plans, although many insurance companies provide separate vision coverage and may pay for at least some of your eye exam expenses. The typical co-pay for an eye checkup if you have vision insurance is from $10 to $40 .

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Find Eye Doctor

How Much Does an Eye Exam Cost? The Prices Explained

It’s important to ask yourself: When was the last time I got my eyes checked?

Eye exams are essential for maintaining healthy eyes, identifying vision problems, and providing you with meaningful solutions. Seeing an eye doctor is especially important if you’ve experienced a recent change in vision. Changes in vision can include blurriness, eye pain, eye dryness, eye redness, and increased sensitivity.

The question is, how much will an eye exam cost? In this guide, we’ll walk you through the different types of eye exams as well as the average costs to expect.

How Much Does an Eye Exam Cost?

A typical eye exam cost in Canada can range anywhere from $75-$300, based on a variety of factors. The main factors that impact the final cost include but are not limited to:

• Your location
• If you’re receiving an initial patient exam
• If you’re receiving an established patient exam
• Your eye exam frequency
• Whether or not you have vision insurance
• The severity of your eye issue
• The treatment plan

Next, let’s dive deeper into the common types of eye exams and the associated costs.

Comprehensive Eye Exams

A comprehensive eye exam uses several types of tests to completely assess your eye health. This includes examining your vision, your overall eye function, and identifying potential medical problems. The specific tests will be determined by your eye doctor.

The average cost of a comprehensive eye exam without insurance can range from $170-$200. Some patients who use a vision insurance plan may have their expenses covered fully. Others will be required to pay a co-pay which can be as low as $50.

Routine Eye Exams

A routine exam will evaluate a patient’s vision. An eye doctor will instruct the patient to take a refraction test , also known as a vision test.

During the test, you’ll read letters or numbers through a pair of bulky glasses. At the same time, your doctor will switch out the lenses to assess your vision.

A routine eye exam can start from $70-$90 without insurance coverage. This price may also be higher, based on your specific optometrist and location. Patients with vision coverage can expect to spend less, ranging from $10-$50.

Contact Lens Exams

A contact lens exam is a bit more complex and consists of:

• A comprehensive eye exam
• A vision prescription
• A contact lens consultation

That way, your eye doctor can analyze your overall eye health, your vision, and the type of lens that will work best for you. Your visit will also include a lens fitting to ensure your contacts fit properly.

An eye exam without insurance commonly ranges from $120-$185, depending on where you live. An eye exam with insurance will most likely be less than $90.

Consult With Your Local Eye Doctor

Eye exams are essential for maintaining healthy eye conditions and diagnosing potential medical problems. Your eye exam cost will vary based on the services you seek out, the treatment plan you need, and whether or not you’re covered by vision insurance.

At EYES, we strive to provide you with the care you deserve. Contact us today at 519-733-3766 to schedule an eye exam.

You can also check out our other blog posts for more information about eye health, eyewear, and examinations.

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How Much Do Eye Exams Cost?

Getting regular eye exams is an important step in keeping your eyes healthy. At Nationwide Vision, we care about you and your vision health needs.

Often times, most insurance plans will cover the cost of a routine eye exam, and even a comprehensive eye exam. If a copay is required, an eye exam usually costs anywhere from $10-$50. Without insurance, an eye exam typically costs anywhere from $50-$250.

Don’t let the cost of an eye exam discourage you from keeping up with your eye health! Here at Nationwide Vision, we’re willing to work with your financial situation. Read more for some of your financial plan options.

Visit Our Arizona Eye Doctors

We’re here to help you get the vision health you need. If you’re worried about the cost of your appointment, call us to ask about payment plans or other eligible payment options. 

Schedule an appointment with us to assess your eyes and come up with a personalized treatment plan. Find your nearest Nationwide Vision Location.

What Happens During A Routine Eye Exam?

Routine eye exams are generally quick vision screening procedures. Tests your doctor may conduct during a routine eye exam are:

Pre-Exam tests

Pupillary Reactions

Slit Lamp Tests

Visual Acuity and Refraction

Pupil Dilation

These exams generally check your vision for any changes, and let your doctor know if you need updates in your prescriptions. Learn more about Routine Eye Exams here.

What Happens During a Comprehensive Eye Exam?

A comprehensive eye exam utilizes the same tests as a routine eye exam. The difference between the two is that your doctor may perform additional tests to check for more complex disorders or diseases. Other tests may include:

Color Blindness Test

Ocular Motility Test (eye movement)

Stereopsis Test (Depth Perception)

Eye pressure Test

You can learn more about comprehensive eye exams here.

Ways We Can Make Eyecare Affordable

Because of the different types of eye exams available, the cost of an eye exam with or without insurance may vary. Don’t let cost get in the way of getting the eye care you need. View some of the options below to figure out which one is right for your situation.

Insurance can significantly decrease the cost of your eye exam appointment, depending on your provider. If you have insurance, call Nationwide Vision to discuss eligibility. You can also call your insurance provider to discuss benefits available to you.

Another way you can pay for your eye exam is either by using a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or a Health Savings Account (HSA).

An FSA is an account you can save money in for certain out-of-pocket healthcare costs. An FSA is set up through your employer and you have to submit a medical claim to show which expenses your insurance will not cover. Your employer can also make contributions to your FSA. Discuss with your employer if they offer these types of benefits. Learn more about FSA’s here.

An HSA is similar to an FSA, except that you own it directly. Health Savings Accounts are available to anyone covered by an IRS-qualified high deductible health plan. You contribute funds to the HSA and funds are withdrawable for eligible expenses at any time. Learn more about HSA’s here.

Payment Plans

If you are ineligible for benefits, or if you are unsure if your benefits apply, don’t hesitate to contact Nationwide Vision for more information. We’ll do our best to accommodate your needs so you can get the vision care you deserve.

Book Your Eye Exam at Nationwide Vision

Ready for an eye exam? Book your appointment now with Nationwide Vision.

Our Arizona specialists are here to give you the best treatment possible. Relief is just a call or click away at Nationwide Vision!

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Home / Guides / The Cost of Eye Care Over Time

The Cost of Eye Care Over Time

• The Cost of LASIK
• LASIK Pros & Cons

Affording LASIK

Methodology.

While glasses and contacts are game changers for people with bad vision, the costs add up over time. Every year, many Americans have to pay for an eye exam, new lenses for their glasses, a year’s supply of contacts, and maybe even prescription sunglasses. When you add up the costs, it’s safe to say it’s not cheap. 

A new survey of more than 1,050 people with bad or corrected vision found they are paying about $500 every year for their eyesight. But with LASIK , that could cut down that cost to just about $100 a year. We’ll show you how a few simple lifestyle changes could help you save for the surgery. 

The Case for LASIK

LASIK isn’t cheap, but it definitely pays off in the long run. Americans estimated the total surgery cost $5,752 on average, but they overestimated it by nearly $500. LASIK costs anywhere from $1,000 to $4,000 per eye . The nationwide average is $5,264 total. 

We get it. It sounds like a lot of money, and it is a lot of money! But let’s put it in perspective. On average, Americans with bad vision start having problems seeing far away anywhere from their early school years to their teens . Let’s say people start having trouble seeing at 15 years old.  That means they had to start spending money annually on an eye exam ($79 with insurance, $117 without), glasses ($167 on average) and/or contacts ($196 on average), and eye care products ($40). That’s about $500 a year. The Centers for Disease Control estimates the average life expectancy for Americans is 77 years old . So, over a lifetime people with bad vision end up paying $31,000 on eye care! 

But if they get LASIK, the surgery will pay for itself in a little more than 10 years. It would pay for itself even faster if you’re paying extra for things like prescription sunglasses.  

LASIK Pros and Cons

Three-quarters (75%) of people with glasses or contacts have considered LASIK. Right now, the top reason people are putting off the surgery is cost, and inflation is having an impact. More than 3 out of 5 (61%) said they would get LASIK if the cost wasn’t a factor, and 28% say inflation has made them reconsider the surgery. Other top concerns about LASIK include side effects and pain. 

It’s not only elective surgeries like LASIK that are being impacted by the current environment. Nearly 1 out of 3 people (31%) admitted they have cut down on doctor visits because of inflation too. 

People who have already gotten LASIK said they went from paying $370 a year in eye care costs to only $114. The top three ways people paid for LASIK were upfront or out of pocket (60%), insurance (15%), and financing (13%). 

The majority were pleased with the results. Nearly 90%of those who have gotten LASIK reported they were happy with how their eyes turned out after the surgery.  

While LASIK is expensive, it’s not unattainable. There are some simple changes you can make to your lifestyle to save up for the surgery. We asked Americans to estimate how much they spend monthly and yearly on things like take-out, coffee, streaming services, and vacation. 

People estimated they eat out about 5 times a month and spend about $161 monthly at restaurants and take-out. That adds up to $1,932 a year. If you cut back on eating out to just 2 times a month you could save $1,159 each year! Skipping Starbucks and opting for coffee at home could add an extra $192 to your account, and attempting a dry 2023 instead of just dry January could help you save $408 a year.

Most Americans spend an average of $78 monthly on streaming services and cable. It doesn’t sound like a lot, but that adds up to $936 a year. If you cut back on a streaming service or 2 and got your monthly bill down to $50 a month, you could save $336 each year! 

As for vacations, Americans spend an annual average of $1,557 on trips. If you opted for staycations, you’d save enough money for the surgery in about 3 years. If that’s not realistic you could cut down your vacations to just $1,000 each year, and save an extra $500. Just think, after LASIK, the next time you visit Mount Rushmore or the Grand Canyon you won’t have to squint! 

There’s not a one-size-fits-all saving solution, but consciously cutting back a little here and there could help you save what you need for LASIK . It’s a long-term investment, but it can pay itself off in the long run. 

In July 2022, we surveyed 1,058 people with vision problems or corrected vision about the costs of eye care. Respondents ranged in age from 18 to 82 with an average age of 39. 48% were women, 49% men, 2% nonbinary, and 1% transgender. The household income of 31% was $40,000 or less, 19% reported $40,001-$60,000, 14% reported $60,001 – $80,000, 13% reported $80,001-$100,000, and 24% reported $100,001 or more. 

For media inquiries, please contact [email protected].

When using this data and research, please attribute it by linking to this study and citing myvision.org.

Last Updated September 21, 2022

Note: This page should not serve as a substitute for professional medical advice from a doctor or specialist. Please review our about page for more information.

Get Free or Low-Cost Eye Care

Eye care can be expensive. The good news is that there are programs that offer free or low-cost eye exams and eyeglasses. Some health insurance plans also provide free vision screenings and help to cover the cost of other eye care services, too.  

Programs that offer free or low-cost eye care

These programs offer free or low-cost eye care. Keep in mind that you’ll need to apply to get help from these programs — and many programs have specific requirements, like having a low income or a higher risk of certain eye diseases.

Most of these programs provide services across the United States, but your area may have local organizations and services that can help, too.

For all ages

These people and organizations may be able to connect you to low-cost eye care: 

• Your regular doctor. Your doctor may be able to refer you to low-cost eye care.
• Your eye doctor. If you already have an eye doctor and you need help paying for your care or treatment, ask them if there are programs you may qualify for that can help.
• Community health centers. Some community health centers have an eye clinic and offer free or low-cost care. Use this tool to find a community health center near you.
• Local colleges or universities. If there is a college or university near you that has an optometry or ophthalmology program, ask if they offer low-cost eye care.
• Your local pharmacy. Ask your pharmacist if they offer discounts on medicines or medicine delivery.

VSP Eyes of Hope  provides children and adults with no-cost eye care and eyeglasses. This program is for people with limited income who don’t have health insurance. To apply for Eyes of Hope, you’ll need help from a school nurse or a community partner organization.

Lions Clubs International  offers help paying for eye care through its local clubs. Some clubs may also provide eyeglasses.

New Eyes  provides prescription eyeglasses to children and adults who can’t afford them. A social worker or someone at a community health center may be able help you apply.

Mission Cataract USA  offers free cataract surgery to people of all ages who can’t afford it.

Operation Sight  helps people with low incomes get cataract surgery.

The American Glaucoma Society helps people with low incomes or no insurance get glaucoma surgery through its AGS Cares program.

The National Federation of the Blind provides free white canes for personal use.

Prevent Blindness has a full list of organizations and services that provide financial help for vision care.

For older adults

EyeCare America  offers free comprehensive eye exams — and up to 1 year of care — to people age 65 and older and to people at higher risk of glaucoma.

For children

All Children See connects you with eye doctors that can provide a comprehensive eye exam. Children qualify for the program if they had a vision screening that caught an eye problem — or if they show vision problems. Note this program is only available in some states.

InfantSEE   offers free eye assessments for babies ages 6 to 12 months. These assessments are done by an eye doctor and may catch problems that a regular vision check won’t.

Health insurance and eye care

Ask questions

To learn what eye care services your health insurance plan covers:

• Call the number on the back of your insurance card and ask about eye care coverage
• Before your appointment, ask your eye doctor’s office how much your visit may cost and what you’ll have to pay

Under a law called the Affordable Care Act, many health insurance plans are required to cover the full cost of vision screenings for children and teens (up to age 19). Health insurance plans may also help cover the cost of eye care for eye diseases like cataracts, diabetic eye disease, and glaucoma.

Medicaid, CHIP, and Medicare

Medicaid and CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program)  are government programs that offer free or low-cost health insurance for children in families with low incomes. Medicaid and CHIP cover the cost of vision care for children. Keep in mind that each state has different rules to qualify for these programs.

Medicare  is a government health insurance program for people age 65 and older and some people younger than age 65 with disabilities. It doesn’t cover routine eye exams or eyeglasses for most people, but it will help cover some eye care if you have:

• Age-related macular degeneration
• A high risk of glaucoma

Some Medicare Advantage plans may also offer vision coverage, so check out your plan for more details.

If you need help understanding your Medicare benefits or coverage, contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) .

VA health care

If you’re a Veteran or service member and qualify for health benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the VA will cover routine eye exams and preventive vision testing (like testing for glaucoma). You may also be able to get eyeglasses and other vision care you need covered through the VA.

Other health insurance plans

If you enrolled in a health insurance plan through the national Health Insurance Marketplace or a state Marketplace or Exchange, your plan covers free vision screenings for children and teens. Many private health insurance plans — like plans offered by your employer — offer free vision screenings for kids, too.

Before you go to the eye doctor, it’s a good idea to find out if a comprehensive eye exam is covered under your health insurance plan.

If you don’t have health insurance , you may be able to find an affordable plan through the national Health Insurance Marketplace or your state’s marketplace or exchange.

Last updated: April 25, 2022

Where to Find Cheap Eye Exams

In this article

Regular eye exams are essential to maintain good eye health. However, the high cost often hinders access to eye exams for many individuals.

Certain vision problems may not exhibit evident symptoms. This means a medical professional must conduct a thorough analysis to identify or diagnose any potential issues.

An eye exam also helps determine whether you need glasses or contact lenses to correct your vision.

Fortunately, many programs and organizations offer cheap or free eye exams. We’ll cover some of the available options in this article.

How Much Does a Cheap Eye Exam Cost?

Cheap eye exams vary in cost but are usually available for $100 or less. However, cheap tends to equate to basic. If you have serious vision health concerns, seek a comprehensive eye exam.

Cheap eye exams are not recommended for people diagnosed with:

• Hypertension
• Serious vision health issues

Eye exams protect your vision and diagnose other health concerns early. Some basic eye exams can detect problems with heart health, stroke risk, and diabetes-related vision problems.

However, if you believe these issues are a concern, setting up routine checkups at a full-service eye health center is best.

Cheap eye exams are ideal for young people with healthy eyes who want to measure visual acuity.

Where to Find Cheap Eye Exams 

Many places offer low-cost and free eye exams. Most of these establishments are full-service and offer a full range of eyewear.

Some of the most popular eye health exams are available at:

Zocdoc helps you find nearby doctors in your network.

You can read reviews of eye doctors by real patients and book doctor appointments with a couple of clicks. You can even book an online eye exam with an eye doctor through remote teleoptometry sessions.

Schedule an eye exam with Zocdoc

1800 Contacts

This is an online eye exam and a cheap contact lens exam. It’s only available to people with a prescription for contact lenses (not for first-time customers).

The exam is $20 and can be taken in the comfort of your own home. Normally, you’ll have a regular comprehensive eye exam at your ophthalmologist’s or optometrist’s office. However, you can receive an eye exam from 1800 Contacts remotely.

This eye exam ensures your prescription is up-to-date. The eye exam takes about 10 minutes, and you get your results within hours.

Schedule an eye exam with 1800 Contacts 

1800 Contacts eye exams are available to people aged 18 to 55 who live in an eligible state. States that don’t offer online eye exams from 1800 Contacts include:

• North Dakota
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• West Virginia

America’s Best

At America’s Best, you can get free eye exams if you purchase two pairs of glasses from the company. Contact lens eye exams are a bit more expensive and cost $99. 

America’s Best also offers free exams for kids when you get 2 pairs of glasses for $79.95.

Schedule an eye exam with America’s Best

Some Target locations offer eye exams for approximately $55 through their Target Optical service.

Target Optical offers a basic exam. You pay more if you need pupil dilation. An eye doctor conducts the exam and prescribes corrective lenses if needed. You can learn more about Target Optical on their website or when you visit your local Target.

Schedule an eye exam with Target

Costco Optical eye exams are available for club members for approximately $80 for a glasses exam. Contact lens exams are approximately $150.

Visit Costco

The fee for a standard eye exam at Walmart Vision Center is $60. Walmart Vision Center accepts some forms of insurance, which might reduce the cost of your exam, glasses, and contacts. 

Schedule an eye exam with Walmart

Sam’s Club offers basic eye exams starting at $50 for members needing eye exams and glasses.

Dilation and contact lens exams cost more at about $100. You might also pay more if you need contacts for astigmatism or have other issues. You’ll also pay more if you purchase progressive lenses or bifocals. 

Schedule an eye exam with Sam’s Club 

EyeCare America

EyeCare America offers a comprehensive eye exam for $89. Eyecare Club memberships cost $99 and offer up to two free annual exams for three years. People aged 65 and older and people at higher risk of glaucoma can also receive a free eye exam from them.

Learn More about EyeCare America

You can find cheap eye exams from Zocdoc, 1800 Contacts, America’s Best, Target, Costco Optical, Walmart, Sam’s Club, and EyeCare America.

Eye Exam Cost With & Without Insurance

Sometimes, insurance policies cover eye exams. They’re considered preventative health care and require only a small co-pay from the insured. However, some people need to purchase a supplemental vision insurance plan that offers vision coverage.

Getting a regular eye exam is crucial to maintain optimal vision health. Many people don’t have insurance coverage , or their plan doesn’t have vision coverage, so they fail to receive regular eye exams. With cheap eye exams, it’s still possible to undergo them without spending much money.

The average cost of an eye exam is about $200. However, a reputable vision center can offer low-cost or even free eye exams.

The cost of an eye exam depends on whether your insurance policy will cover them or not. Sometimes, it would require a small co-pay, and for others, they would need to purchase a supplemental vision insurance plan. The average cost of an eye exam is $200.

How Often Should I Receive Eye Exams?

The American Optometric Association (AOA) suggests receiving an eye exam at least once every two years. Getting a routine vision exam is part of eye care.

Children and people over 65 are recommended to receive an eye exam annually. However, this will vary depending on any present symptoms or conditions. Those with any symptoms of vision impairment may need to receive their eye exam more frequently.

Following these guidelines can help guarantee the best eye health for you and your family.

Free Eyeglasses for Low Income 

You might qualify for a free eye exam or prescription eyeglasses based on your income limits. Some of the programs offering free and cheap eye exams and glasses for people without insurance include:

This is a national public health program.

It’s funded by charitable donations to the American Optometric Association (AOA) and staffed by volunteer optometrists.

The program provides a single free vision assessment for children under one year. You don’t need insurance coverage to have an InfantSEE eye exam for your baby’s vision evaluation.

Learn More about InfantSEE

Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) are federal and state-funded health programs offering healthcare coverage to low-income people.

Qualifications for Medicaid vary from state to state. Check with a representative in your state even if you think you do not qualify. Medicaid eligibility is less strict for people who are blind or have other disabilities.

Medicaid covers many preventative services, screenings, and treatments for health conditions. It includes an eye exam for vision care issues. The program pays for many services for eligible children, including vision and dental care and routine eye exams.

Learn More about Medicaid Vision

Sight for Students

This is a program offered by Vision Service Plan (VSP). It includes free eye exams and eyeglasses for low-income children without medical or vision insurance. It’s a national program that has been operating since 1997.

Learn More about Sight for Students

This is a non-profit volunteer optometry program that purchases glasses for low-income children.

The program also recycles glasses donated by the public and distributes them globally. The program was founded in 1932 and has provided free eyeglasses for low-income people worldwide.

Learn More about New Eyes

The cost of a cheap eye exam normally costs $100 or less. Free eye exams, and even free eyeglasses, are also available for low-income earners without insurance. These include programs like InfantSEE, Medicaid, Sight for Students, and New Eyes.

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Due to the cost of eye care without insurance, my family has neglected going to the eye doctor. my husband, daughter, and i all went to the doctor and got eye exams and new glasses. the balance for our glasses after our vsp coverage was only $55 for all three of us that is great coverage, especially in this economy., i was hesitant to change how i handle my eye care. i decided to try my vsp vision coverage and couldn't be happier. i found a great eye doctor in my neighborhood and saved well over $400 on my exam and contacts., christopher l., my daughter was struggling in school. i took her in for an eye exam and found out she needed glasses. a year later, her reading grade has drastically improved and she has the highest math grade in her class thanks to vsp and her eye doctor, she loves school again..

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Price Transparency

How much does a doctor’s visit cost without insurance.

According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, the average cost of a visit to the doctor’s office in 2016 was $265, with expenses ranging from $159 to $419 depending on the specialty.

• At an urgent care center you can expect to pay between $100-200 to see a provider, plus the cost of any treatments or testing you may need.
• Always ask for pricing information before you agree to any testing or treatment. You are entitled to this information.

Going to the doctor for any reason can be expensive. Without insurance, you can expect to pay approximately anywhere from $50–$350 just for a routine medical exam, which doesn’t include additional expenses such as x-rays , blood tests, or other lab work.

The cost of a doctor's visit

According to Solv’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Rob Rohatsch, the cost of a doctor’s visit can vary widely depending on factors such as:

• The type of doctor you are seeing
• The reason for your visit
• Where you see the doctor, for example, if you go to an urgent care facility or a doctor’s office
• Whether you are a new or established patient
• Any necessary tests or treatments
• Whether you need lab work

Visits to specialists such as primary care providers, pediatricians, and psychiatrists were lower than the average cost, while the most expensive doctor’s visits were for orthopedists and cardiologists.

Data from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality indicates that if you are visiting a doctor and don’t have insurance, you can expect to pay roughly the following amounts. The cost could vary depending on the factors listed above.

• Psychiatry: $159
• Pediatrics: $169
• Primary care: $186
• Dermatology: $268
• OB/GYN: $280
• Ophthalmology: $307
• Cardiology: $335
• All other: $365
• Orthopedics: $419

Additionally, if you are a new patient, there may be an additional charge associated with your new patient exam.

Where to see a doctor without insurance

If you don’t have insurance, the cost of your doctor’s visit can also be affected by where you go to see the doctor. There are many places you can seek medical care, some of which are more affordable than others, notes the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality:

• Community health clinics often provide free medical care or low-cost care, including preventive care, health screenings, and vaccinations .
• Urgent care centers offer many health services. Many don’t require appointments, although your wait time may be less if you schedule an appointment in advance. You can expect to pay around $100 - $200 to see an urgent care provider, plus the cost of any treatments or testing you may need.
• Many health care facilities now offer telehealth services, which are often more convenient and more affordable. For some conditions, however, you may need to be seen in person for proper diagnosis and treatment.
• If your medical need is not urgent, and you know the type of doctor you need to see, you can schedule an appointment with a primary care physician or a specialist at their office. Be sure to ask about their payment policy in advance. If you don’t have insurance, you may be required to pay the entire bill at the time of service.
• If you have a medical emergency, you can visit the nearest emergency room. Even if you don’t have insurance, you will be able to receive treatment. However, this is typically the most expensive option. If you have a non-emergency medical condition that can wait until you can be seen at one of the other options, you will likely save money.

Paying self-pay prices for doctor’s visits

Even if you have insurance, you may be able to save money by paying cash for certain medical services. While preventive care may be covered at 100% by your insurance company, other tests and treatments may be applied to your deductible. If you have a high deductible and don’t expect to meet it – especially if it’s late in the calendar year – paying cash for your medical care may be a cheaper option.

Most doctor’s offices and health care providers charge a higher price when they bill the insurance company. For example, they may charge the insurance company $70 for a treatment or service, but if the patient is paying cash, they may only charge $60. This is known as the self-pay price . If you pay cash, the claim won’t be submitted to your insurance company, but you could end up saving money.

Always ask for pricing information before you agree to any testing or treatment. You are entitled to this information. As of 2021, hospitals are required to disclose self-pay prices, even when the patient has insurance. If the doctor’s office won’t provide you with this information, be persistent, or seek care somewhere else. If you plan on paying self-care prices, you aren’t limited to the providers in your insurance network. You’ll have a wider range of options to choose from, and you can choose a provider who is willing to provide fair, clear prices.

Let your doctor’s office know that you are paying out of pocket, and ask if they offer a discount for self-pay patients. Many doctor’s offices will offer special rates for patients who are paying cash or who do not have insurance; however, they may not advertise these rates, so it’s always a good idea to ask.

Know what you’ll pay ahead of time with Solv ClearPrice TM

According to Healthcare Finance News, more than half of Americans avoid going to the doctor when they’re sick due to high medical costs or unclear costs. Solv is committed to eliminating surprise medical bills with Solv ClearPrice™ . We partner with thousands of providers across the country who have agreed to display self-pay prices for their services. When you book an appointment on Solv, you will be able to see the self-pay price for many common services.

To schedule an appointment, search our directory for a provider in your area. Begin typing the service you are looking for, and choose from the list of options that appear. If you aren’t sure which type of doctor you need to see, you may want to try an urgent care clinic or a walk-in clinic . In many cases, you can schedule an appointment quickly and conveniently online, and many of our providers have same-day or next-day appointments available.

Frequently asked questions

What factors affect the cost of a doctor's visit, what is the average cost of a visit to the doctor’s office, are there any additional charges for new patients, where can i seek medical care if i don't have insurance, what is the self-pay price, are hospitals required to disclose self-pay prices, can i get a discount if i'm paying out of pocket, what is solv clearprice™.

Michael is an experienced healthcare marketer, husband and father of three. He has worked alongside healthcare leaders at Johns Hopkins, Cleveland Clinic, St. Luke's, Baylor Scott and White, HCA, and many more, and currently leads strategic growth at Solv.

Dr. Rob Rohatsch currently serves as Chief Medical Officer for Solv Health. Dr. Rohatsch brings his extensive background in multi-site ambulatory medicine operations, on-demand healthcare, and consumerism to Solv, where he helps drive strategic initiatives in a cross functional executive role. He brings comprehensive healthcare expertise ranging from medical group operations to revenue cycle management and clinical expertise. 

Dr. Rohatsch completed his military service in the US Air Force and earned his MD from Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University. Dr. Rohatsch served on the Yale School of Medicine faculty teaching at the medical school and is currently on faculty at the Haslam School of Business at the University of Tennessee teaching in the Executive MBA Program. He also serves on several boards and chairs The TJ Lobraico Foundation.

Solv has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references.

• Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality: Expenses for Office-Based Physician Visits by Specialty and Insurance Type, 2016 https://meps.ahrq.gov/data_files/publications/st517/stat517.shtml
• Hospital Price Transparency, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (2022) https://www.cms.gov/hospital-price-transparency
• More than half of Americans have avoided medical care due to cost (2019) https://www.healthcarefinancenews.com/news/more-half-americans-have-avoided-medical-care-due-cost
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Does Medicare Cover an Ophthalmologist Visit?

Original Medicare, which is the traditional fee-for-service U.S. government program, excludes routine vision care such as an annual eye exam and corrective lenses. However, Medicare benefits cover the fees charged by both ophthalmologists and optometrists for covered services; for example, an ocular illness or injury to the eye. The decision of which eye specialist to visit should depend on your medical need.

Difference Between an Ophthalmologist and Optometrist An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor whose specialty is diagnosing, treating and operating on the eyes. An optometrist is licensed to perform eye exams and prescribe corrective lenses. While optometrists can treat commonplace eye ailments such as typical eye infections, they are not medical doctors and cannot perform surgery.

Eye Care Services Covered by Original Medicare Even though routine vision check-ups, eyeglasses, and contact lenses are not covered by Medicare, there are vision-related surgeries and care that will likely be covered by Medicare. For instance, conventional intraocular lenses (IOL) implanted in the course of cataract surgery would be covered. In this case, the lenses must be inserted by an ophthalmologist while the surgery is taking place. The IOL replaces the eye’s crystalline lens, which becomes cloudy or opaque when someone has cataracts.

Glaucoma screening, if covered, is subject to a deductible and co-payments/coinsurance. The coverage is contingent upon the beneficiary being high-risk. For a Medicare recipient to be considered high risk, they may suffer from diabetes, have a family history of glaucoma, are African-American and 50 years old or more, or are Hispanic-American and 65 years old or more. This glaucoma screening can be performed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist.

When Medicare Covers Eye Exams Other eye-related services may be covered under specific circumstances. As a result of a birth defect, traumatic incident or surgery, some people have eye prostheses. Medicare benefits in this case would include five-year replacements, polishing and resurfacing.

Another scenario would be for patients who have either diabetes or present symptoms of an ocular disease. In these special cases, eye exams would be covered. If someone has a diabetic diagnosis but shows no symptoms, it is recommended that they have routine eye exams every year. This would be covered whether the exams are conducted by an ophthalmologist or optometrist. For those with age-related macular degeneration, some diagnostic tests and associated treatments may be covered.

If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you will have at least the same benefits as Original Medicare Part A and Part B, but many Medicare Advantage plans will include additional coverage, including vision care. If you are having vision problems, do not hesitate to seek medical attention.

Related articles:

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Do Medicare Advantage Plans Cover Vision Care?  (Opens in a new browser tab)

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Does an eye exam cost more from a pediatric eye doctor?

By Martha Elaine Belden

Does a pediatric eye exam cost more than an adult eye exam?

In most cases, no. The price for a pediatric eye doctor visit will depend on several variables, including the type of doctor, the clinic, your location and your child's needs.

For example, a pediatric optometry visit can run as low as $50 (or less if you have vision insurance ), while a visit to an ophthalmologist could cost several hundred dollars.  

Types of pediatric eye doctors

Which type of pediatric eye doctor should your child see? That depends on the eye care your son or daughter needs.

Routine eye exams: A comprehensive eye exam can be administered by any children’s eye doctor .

Common vision issues: If your child has been squinting or experiencing headaches, your pediatrician may refer your child to an optometrist to check your child's visual acuity , eye alignment and movement, depth perception, peripheral vision and more. 

A pediatric optometrist can also offer medical treatment for common eye problems such as dry eye syndrome and basic eye infections. 

Unusual vision or health conditions: If your child requires more serious serious attention, your pediatrician or family doctor may refer your child to a pediatric ophthalmologist . A serious eye condition includes anything from strabismus (crossed eyes) or ptosis (drooping eyelid) to amblyopia (lazy eye) or excessive tearing. 

SEE RELATED: Children's eye doctor near me

When should your child visit a pediatric eye doctor? 

The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) and the American Optometric Association (AOA) recommend parents have vision testing for newborns, babies between 6 months and 1 year old, and toddlers between the ages of 3 and 3 and a half. 

Your child also should get a comprehensive eye exams before entering school, and then every year or two thereafter — or more frequently if there are any vision issues. 

Pediatric eye-testing procedures vary based on the child’s age and are performed as followed: 

Eye testing for babies

A pediatric eye doctor uses lights and toys to test whether your baby's vision is progressing at the right level or if there are any underlying problems to correct. The eye doctor dilates the pupils and uses an instrument called a phoropter to check for signs of refractive error, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism. 

The eye doctor will conduct an ophthalmoscopy , using a lighted instrument with a magnifying glass, to look at the inner structures of your baby’s eyes while they’re dilated. This tool also allows your doctor to check for eye alignment based on the way the light reflects off the cornea of each eye. 

SEE RELATED: Baby's first eye exam

Eye testing for ages 3 to 5

One of the more common tests used for young children is the "tumbling E" chart. This eye test replaces the standard eye chart and does not require your child to know their alphabet or verbalize. Instead, children use one of their hands and extend their fingers to match the direction of a letter E as it is presented up, down, left or right. 

Alternatively, if the child is a little older or more verbal, the eye doctor may use LEA symbols, such as apples, houses, squares and circles, in place of letters that would typically appear on a regular eye chart. 

The full exam, which may last about an hour, allows the doctor to check for amblyopia, strabismus, focusing, color vision and depth perception. The eye doctor may also dilate your child's pupils with a spray or drops to get a better look at the retina, optic nerve and blood vessels.  

IS YOUR CHILD DUE FOR A PEDIATRIC EYE EXAM? Find a children's eye doctor near you.

Page published on Sunday, May 17, 2020

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Concerns about eye discomfort appear to rise after solar eclipse

Google searches about “hurt eyes” spiked Monday afternoon, just after many U.S. communities experienced the total solar eclipse. 

The searches suggest some people in the sun’s path were worried they’d glanced at it too long. 

It’s a valid concern, eye experts said. Looking at the sun without protective equipment can harm your vision, and complaints of eye issues have been documented after past eclipse events. However, cases of long-term damage after eclipses aren’t common.

In addition, hurting eyes aren’t the best indicator of a severe problem: Injuries from “solar retinopathy,” when light injures retinas, occur without immediate pain. 

Two main types of injuries are possible from looking at the sun — a burn to the outside of the eye and damage to nerve tissue within. 

“You can get a little bit of a burn to the surface of the eye, or what we call solar keratitis,” said Dr. Daniel Lattin, an ophthalmologist at Nemours Children’s Health in Jacksonville, Florida. “You can get sort of a burn to that cornea, and that’ll cause redness and tearing and those sorts of symptoms. That should resolve on its own, within a day or two, without any sort of permanent damage.”

That type of injury is rare, and it’s more commonly associated with climbers who spend time at high altitudes without proper eye protection, said Dr. Russell Van Gelder, an ophthalmologist at University of Washington Medicine and the director of the Karalis Johnson Retina Center in Seattle.

“It’s pretty hard to get that eclipse gazing; you need a fair amount of exposure,” Van Gelder said. 

Vision symptoms are more likely and worthy of concern. 

“If you have symptoms of a blind spot, wavy lines, floaters or blurry vision, that could be solar retinopathy after this eclipse, and you need to be seen right away,” said Dr. Luxme Hariharan, chief of ophthalmology at Dayton Children’s Hospital in Ohio. 

Hariharan said symptoms of solar retinopathy typically develop in the 24 hours after sun exposure. The condition isn’t associated with pain. 

“It’s not a pain sensation,” Van Gelder said. “The retina is devoid of the sense of pain or temperature. The retina can’t feel when it’s injured.” 

Lattin said there’s no treatment for solar retinopathy, though some patients’ eyes will recover over time.

Limited data suggests prolonged problems aren’t common. Only about 100 patients reported “eclipse-related retinopathy” after the 2017 total solar eclipse, according to a technical report published by the American Astronomical Society . Children and young adults were the most likely to be affected, according to the report, which based its estimates on informal survey data. 

Van Gelder said no national registry keeps track of such injuries. 

After the 2017 eclipse, he said, his clinic treated a half-dozen patients in Seattle who had eye complaints. He treated two of them directly, both of whom experienced partial recoveries. 

“If people are having pain, it’s probably not anything significant,” Van Gelder said. “If they have vision issues, they should be seen.” 

Experts said it doesn’t take long to damage the eyes after you gaze at the sun. 

“It can take as little as one to two seconds where you’re looking at it unprotected if you’re not using the glasses,” Hariharan said. “The problem is when the moon is blocking it in totality and it’s cloudy, you think it’s safe to look at, and people will stare at it for longer.”

Evan Bush is a science reporter for NBC News. He can be reached at [email protected].

Aria Bendix is the breaking health reporter for NBC News Digital.

I looked at solar eclipse without glasses. How do I know if I have eye damage?

A sliver of Michigan was in the path of totality during the April 8 total solar eclipse , a celestial spectacle that won't occur again in the continental U.S. until 2044 .

Whether you looked up at the sky in that tiny corner of Monroe County that had a view of the total solar eclipse starting at 3:13 p.m. or checked out a partial eclipse in other parts of the state, you could have done permanent damage to your vision without proper eyewear , said Dr. Nitin Kumar, a senior staff ophthalmologist at Henry Ford Health.

"It's such an amazing event that's happening. It's sort of humbling in terms of putting things in perspective, our place in the world and the universe, and it's natural to want to look at it," Kumar said.

"People say, 'I'm just going to go outside to take a quick peek.' ... People do that, and they look at it without eclipse glasses and then they get instant regret. ... Just do not do it. Don't look at the sun (without eclipse glasses). It's really bad for your eyes."

What if you looked at a total solar eclipse without eclipse glasses?

"When you look at the sun directly without any filters, you are basically doing to your retina what you would do to a bug on a sidewalk when you're holding a magnifying glass over them," Kumar said.

The bright light from the sun's rays can burn up the bug when they pass through the lens of the magnifying glass, just as they can burn up the retina in the back of the eye when they pass through the lens in the front of the eye. It's called solar retinopathy .

"You're basically focusing light of extreme intensity directly onto your retina. This causes thermal damage to the cells of the retina that actually do the seeing," Kumar said. "They're the cells that take light, turn it into electricity and send it to the brain. They are called photoreceptors. So looking directly at the sun will literally burn your photoreceptors and cause damage to those cells or make them stop functioning."

He likened the damage that can occur to what happens to the picture on a television when a group of pixels no longer work.

"Those cells stop functioning ... so you're basically knocking out pixels. If you look at the sun, it will burn out those pixels. Sometimes they regenerate, but for the most part they don't," Kumar said.

Dr. Julie Rosenthal, an ophthalmologist, clinical assistant professor at the University of Michigan and a retina specialist at the Kellogg Eye Center, said a healthy retina is essential for good vision.

"The retinal tissue in the back of the eye is where you have your most clear central vision that you use to read and recognize faces and see things up close," Rosenthal said. "And that is generally where the damage occurs when you look at the sun.

"Sunlight is very strong energy. Welders can sometimes get damage from that very strong light, too. Looking directly at the beam of light from a laser pointer also can cause it."

What are symptoms of solar retinopathy?

"You won't know that you are damaging your eyes until the damage has occurred," Kumar said. "Think about if you accidentally look at the sun or if there's a big bright flash and you see that flash as a spot in your vision even after it's gone. Everybody's had that before briefly. Now imagine that's permanent.

"Basically, that's what it looks like. There's a missing spot where it looks very bright in your center of vision or just off your center of vision. You might not be able to see well enough to read, to watch TV, to do things like that. Your peripheral vision will be fine, it's just your central vision, the vision that occurs in what's called the macula, that is usually affected."

Rosenthal said some people experience other symptoms as well.

"Sometimes people are left with wavy lines in their vision," Rosenthal said. "It'll affect your up-close vision a little bit more if you have the damage right in the center, which is where most people have a problem because they looked directly at the sun."

If you have a toddler or infant who cannot or will not wear eclipse glasses, Rosenthal suggests having them stay inside during the eclipse.

Is there a treatment for solar retinopathy?

"There's no treatment for it," Kumar said. "There's no way that we can replace the photoreceptors once they are lost.

"You are only born with a certain number of retinal cells, and that's it for your whole life. We don't have any way of transplanting retinal cells or the retina. If we did, then we'd be able to cure macular degeneration and other blinding diseases. But we don't have the ability to do that.

"Any cell that is lost is a cell that's gone. Now, there's a lot of redundancy in the retina. Patients with diseases like macular degeneration can lose a large portion of their retinal photoreceptors and still see OK, but they don't see like they used to. It's the same thing with this."

Rosenthal said in some cases, minor damage can heal over time.

"The vision may get a little better over the first six months or so, but some of the time it doesn't heal completely," she said. "Sometimes, people are left with a blind spot in their vision or wavy lines in their vision where they can't see."

How long does it take to cause serious damage?

Injury can occur after just a few seconds of looking at sun without eye protection, Kumar said.

"You cannot look at the sun directly without a filter" even during a partial eclipse, when its light is mostly covered by the moon, but there's still a rim of sunlight around it, he said.

Damage often occurs during total solar eclipses, when people take off their protective eyewear to see totality, when the sun is completely covered by the moon, Rosenthal said, but fail to put on their glasses quickly enough as the eclipse phases out of totality.

"That's when damage can occur, because people want to see the actual eclipse in totality and don't recognize that the sun is about to show itself again," Rosenthal said.

"It doesn't have to be a long exposure at all to cause damage. It definitely can can happen rather quickly."

What kind of eclipse glasses are safe?

Sunglasses — even those with very dark lenses — welding goggles and homemade filters are not sufficient to protect your eyes during a solar eclipse, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology .

The only safe way to view the eclipse is to use a special filter, goggles or glasses that meet the global safety standard and are ISO 12312-2 certified. Be sure to check that the glasses you have are not scratched or damaged.

"Things that you have lying around the house, different types of filters, frosted glass, etc., those are not appropriate to look at the sun," Kumar said.

"If you want to look at it with a telescope, there are solar filters that you can use on a telescope to look at it. And then there are different types of projection systems. The most common one is called a pinhole projector and you basically have a little hole where light comes in from the sun and the light is projected onto a bright piece of paper or other material in the background."

Can I take my glasses off when the eclipse is in totality?

Yes, but not for long. If you are in the path of totality and the moon is completely covering the sun, it would then be safe to remove your eclipse glasses to look at it, Kumar said.

"But the problem is totality doesn't last that long. And as soon as you're out of totality, then you're seeing the sunlight coming right back toward you," he said. "It's really unsafe to do it. I would not recommend it."

What should people do if they think they damaged their eyes during the eclipse?

Rosenthal said anyone who suspects damage from looking at the eclipse should see an eye doctor for a fully dilated eye exam.

"Unfortunately, there isn't much that the doctor can do to treat it, but we can monitor it and see if that's really what's causing that problem," she said. "Certainly, other things can cause those symptoms and we'd want to rule those out as well.

"The most important thing is education and knowing not to stare directly at the sun, no matter how tempting it might be."

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