THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, July 10, 2026 Page 15 Sa Sa a Say y Senior enior Sen by Jim Miller How to Save on Prescription Eyeglasses Dear Savvy Senior, What tips can you recommend for fi nding aff ordable prescription eyeglasses? I currently have vision coverage through my employer’s insurance plan but will lose it when I retire in a few months and sign up for Medicare. --Nearsighted Nancy Dear Nancy, You’re wise to plan ahead. Eyeglasses can be expensive. A basic pair often runs $150 to $300, and bifocals or progressive lenses can easily double or triple that. The good news is that with a few strategies, you can keep costs manageable once you retire and transition to Medicare. Medicare & insurance Original Medicare and Medigap plans generally do not cover routine eye exams or eyeglasses, except after cataract surgery, when Part B helps pay for corrective lenses. But many Medicare Advantage plans, also called Part C, do include vision benefi ts. These plans, off ered by private insurers, must cover everything original Medicare does and often include extras like dental, hearing and prescription drug coverage. That said, I would not choose a Medicare Advantage plan just for vision coverage alone, but it is worth understanding what is available. To compare plans in your area, visit medicare.gov/plan-compare or call 800-633-4227. Be sure to check the details to confi rm coverage for routine eye exams, frames and lenses. You can also buy a stand-alone vision insurance plan. Major carriers like Humana, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna and UnitedHealthcare, along with specialty providers like VSP and EyeMed, off er plans with premiums typically ranging from about $10 to $30 per month. Before enrolling, compare the costs and benefi ts to make sure the savings on exams and glasses outweigh the premiums and copays. Discount stores Buying glasses from discount retailers can save you a substantial amount. Warehouse clubs like Costco Optical and Sam’s Club Optical off er eye exams typically ranging from $80 to $130 depending on location, with basic prescription glasses starting around $120. You will need a membership, but the savings can often justify the cost. Other good options include Walmart Vision Center, Target Optical and independent optical shops. Prices vary, so it pays to shop around and ask about package deals or seasonal promotions. An AARP membership can also provide discounts at retailers like LensCrafters, Target Optical and Visionworks. Buy online Ordering glasses online is another excellent way to save, often cutting costs signifi cantly compared to traditional retailers. Reputable sites like Warby Parker, EyeBuyDirect and GlassesUSA off er single vision glasses starting around $70, with progressive lenses typically ranging from $120 to $200 depending on features. You will need a current prescription and your pupillary distance, which may be included on your prescription or can be measured by your provider or even at home. Many online retailers off er virtual try on tools so you can see how frames will look before you buy. Also pay attention to lens options such as anti-refl ective coating, scratch resistant coating and blue light fi ltering. For most people, a basic pair with durable coatings is usually suffi cient. Low-income assistance If your income is limited, local clinics may off er free or reduced cost eye exams and eyeglasses. Your local Lions Club is another excellent resource. Many chapters sponsor vision programs or can direct you to nearby services. You can find your local club at lionsclubs.org/en/start-our-approach/ club-locator. The nonprofi t New Eyes also provides eyeglasses through a voucher program for people in fi nancial need, working with participating providers to supply frames and lenses at little or no cost. With a little planning, you can keep your vision sharp without overspending. Between Medicare options, discount retailers, online shopping and community programs, there are plenty of ways to fi nd quality eyeglasses at a price you can aff ord. Send your questions or comments to questions@savvysenior.org, or to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070. O nr ior OBITUARY Carolyn Frances (Ball) Skane f Everett. Affectionately known as “Carol”, passed away peacefully on July 7th, surrounded by her loving family. Carolyn was born on January 20, 1944 in Malden, to the late Herbert F. and Emma May (Parsons) Ball. She was raised in the family home in Everett, along with her brother, the late John H. Ball, all of whom predeceased her in death. Carolyn was the beloved wife to the late George Skane. The couple shared almost forty years of marriage until his passing in 2003. Carolyn is the beloved mother of Tracie L. Skane of Everett, George M. ~ 5th Year Anniversary ~ Marguerite P. Bruno “Peggy” April 20, 1925 - July 16, 2021 Skane of Everett, Thomas E. and Bridget Skane of Michigan, V ick i A. and Steven D ono v an of Reading, and Caro - l y n S k ane and B enny Faletra of Chelsea. She is also the proud “Nana” of her 11 grandchildren — Amanda, Thomas, Erik, Stephenie, AriOBITUARY | SEE PAGE 21 Miss You Mom! Forever in Our Hearts and Prayers. Your Loving Family Home of the Week Welcome Home to 116 Main Street. Offered at $649,900 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Commonwealth Real Estate Formerly Carpenito Real Estate SAUGUS - 1st AD - Wonderful Family Colonial featuring 7 rooms, 3 bedrooms, 1 1/2 baths, eat-in kitchen with pantry area offering granite counters, desirable 1st floor family room, spacious living room open to dining room, enclosed front porch, rear deck overlooking large, level yard, two car detached garage, newer gas heating system, 2026 gas hot water heater, conveniently located just outside of Saugus Center, close to shopping and all major routes. (781) 233-7300 335 Central St. Saugus commonmoves.com ©2024 BHH Affiliates, LLC, An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. Equal Housing Opportunity.
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