December in San Jose means cozy weather, full schedules, and long lines at the many local coffee shops. But it also marks the last chance to use your vision insurance before it expires. If you haven’t taken advantage of your plan this year, don’t worry, there’s still time.
At River Oaks Family Optometry, we want every patient to get the full value from their vision insurance for eye exams, glasses, contacts, and specialty services. Even if we’re fully booked for routine eye exams before year’s end, you can still visit us for other covered services - including contact lens orders, dry eye care, frame shopping, and myopia management.
Take the next step by exploring our services or browsing our designer eyewear before your benefits reset.
What Does Vision Insurance Cover?
Many patients are surprised by how much their eye insurance in California actually includes. While coverage varies by plan, most vision insurance provides:
- One fully covered or discounted eye exam per year
- An allowance toward glasses or contact lenses
- Discounts on lens coatings, progressive lenses, or additional pairs
- Partial coverage for specialty services like orthokeratology (ortho-k) or dry eye treatment
Here’s the catch: these benefits usually expire on December 31, and they don’t roll over. That means if you don’t use them, they’re gone for good.
Common vision insurance benefits include:
- Annual eye exam: Often fully covered
- Frames and lenses: Fixed dollar amount toward one new pair
- Contact lenses: Covered as an alternative to glasses or discounted
- Follow-up visits: Covered if medically necessary
- Specialty lens options: Partially covered (check with your provider)
Not sure what your plan includes? Our eye care team can help. Just give us a call, and we’ll walk you through it.
Why the Rush Happens Every December
As the year ends, appointments fill fast. Patients across San Jose scramble to use their remaining benefits, and appointment calendars fill quickly. At River Oaks Family Optometry, we’re already nearing capacity for routine eye exams, but that doesn’t mean you’re out of options.
Here’s how you can still make use of your coverage:
- Shop for a new pair of glasses or prescription sunglasses
- Use your benefits for a second pair, like computer glasses or sports lenses
- Stock up on contact lenses if you're eligible for a year’s supply
- Get treatment for dry eye, digital eye strain, or other ongoing issues
Not sure what’s available? Drop by after a stroll through River Oaks Park or while grabbing a bite near Shop@First. We’re right in the neighborhood and happy to walk you through your options.
What If You Can’t Get an Eye Exam This Year?
If you're an existing patient and already had your annual exam, or if you can’t get in before the year ends, don’t worry. You can still put your vision benefits to work. Here’s how:
Refresh Your Look
Vision plans often cover a new pair of glasses each year. Even if your prescription hasn’t changed, you might be eligible for a fresh style. Browse our eyewear options here and see what’s trending.
Max Out Your Contact Lens Coverage
Your insurance might pay for a full year’s supply, even without a new exam. If you're running low or ready to switch brands, now’s a great time to reorder.
Treat Ongoing Eye Conditions
Many plans cover ongoing care for conditions such as dry eye or myopia. We help kids manage nearsightedness with ortho-k and offer year-round care for long-term eye health needs.
Use Your Vision Benefits Without the Stress
At River Oaks Family Optometry, we’re more than just an optometry office; we’re part of the San Jose. And we want our neighbors to get the most from their insurance before the clock runs out.
Use it before you lose it. Your 2025 vision benefits are waiting.
Request an eye care appointment or eyewear consultation today.
