Don't Lose Your Vision Benefits: Smart Ways to Maximize Your FSA Before It Expires

As the year winds down, many of us look for ways to wrap up our health checklists. If you have a flexible spending account (FSA), you might have funds left over that are about to disappear. 

At Cooper Optometry in Santa Monica, California, we want to help you protect your vision and your wallet.

Our experienced optometrists, Dr. Donna Cooper and Dr. Sarah Chung, are here to guide you. One of the best ways to use your remaining balance is to schedule a comprehensive eye exam.

How do FSA expiration rules work?

Most FSAs operate on a strict use-it-or-lose-it rule, meaning you forfeit any unspent money when the plan year ends. 

However, some employers offer a grace period of up to two and a half months to spend your remaining funds. Alternatively, your plan may allow you to roll over up to $660 into the following plan year.

We recommend checking your specific plan documents to see which rules apply to you. Our team in Santa Monica can help you plan your appointments accordingly. Keep in mind that your FSA eligibility is based on when you receive the service, not when you pay.

What vision services and products are FSA-eligible?

You can use your FSA funds on a wide variety of prescription vision care products and medical services. The IRS allows pre-tax spending on prescription eyeglasses, contact lenses, and even saline solution for contact lenses.

You can’t spend these funds on nonprescription sunglasses or cosmetic colored contacts.

At our practice, we offer specialized contact lens fittings to ensure your comfort when you wear lenses. If you need a backup pair of glasses or want to stock up on contact lenses, we can help you select the right options. We also provide targeted dry eye therapy to relieve irritation.

Why is an end-of-year eye exam a smart choice?

Booking an eye exam before your benefits expire is an excellent way to protect your long-term vision. These annual visits let us update your prescriptions and help us detect signs of disease. Many serious eye conditions develop slowly without early warning signs.

During your visit, we do more than check your prescription. We evaluate your overall eye health and screen for conditions such as glaucoma. If you spend long hours in front of screens, we can also discuss solutions for computer vision syndrome.

Don’t let your hard-earned FSA dollars go to waste this year. Contact Cooper Optometry today to schedule a visit with our caring team.