Can I Use My Vision Benefits for Sunglasses?
One of the most common questions patients ask us at Helio Optometry is: “Can I use my vision benefits to buy sunglasses?”
The short answer: Yes—if they’re prescription sunglasses. Let’s break it down.
How Vision Benefits Usually Work
Most vision benefits are designed to help you with two key areas:
Eye exams – Routine checkups to ensure your vision and eye health are in top shape.
Eyewear – Glasses or contact lenses that correct your vision.
When it comes to eyewear, this includes:
Prescription clear lenses
Prescription photochromic lenses (like Transitions® that darken in sunlight)
Prescription sunglasses
If your optometrist writes you a prescription for vision correction, your benefits almost always apply to prescription sunglasses as well.
What About Non-Prescription Sunglasses?
Here’s where it gets tricky. Most insurance plans do not cover non-prescription sunglasses—even if they’re high-quality and provide 100% UV protection.
Why? Because vision benefits are typically set up to treat a problem, not prevent one. Since non-prescription sunglasses don’t correct vision, they usually fall outside the scope of what your plan covers.
That said, non-prescription sunglasses still play a huge role in protecting your eyes from the intensity of UV rays and reducing long-term risks of conditions like cataracts or macular degeneration. But from your insurance provider’s perspective, that falls under “prevention,” not “treatment.”
The Takeaway
Covered: Prescription sunglasses, as long as you have a valid prescription from your optometrist.
Not covered: Non-prescription sunglasses, even if they’re polarized or UV-blocking.
If you’re due for your next eye exam, this is the perfect time to take advantage of your benefits and consider prescription sunglasses as a second pair. At Helio Optometry, we welcome outside prescriptions in our optical too—so even if you’ve had your exam elsewhere, we’d be happy to help you choose a pair of stylish, protective prescription sunglasses that fit your needs.
👉 Book your eye exam today, or bring in your prescription and let’s get you into a pair of sunglasses that protect and correct your vision.
Disclaimer: The content provided in this blog post by Helio Optometry eye care clinic in West Edmonton is intended solely for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment by a Licensed Optometrist. No doctor/patient relationship is established through the use of this blog. The information and resources presented are not meant to endorse or recommend any particular medical treatment or guarantee and outcome. Readers must consult with their own healthcare provider regarding their health concerns. Helio Optometry and its optometrists do not assume any liability for the information contained herein nor for any errors or omissions. Use of the blog's content is at the user's own risk, and users are encouraged to make informed decisions about their health care based on consultations with qualified professionals.
