It’s easy to let the calendar slip by when you're juggling work, family, and everything in between. But if you're enrolled in a vision insurance plan, there’s a good chance your plan benefits reset on January 1st, and any unused coverage will disappear. Whether you’ve been meaning to get an eye exam, need new contact lenses, or want to take advantage of other products and services, now is the time to act.
At Ala Moana Advanced Eye Clinic, our team is here to make sure your vision benefits work for you.
Why Using Your Vision Insurance Now Matters
Many families don’t realize that their vision care benefits come with an expiration date. Once December 31 hits, any unused coverage is gone for good, and that could mean hundreds of dollars in lost care. Here’s why acting now is the smart move:
- Eye exams are usually covered: Most vision plans include one comprehensive eye exam per year. If you haven’t used it yet, you’re missing out on critical insights into your overall health.
- Contact lens allowances expire: If you wear contact lenses, your plan may cover a portion of your annual supply, but only if you use it before it expires.
- Frame and lens discounts are time-sensitive: Insurance often includes an allowance for glasses or lenses. If you’ve been putting off updating your eyewear, this is your sign.
- Catch minor problems early: Many eye conditions show no symptoms at first. Annual eye exams help eye care professionals detect early signs of disease before they become serious.
- Use it, don’t lose it: Your benefit plan resets each year. If you don’t take action, your hard-earned coverage goes unused.
Why Honolulu Patients Should Prioritize End-of-Year Vision Care
Living in Honolulu comes with unique benefits, sunshine, ocean breezes, and a strong sense of community. But it also poses specific challenges for eye health. With many patients juggling multiple responsibilities, it’s easy to put off eye care until “later.” Unfortunately, later often turns into next year, and that means vision benefits go unused.
Here’s why patients in Honolulu should use their insurance plan before the year ends:
1. High Screen Time Among Professionals
From tourism to tech, many Honolulu residents spend long hours working on screens. Extended screen time can contribute to eye strain, blurred vision, and even early signs of dry eye. An annual eye exam helps catch these issues before they disrupt your work or comfort.
2. You Have School-Aged Children
Children in Honolulu are using digital devices earlier and more frequently than ever, both for school and recreation. Pair that with sunny days and outdoor sports, and you’ve got a population at risk for vision-related learning problems and UV exposure. Family eye insurance plans typically include children’s eye exams and eyewear, but those benefit programs expire each year.
3. Aging Island Population
Hawaii has one of the highest percentages of residents over age 65 in the U.S. Seniors are more vulnerable to cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration, eye conditions that are manageable with early detection. If your benefit plan includes coverage for senior eye exams or follow-ups, don’t delay.
4. Weather, Allergens, and Climate Concerns
Warm weather and high humidity can aggravate dry eye symptoms; a common complaint among Honolulu residents. Dry eyes are often overlooked until they become chronic. Many vision insurance plans offer coverage for the types of products and services that help soothe and manage these symptoms early on.
Let Ala Moana Advanced Eye Clinic Help You Maximize Your Benefits
The end of the year doesn’t have to be a scramble. At Ala Moana Advanced Eye Clinic, we make it easy for you to take full advantage of your vision care benefits.
Our eye doctors bring decades of experience and are known for treating every patient like family. Under his care, our clinic combines personal attention with some of the most advanced diagnostic tools available in Honolulu.
Here’s how we support you before the year wraps up:
- Wide selection of eyewear
- Fast turnaround times
- Solutions for the whole family
- Support for every budget
Protect Your Vision and Your Wallet by Using Your Vision Insurance in Honolulu, HI
Skipping an annual eye exam might not seem like a big deal, but catching a problem early could protect your vision for years to come. And if you’ve already paid into a vision insurance plan, those benefits are yours to use.
Whether you’re looking to update your glasses, stock up on contact lenses, or check in on your eye health, book your comprehensive eye exam with our team at Ala Moana Advanced Eye Clinic.
Vision Insurance FAQs
How much is vision insurance?
The cost of vision insurance varies by plan, but many are affordable, often under $20 per month. If you have employer-provided coverage, you may already be enrolled without realizing it.
Can I use my vision benefits for my children?
Yes, many family eye insurance plans include coverage for children’s eye exams and eyewear. Pediatric eye care is essential, especially for preventing vision issues that affect school and development.
What happens if I don’t use my vision insurance before the year ends?
Most vision benefits expire on December 31. If you don’t use your annual eye exam or eyewear allowance, those benefits typically do not roll over into the new year.