U.S. Senior Citizens ’ Need for Prescription E yeglasses
Our Elderly Don’t See 20/20
The issue of clear vision for senior citizens and what is provided by Medicare and Medicaid deserves more discussion and consideration. More individuals are entering their senior years and more want to live independently. This is possible, however, families, community, and our healthcare system need to be modified to support this objective. This article focuses on one tool that is critical to the goal of independent living for seniors – prescription glasses and how New Eyes is helping senior citizens across the country.
Researched published in 2023, by Dr. Olivia J. Killeen Clinical Lecturer in the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at the University of Michigan deserves more consideration as we work to find solutions that support independent living for seniors.
Dr. Killeen and her colleagues document that 28% of people over 71 years old had visual impairment even while wearing their visual aids (such as glasses or contacts). Additionally, the research documents particular needs linked to individuals with less education and lower incomes.
As of 2025 it is estimated that there are 30 million individuals between 71-79 years old and 14.7 million who are 80 years old or older in the US. Taken together, this means that there are an estimated 17,080,000 individuals over the age of 71 who have a visual impairment, even with their current visual aids. Take one moment to think of what this means for an individual trying to take their medication, move around their house, or get to the store for groceries.
Standard Medicare (Parts A & B) excludes standard eye refractions and prescription glasses. Medicare Part B will provide one pair of prescription eyeglasses with standard frames (or one set of contact lenses) after each cataract surgery. There are some exceptions, Medicare Part B will cover eye exams for diabetic retinopathy, after you meet the Part B deductible the patient then pays 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for the physician’s services. Some Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) may provide coverage for eye exams and prescription glasses, but it is very specific and comes with other considerations.
Now, some may think Medicaid covers eye exams and prescription glasses with consistent regularity given the logical connection of sight being key to using public transportation or driving. A review of 2022–2023 Medicaid policies by the National Institutes of Health found that 6.5 million adults live in states without coverage for routine eye exams, and 14.6 million live in states without coverage for eyeglasses. Meanwhile the price of an eye-exam and prescription glasses for those without coverage just continues to climb.