Savvy Senior: How to save on prescription eyeglasses

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There's no doubt that new eyeglasses can be expensive. You can easily spend $200 for a basic pair, and if you spring for add-ons like anti-glare lenses or designer frames the price can double. If you're like most retirees, and are paying full out-of-pocket prices every time you get a new pair of glasses, here are a few strategies that can help you save.

Consider insurance

Depending on the amount of vision care you use in a year, one way to cut your overall costs could be to buy a stand-alone vision insurance policy, or a discount plan which could save you 20 to 60 percent at participating retailers. Most insurance policies run around $120 to $190 a year for individuals, while discount plans cost between $95 and $155 per year and usually provide discounts on both vision and dental, and sometimes prescription drugs. You can find both plan types at ehealthinsurance.com.

Or, if you're a current or soon-to-be Medicare beneficiary, you may want to consider a Medicare Advantage plan. These are government approved, private health plans (usually HMOs and PPOs) sold by insurance companies that you can choose in place of original Medicare — which does not cover eyeglasses (unless you've just had cataract surgery) or routine eye exams. Many Advantage plans offer vision care, in addition to their health care coverage. See www.medicare.gov/find-a-plan to research this option.

Shop and compare

Shopping and comparing prices from discount retailers and eye doctors' offices in your area that sell prescription glasses is another key way to save.