Yes. Prescription eyeglasses are generally an eligible expense for Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), because they treat a medical condition: your vision. That makes glasses one of the easiest ways to use pre-tax money you've already set aside.
This is general information, not tax or legal advice. Plans differ, so check with your HSA or FSA administrator if you're unsure.
What's usually eligible
- Prescription eyeglasses: frames and prescription lenses
- Prescription sunglasses: tinted lenses made to your prescription
- Prescription safety glasses
- Lens options on prescription lenses, such as polycarbonate, high-index, anti-glare and Transitions, which are generally treated as part of the prescription eyewear
- Prescription reading glasses, and many over-the-counter readers too
- Eye exams
What's usually not eligible
- Non-prescription sunglasses and fashion frames with plain lenses
- Cosmetic extras that aren't part of the glasses, like engraving, which some administrators may not accept
- Shipping charges (ours is free, so this doesn't come up)
How to pay with HSA or FSA online
Option 1: Use your HSA/FSA card. Most HSA and FSA cards are Visa or Mastercard debit cards. At our checkout you can pay with a debit or credit card through PayPal. Many HSA/FSA cards work this way, but some card issuers limit where their cards can be used online.
Option 2: Pay another way and get reimbursed. If your card is declined, or you prefer, pay with your regular card or PayPal and submit your receipt to your HSA/FSA administrator for reimbursement.
What to submit for reimbursement
- Your itemized receipt, showing the date, what you bought and the amount paid. Your PayPal receipt lists each pair and its lens options.
- A copy of your prescription, if your administrator asks for it.
- Your order reference (it starts with FE-), which is in your confirmation email.
Need a more detailed receipt? Email us with your order reference and we'll send one.
Use it before you lose it
FSA funds often have a deadline, sometimes with a short grace period or a small carryover, depending on your plan. If you have money left near the end of your plan year, a new pair of glasses, a backup pair or prescription sunglasses is a practical way to use it. HSA funds usually roll over year to year.
Stretch your HSA/FSA dollars
At many optical shops, one pair of glasses can use up a big part of an annual FSA. With us, everyday frames are $79 with single vision prescription lenses, so the same budget can cover:
- An everyday pair and prescription sunglasses ($99 tinted)
- Glasses for several family members, including kids
- A prescription safety pair for work ($149)
Ready to use your benefits? Shop prescription glasses from $79, with free shipping to Michigan, Oregon, Montana and Delaware.
