Does Medicare cover eyeglasses?

Eyeglasses are not generally covered by Medicare, but under limited circumstances may be partially covered. When a person has surgery to correct cataracts, Medicare Part B helps pay for either one set of eyeglasses or one pair of contact lenses per surgery.

In approved situations, Medicare pays for 80% of the Medicare-approved amount of either eyeglasses or contact lenses. The eyeglasses or contact lenses may only be purchased from a supplier who is enrolled in Medicare, regardless of who submits the claim. Any additional costs for upgraded frames or additional services are paid by the patient and the Medicare Part B deductible applies.