Every January, eye care practices across the country experience a predictable rush. Patients who delayed scheduling during the holiday season suddenly remember to use their insurance benefits or update their prescriptions, but by then, appointment slots are hard to find. Thereโs one smart move you can make right now: book your eye exam before the year ends.
Hereโs why waiting until January might be a mistake, and how VisionQuest Eyecare can help you take full advantage of your benefits today.
1. Eye Care Offices Fill Up Fast in January
January is notoriously one of the busiest months for eye care providers. Everyone who postponed appointments during the holidays scrambles to get in once the new year starts. That surge can mean limited availability, longer wait times, and potential delays
ย if you need glasses, contact lenses, or follow-up care.
By scheduling your comprehensive eye exam in November or December, you avoid the crowd, and can receive more flexible appointment options.
2. You Might Lose Vision Benefits If You Donโt Use Them This Year
Many vision insurance plans follow a โuse-it-or-lose-itโ policy. If you havenโt used your covered annual eye exam, frame allowance, or contact lens benefits, they often wonโt roll over into the new year.
This applies to Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) as well. If youโve set aside pre-tax dollars for healthcare expenses, donโt let them go to waste. Eye exams, prescription glasses, contact lenses, and even dry eye treatment may qualify as eligible expenses.
VisionQuest Eyecare can help you make the most of your benefits by walking you through your coverage. And yes, weโre open on Christmas Eve and New Yearโs Eve, so even your tightest holiday schedule can include a quick visit.
3. Eye Exams Are About More Than Just Updating Your Prescription
Routine eye exams play a crucial role in your overall health. For adults and children 4 and up, an annual eye exam can detect early signs of conditions like:
- Glaucoma
- Cataracts
- Myopia (Near-sightedness)
- Diabetic Retinopathy
- Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
For children and teens, regular exams ensure that vision problems arenโt interfering with learning or development, especially after a year filled with screen time and digital learning.
By scheduling before year-end, you not only protect your vision but also establish a clear baseline for any eye health concerns moving into the new year.
Learn more about what to expect during your comprehensive eye exam.
4. Last-Minute Appointments Are Still Available
Hereโs something not everyone knows: while many practices shut down for the holidays, VisionQuest Eyecare remains open on Christmas Eve and New Yearโs Eve along with our regular hours. That means you still have time to:
- Book a quick exam before the year ends
- Order new prescription glasses or sunglasses
- Replace lost contacts or update your prescription
- Take care of end-of-year insurance needs without the January crowd
5. Set Your Family Up for a Healthy Start to the New Year
Booking your eye exam before January means you enter the new year with confidence, clear vision, and one less task on your to-do list. This is especially important for families juggling school calendars, winter sports, and holiday travel.
Early winter also brings its own set of vision challenges, from dry indoor air to snowy glare. A visit now can help identify the right eyewear, lens coatings, or treatments to protect your vision all winter long.
Donโt Let the Calendar Steal Your Vision Benefits
Youโve invested in your eye health by having vision insurance or setting aside FSA funds, make sure you use them.
At VisionQuest Eyecare, weโve made it easy to schedule your end-of-year appointment at either our Greenwood or Fishers location. Our friendly team is here to verify your insurance benefits, guide you through eyewear options, and provide personalized care for your entire family.
Want to know when your child should get their next checkup? Check out our guide to pediatric eye care.
Concerned about dry eyes during winter? Read our tips on seasonal dry eye treatment.
Book Now to Beat the January Rush
Whether youโve been meaning to schedule your exam all year or just realized your benefits are about to expire, thereโs still time. VisionQuest Eyecare makes it convenient to care for your vision before the year ends.
Donโt wait,ย schedule your exam today at our Greenwood or Fishers office and start the new year with clear vision and peace of mind.
