Eye Doctor That Accepts Medicare in Santa Ana
We accept original Medicare and most Medicare Advantage plans. Original Medicare Part B covers medical eye care — diabetic eye exams, glaucoma tests, cataract evaluations, and treatment of eye diseases. It does not cover routine vision exams or eyeglasses (with one exception: post-cataract-surgery glasses). Many Medicare Advantage plans add routine vision benefits. Call us to verify exactly what your plan covers.
Reviewed by Dr. Alexander Bonakdar, OD — Coverage last verified: 2026-07-21
What Medicare Covers
- Diabetic eye exam — covered annually for Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes
- Glaucoma screening — covered annually for high-risk patients (diabetes, family history, African American 50+)
- Cataract evaluation and post-surgical care
- Macular degeneration monitoring and treatment referral
- Eye infections, injuries, and urgent eye conditions
- One pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses after cataract surgery (Part B exception)
What's Not Covered
- Routine eye exams for glasses/contacts prescription (original Medicare Part B)
- Eyeglasses and contact lenses (except post-cataract — see above)
- Refractive surgery (LASIK, PRK)
- Routine vision screening without medical indication
Vision Insurance vs. Medical Insurance for Eye Care
Medicare is medical insurance — it covers the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases and conditions. It does not cover routine vision exams for a glasses prescription (unless a medical condition is present). If you also have a vision plan like VSP or EyeMed, that covers your routine exam and eyewear.
Many patients have both a vision plan and medical insurance. We bill the appropriate plan based on what we find during your visit.
Costs & Copays
Medicare Part B typically covers 80% after your annual deductible is met. Your Medigap or Medicare Supplement plan may cover the remaining 20%. Medicare Advantage copays vary by plan — often $10–$40 for specialist visits. We verify your specific coverage before your appointment.
Coverage varies by plan — call to verify your specific benefits before your visit.
How to Use Your Medicare Benefits Here
Call (949) 323-3600 — let us know you have Medicare (and which type: original, Advantage, or Supplement)
Bring your Medicare card (red, white, and blue) and any secondary insurance cards
If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, bring that card instead — it replaces original Medicare
We verify your coverage and any referral requirements before your visit
We accept Medicare assignment — you pay only your deductible and coinsurance
Medicare FAQs
Does Medicare cover a routine eye exam for glasses?
Original Medicare Part B does not cover routine vision exams or eyeglasses. However, if you have a medical eye condition — dry eye, cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic eye disease — that exam is a medical visit and IS covered. Many patients come in for a medical concern and we address their prescription needs at the same visit. Medicare Advantage plans from companies like UnitedHealthcare, Humana, or Aetna often include routine vision benefits.
What is the difference between Medicare Part B and Medicare Advantage for eye care?
Medicare Part B (original Medicare) covers medical eye care only — disease diagnosis and treatment. Medicare Advantage (Part C) is a private plan that includes everything Part B covers plus often adds routine vision exams, eyeglasses, and contact lens benefits. If you have Advantage, you likely have routine vision coverage. Bring your specific plan card and we will verify.
I just had cataract surgery — does Medicare cover my glasses?
Yes. Medicare Part B covers one pair of eyeglasses (frames and lenses) or one set of contact lenses after each cataract surgery. This is the one exception to Medicare not covering eyewear. The benefit must be used within a reasonable time after surgery. We stock a wide selection of frames eligible under this benefit.
Do I need a referral to see you with Medicare?
Original Medicare does not require a referral to see an optometrist. Some Medicare Advantage plans may require a referral depending on your network rules. Call us with your plan details and we will confirm whether a referral is needed.
Can you treat my dry eye or glaucoma under Medicare?
Absolutely. Dry eye disease, glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and all medical eye conditions are covered under Medicare Part B. We diagnose, treat, and manage these conditions in our office. We also perform advanced diagnostic testing (OCT, visual fields) covered by Medicare.
Coverage last verified: 2026-07-21 · Reviewer: Front desk ([email protected]) · Coverage varies by employer plan, tier, and state. The information on this page is for general guidance only — call us to verify your specific benefits before your visit. This page is not a guarantee of coverage.
Ready to Use Your Medicare Benefits?
Call us to verify your coverage or book your appointment online today.