How Much Does an Eye Exam Cost?
A comprehensive eye exam at our Santa Ana office costs $150–$350 without insurance. With vision insurance, your copay is typically $10–$25. FSA and HSA funds are eligible, and we accept most major vision and medical plans.
Eye Exam Cost Breakdown
| Exam Type | Without Insurance | With Vision Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Routine eye exam (refraction + health check) | $150–$200 | $10–$25 copay |
| Comprehensive exam with retinal imaging (OCT) | $250–$350 | $10–$25 + imaging copay |
| Contact lens fitting (added to exam) | $50–$150 | Varies by plan |
| Diabetic eye exam (medical insurance) | $0–specialist copay | $0–specialist copay |
| Pediatric eye exam | $150–$250 | $10–$25 copay |
Prices reflect typical ranges at our Santa Ana office as of 2026. Actual cost depends on the services performed. We provide an estimate before your visit.
Ways to Pay for Your Eye Exam
Vision Insurance
Routine annual exams with $10–$25 copay. Includes glasses and contact lens benefits.
- VSP
- EyeMed
- Davis Vision
- Spectera
- MES
- Superior Vision
Medical Insurance
Covers exams for eye conditions: diabetes, glaucoma, dry eye, headaches, red eye, floaters.
- Blue Shield
- Aetna
- United Healthcare
- Cigna
- Medicare
- Anthem
Self-Pay Options
No insurance? We offer transparent pricing and flexible payment.
- FSA & HSA accepted
- All major credit cards
- CareCredit financing
- Competitive self-pay rates
What's Included in a Comprehensive Eye Exam
More than a vision check — a full medical evaluation of your eye health
Visual acuity & refraction
Precise measurement of your prescription for glasses or contacts
Eye pressure measurement
Glaucoma screening — detects damage before you notice symptoms
Slit-lamp examination
Microscopic evaluation of the cornea, lens, and anterior structures
Retinal examination
Dilated or imaging-based evaluation of the retina and optic nerve
Binocular vision assessment
Tests how your eyes work together — common cause of headaches and eye strain
Digital retinal imaging
High-resolution photos of the retina for baseline and year-over-year comparison
Eye Exam Cost FAQs
How much does an eye exam cost without insurance?
A comprehensive eye exam at EyeCare Center of Orange County costs $150–$350 without insurance, depending on the level of testing. A basic exam with refraction (glasses prescription) is at the lower end. Exams that include advanced imaging such as OCT retinal scans or digital fundus photography are at the higher end. We provide an estimate before your visit.
How much does an eye exam cost with insurance?
With vision insurance (VSP, EyeMed, Davis Vision, etc.), your out-of-pocket cost is typically a $10–$25 copay for a routine annual exam. Medical insurance covers exams when a medical diagnosis is involved — such as diabetes monitoring, dry eye, or glaucoma — usually subject to your plan's specialist copay.
Does Medicare cover eye exams?
Medicare Part B covers medical eye exams for conditions like glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration. It does not cover routine vision exams for glasses prescriptions. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, check whether it includes a vision benefit for routine exams.
Can I use my FSA or HSA for an eye exam?
Yes. Comprehensive eye exams, prescription eyeglasses, and contact lenses are all eligible expenses under FSA and HSA plans. This effectively saves you 25–35% on out-of-pocket costs. We accept FSA and HSA debit cards directly.
Why does an eye exam cost more than a vision screening?
A vision screening (like at the DMV or school) only checks how well you read a letter chart. A comprehensive eye exam is a full medical evaluation: refraction, eye pressure, slit-lamp microscopy, and retinal imaging. It detects glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and other conditions that have no symptoms until they cause permanent damage.
Is a contact lens exam more expensive than a regular eye exam?
A contact lens fitting is an additional evaluation on top of your comprehensive eye exam. It includes corneal measurements, trial lens fitting, and a follow-up visit to check the fit. The additional fee is typically $50–$150 depending on the lens type — standard soft lenses are less than specialty lenses like scleral or toric.
Do you offer same-week eye exam appointments?
Yes. We offer same-week appointments and can often accommodate urgent eye concerns within 1 to 2 days. Call (949) 323-3600 to check availability. For routine exams, booking a few days ahead is recommended to get your preferred time.
Eye Exam Near You — Santa Ana, Orange County
801 N Tustin Ave, Suite 404, Santa Ana, CA 92705
Tustin · Orange
5–10 min
Irvine · Costa Mesa
10–15 min
Garden Grove
10–15 min
Newport Beach
15–20 min
Anaheim · Fullerton
15–20 min
Huntington Beach
20–25 min
Open Monday–Friday 9 AM–6 PM · Saturday 9 AM–1 PM
Easy access from the 5, 55, and 22 freeways · Free parking on site
Book Your Eye Exam Today
Same-week appointments available. We verify your insurance benefits before your visit.