The end of the year is fast approaching, and your health benefits are expiring! You might already be feeling anxiety for the upcoming holiday season, but don’t let worry set in about any health funds that you haven’t spent yet for the year. Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) are great benefits for your health, however the dollars that have been put aside are use-it-or-lose-it and will likely be forfeited if not used by the December deadline. What better way to use these funds than by ensuring that your vision and eye health are taken care of and in the best shape possible.

You could utilize your health funds towards an annual comprehensive eye examination. A comprehensive eye exam is a great way to check in on your overall health, as optometrists can diagnose over 270 diseases. Knowing what is going on with your health will help you decide the next steps you need to take. Not only will your comprehensive eye exam give you insight into your overall health, but it will also make you aware of any vision or eye health problems that you need to consider and correct. 

Your HSA/FSA account can also be used for glasses and contact lenses. If you wear contact lenses, replacing those lenses at the prescribed frequency is an integral part of your continued eye health and reduces your risk of infection and irritation.  Your glasses protect your eyes daily from harmful UV and blue light. Updating your glasses for optimal vision, having a back up to your contact lenses or just looking fantastic is a great use of those funds. 

Don’t forget about the rest of your family! 80% of information we take in every day is visual.  Vision correction benefits children in the classroom both academically and emotionally. Poor vision can lead to learning problems and low self-esteem. Be sure to set your children up for success by simply scheduling an appointment with an optometrist in your area. If you don’t have an optometrist yet, find one here!  

If you aren’t sure exactly what you can spend your health spending account dollars on, talk with your optometrist or their office staff as they can point you in the right direction. They work with individuals every year who are up against similar deadlines, so they can offer their expertise when it comes to which items are covered or not. They can also help you pick out a perfect pair of spectacles or sunglasses that will be the perfect fit for your style.

Plan for next year! Ask your optometrist or their staff for an itemized bill. That can help plan what to set aside for next year. Ensure you are taking care of all the visual needs of you and your family.Consider scheduling your family’s annual comprehensive eye exams earlier in the year or even right before school starts, especially if you have kids, so that everyone can enjoy the beautiful Colorado views clearly and healthily!