There are two types of people in this world: the ones who remember to use their FSA balance before December and the ones who realize they had one… on January 1st. Oops.
Whichever camp you fall into, there’s good news: if you’ve been putting off getting new glasses because of the cost, your health insurance and benefits can help. Because yes – your HSA and FSA dollars can absolutely be used on eyewear. That means those tax-free funds you’ve been meaning to spend can go towards something that’s as stylish as it is practical: a fabulous new pair of eyebobs.
Before you start browsing, let’s make sure you know exactly how to put those benefits to work – and how to make the most of them before the clock runs out.
HSA and FSA: What’s the Difference?
Let’s start with the basics, shall we? A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) are both designed to help you save on healthcare expenses using pre-tax dollars. Translation: free money for taking care of yourself and your vision.
The two types of accounts are similar, but not identical. Here’s what makes them different:
FSA: Typically offered by your employer. You decide how much to contribute for the year, and those funds are available immediately. The catch? Most FSAs expire at the end of the year – meaning if you don’t use it, you lose it.
HSA: This one’s all yours. You own it, you control it, and the balance rolls over from year to year. HSAs are tied to high-deductible health plans, and they’re perfect for long-term healthcare budgeting.
If you take one thing from this section, let it be this: FSA funds typically expire December 31st. So, if you’ve had your eye on a new pair of frames, it’s best to make your move with time to spare.
What Can You Use Your FSA & HSA On?
Most people use their FSA and HSA on doctor visits, but there are plenty more exciting ways to spend your sweet, tax-free dough. From sunscreen to heating pads, you can use those funds on most health-related purchases – and yes, that includes amazing eye candy.
That means your HSA/FSA can cover all kinds of eyewear and lens types, including readers, prescription, progressives, and sunglasses. At eyebobs, you can use your HSA or FSA funds on:
Readers: Available from +0.00 to +4.00. Not sure what strength you need? Take our quick reader strength test to meet your match.
Progressive Readers: Designed to be worn all day. Convenient, right? With reader magnification in the lower part of the frame, half magnification in the middle, and none up top, these lenses help you see it all.
Blue Light: For late-night scrolling and endless Zoom marathons. Blue light blockers may help protect your eyes from the harmful, artificial blue light emitted by screens. Upgrade any Reader or Prescription glasses to include Blue Light coating for ultimate clarity and protection
Prescription: For us nearsighted folks. Single-vision, progressive, and transition lenses all count.
Prescription Sunglasses: UV shielding and a major coolness quotient, all in one. Go polarized for extra clarity or add your reader strength.
If you know us, you know that our frames are designed to be every bit as fashionable as they are functional (and they’re very functional). That means using your HSA/FSA on new eyebobs is a win for your wardrobe, your eyes, and your wallet.
Why You Should Use Those Dollars Before They Disappear
There’s a good chance you’ve been here before: it’s December 27th, you’re polishing off leftover pie, and suddenly remember you have unused FSA funds. You end up panic-buying a red-light therapy mask you know you’ll never use.
Here’s your friendly reminder that most FSA funds expire at the end of the year. That means if you don’t spend them, they don’t roll over – they simply vanish. Tragic, really.
So, if you’ve been meaning to treat yourself to new glasses, this is your sign. Whether you need updated readers, blue light protection, or simply want to refresh your look for the new year, those dollars were made for this. There’s nothing like ending the year with clarity – in every sense of the word.
How to Use Your HSA or FSA at eyebobs
Here’s how to turn those pre-tax funds into your next favorite frames, easy-breezy.
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Shop your favorites. Browse our ample collection for the frames calling your name. Need a place to start? Check out our best-sellers or explore our new arrivals.
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Add to cart and check out. Use your HSA or FSA debit card just like a regular credit card. At checkout, select Flex | Pay with HSA/FSA as your payment option.
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Need to file for reimbursement? No problem. If your provider requires documentation, just keep your eyebobs receipt handy. (And if you’re unsure, a quick call to your plan administrator will clear things up.)
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Enjoy your new frames. Whether they’re for all-day use, sun-soaking, or impressing your book club, they’re officially tax-free and totally fabulous.
If you’ve got questions about your specific plan, your provider can give you the nitty-gritty details. If you’ve got questions about which frames will make you look and feel amazing, that’s where we come in. Call our team of eyewear enthusiasts anytime at 1-866-393-2627.
Buying eyewear is one of those rare health-related purchases that actually feels like a treat. It’s self-care you can see – literally. By using your HSA or FSA funds on new glasses, you’re turning those tax-free funds into something you’ll love and use every day. So, before the year ends, do something your future self will thank you for: get the frames.
