Eye Care Guide: Maximize Your FSA Benefits Before The New Year

With the plan year coming to a close, now is the perfect time to prioritize your eye health and maximize your FSA benefits. Since most flexible spending accounts reset on January 1st, this is your opportunity to invest in vision care before your benefits expire. From comprehensive eye exams to upgrading your prescription eyeglasses, here's how to make the most of your healthcare FSA benefits before the year ends.

Understanding Your Flexible Spending Account

A flexible spending account allows you to set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for eligible medical expenses throughout the plan year. The IRS sets annual contribution limits, and unused funds typically don't continue into the following year. This use-it-or-lose-it structure means strategic planning during open enrollment and before year-end is essential to maximize your tax savings.

Your FSA funds can cover a wide range of vision expenses and eligible medical needs, including:

• Comprehensive eye examinations
  

• Prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses
  

• Contact lenses and solutions
  

• Vision correction procedures
  

Many employers offer a health care FSA or a dependent care FSA as part of their health plans. To access these benefits, you typically enroll during your company's open enrollment period or after a qualifying life event. Check with your benefits administration for details on your specific plan and how to submit a claim form through your online account.

Maximize Your FSA Benefits with Vicci Eyewear

Your health care FSA presents the perfect opportunity to invest in premium eyewear that combines style with functionality. At Vicci Eyewear, we make it simple to use FSA funds for qualified medical expenses like prescription frames and lenses. Learn more about using your FSA and HSA benefits for designer eyewear.

Sofia: The Icon of Elegance

Our signature Sofia frame embodies timeless sophistication with its distinctive cat-eye silhouette. This best-selling style is FSA eligible and offers the perfect blend of elegance and everyday wearability.

Luna: Contemporary Charm

The Luna frame represents modern refinement with its versatile, bold shape. This structured design is ideal for those seeking statement eyewear that flatters multiple face shapes.

The Soirée Collection: Evening Elegance

Designed for sophisticated occasions and memorable moments:

• Livia: Step into the spotlight
  

• Rosalia: Let your style bloom
  

Match Point Collection: Active Sophistication

Perfect for the dynamic lifestyle:

• Milana: Bold geometric frame
  

• Lia: Striking retro-inspired style
  

Free Love Collection: Expressive Style

70s-inspired frames with modern flair:

• Violetta: Glamorous cat-eye frame with refined details
  

• Amara: Bold, sophisticated silhouette
  

The Amore Collection: Romantic Refinement

Celebrating feminine elegance:

• Leila: Perfect combination of grace and power, featuring a subtle cat-eye style
  

• Roma (SOLD OUT): Modern take on classic elegance
  

Innovative Lens Technologies

Make the most of your care FSA by customizing your frames with our premium lens options. Whether you need progressive lenses for seamless vision at every distance or prescription sunglasses for outdoor protection, each option is designed to enhance your visual experience and protect your eyes.

Blue Light Blocking Lenses

Perfect for:

• Professionals spending long hours on computers
  

• Students engaged in digital learning
  

• Anyone experiencing digital eye strain
  

These lenses help reduce eye fatigue and protect against harmful blue light exposure. They're considered eligible expenses under most health care FSAs.

Transition Lenses

Ideal for:

• Active individuals who move between indoor and outdoor settings
  

• Those seeking convenience with one pair of glasses
  

• People sensitive to light changes
  

These adaptive lenses automatically adjust to changing light conditions while providing UV protection. They qualify as FSA-eligible expenses when combined with your prescription.

Essential Eye Care Checklist

Schedule Your Eye Exam

Regular eye examinations are vital for maintaining optimal vision health and are typically covered under dental and vision benefits. These check-ups can:

• Detect early signs of eye conditions
  

• Update your prescription for clearer vision
  

• Assess your overall eye health
  

• Determine if you need specialized lenses
  

The Affordable Care Act requires many health insurance plans to include vision coverage for children, though adult vision coverage varies by state. Check your health plan to understand your specific dental expenses and vision coverage.

Exploring Your Options

Not sure which frames suit your style? Take advantage of our try-before-you-buy feature to test frames at home before making your final decision. 

Browse our complete eyeglasses collection to find styles that match your personality and lifestyle.

FSA vs HSA: Understanding Your Options

While a flexible spending account requires you to use funds within the plan year, a health savings account offers more flexibility. HSA funds roll over annually and may be subject to different federal tax rules. Both accounts allow you to contribute pre-tax dollars to pay for eligible health expenses, but they have distinct differences in terms of contribution limits, rollover rules, and qualified expenses.

For a detailed comparison, read our guide on FSA vs HSA benefits to determine which account works best for your needs.

 You can also learn about using HSA and FSA for glasses and discover whether sunglasses are FSA eligible.

2025 Eye Care Resolutions

• Schedule a comprehensive eye exam
  

• Upgrade to designer prescription glasses
  

• Protect your eyes with blue light or UV-blocking lenses
  

• Reduce digital eye strain with healthy screen-time habits
  

• Embrace the convenience of buying eyeglasses online
  

Act Before Your Benefits Expire

Don't let your vision benefits go to waste. Visit Vicci Eyewear today to explore our collection of designer glasses for women. Whether you're updating your prescription, investing in blue light protection, or refreshing your style with new frames, take advantage of your FSA funds before they expire on December 31st. Your eyes deserve the best care as we enter the new year.

Maximize FSA Benefits FAQs

What are the benefits of an FSA?

A flexible spending account offers significant tax savings by allowing you to set aside money from your paycheck before federal taxes are applied. This means you can use pre-tax dollars to pay for qualified medical expenses, reducing your overall tax burden. FSAs cover a wide range of out-of-pocket health care costs, including vision expenses, prescription medications, and dental expenses. The main advantage is the immediate tax savings on every dollar you contribute.

Is there a downside to FSA?

The primary downside is the use-it-or-lose-it rule. Most care flexible spending accounts require you to spend your contributions within the plan year. If you don't use your FSA funds by the deadline, you may lose them, making it essential to carefully estimate your eligible expenses during open enrollment.

What are the benefits of FSA vs HSA?

While both flexible spending accounts and health savings accounts help you save on taxes for health expenses, they have key differences. An FSA doesn't require a high-deductible health insurance plan and has no minimum to open, making it accessible to more people. However, health savings accounts offer more flexibility since funds roll over year after year and can be invested for growth. FSAs are better for predictable annual expenses, while HSAs work well for long-term savings. The Office of Personnel Management provides detailed information about both account types for federal employees.

Can I cash out my FSA money?

No, you cannot cash out FSA funds. The IRS requires that FSA contributions be used to pay for eligible medical expenses only. To access your funds, you must submit a claim with proper documentation through your benefits administration system.

Where does FSA money go if you don't use it?

Unused FSA money typically returns to your employer at the end of the plan year. However, some employers offer a grace period or allow you to roll over up to $640 (as of 2025). States don't regulate this aspect since FSAs are governed by federal law. Review your balance regularly through your online account or app store mobile application.

How do I spend my leftover FSA money?

Stock up on FSA-eligible expenses like prescription eyewear, contact lenses, or sunglasses. Many people forget that vision expenses qualify, making designer prescription glasses an excellent way to use remaining funds. Check the search icon on your FSA provider's website for a complete list of eligible items.

How to avoid losing FSA money?

The key to avoiding FSA loss is strategic planning throughout the year. During the open enrollment period, carefully estimate your annual health expenses, including vision and dental care. Set reminders to check your FSA balance quarterly. As the plan year ends, review your remaining balance and schedule any necessary appointments or purchases. Keep in mind that a limited expense health care FSA or limited purpose FSA paired with an HSA offers more flexibility. Always verify which expenses are eligible under your specific plan, as rules can vary for dependent care flexible spending accounts versus health care FSAs.