Most vision insurance plans cover a comprehensive eye exam each year. But here’s what many patients don’t realize: these benefits typically expire at the end of the calendar year - and they don’t roll over.
If more than a year has passed since your last eye exam, or if you feel unsure about any changes in your prescription or eye health, now is the ideal time to act. Using your benefits before they expire means you’re not leaving valuable coverage unused.
At Brain Vision Institute, we help you make the most of your vision insurance by providing advanced, medically focused eye care. From comprehensive eye exams to disease management and dry eye treatment, our services aim to support your long-term visual health. Visit our Eye Care Services page to learn how we can assist you before your benefits reset.
Why Acting Now Protects Your Eyes and Your Wallet
Vision benefits typically reset every January. When that happens, you lose any unused benefits.
Most plans include:
- One comprehensive eye exam per year
- Coverage for glasses or contact lenses
- Discounts on lens enhancements or second pairs
- Contributions toward medical eye care when applicable
- Preventive screenings to support long-term vision health
Booking your appointment before year-end allows you to:
- Update your prescription before symptoms progress
- Catch early signs of eye conditions, like glaucoma or macular degeneration
- Maximize the coverage you've already paid for
It’s common for patients to underestimate how much can change in just 12 months. Vision can shift gradually, and many eye conditions develop with little to no noticeable symptoms in their early stages. That’s why routine exams are essential, regardless of whether you're experiencing discomfort or changes in vision.
What Happens During an Annual Eye Exam?
Our South Barrington eye doctors take a comprehensive, personalized approach to every exam. Using advanced diagnostic equipment, we assess more than just how clearly you see the eye chart.
During your appointment, we will:
- Perform a full refractive assessment to determine the most accurate prescription
- Examine your retina, optic nerve, and anterior segment for any signs of disease
- Discuss your visual habits, screen time, and lifestyle to ensure your prescription supports your day-to-day needs
- Provide recommendations for managing any symptoms or risk factors we detect
We also offer specialized testing and treatments for conditions such as dry eye, digital eye strain, and age-related changes in vision. Our team ensures that we base every recommendation on clinical information and tailor it to your needs.
Eye Care That Matches Your Needs
An annual exam at Brain Vision Institute is a chance to fine-tune your vision and protect your long-term eye health. Our approach blends clinical accuracy with care tailored to your lifestyle, visual demands, and goals.
We also support patients managing chronic eye conditions or recovering from visual system changes due to neurological events. Whatever your needs, we’ll make sure you receive the attention and care you deserve.
Why Appointments Fill Fast - and What You Can Do
As the end of the year approaches, demand for appointments increases significantly. Many patients delay booking and end up missing their benefits altogether.
Booking now gives you:
- More flexibility in scheduling
- Time to complete any follow-up care your exam may uncover
- Full access to your benefits before they expire
If your plan includes coverage for medical eye care or vision management services, booking early ensures we can coordinate the care you need within the benefit year.
Expert Eye Care in Illinois
At Brain Vision Institute, we’re proud to serve patients from South Barrington, Hoffman Estates, Palatine, and nearby communities. Whether you need a routine exam or have specific concerns about your eye health, our team is here to help with clarity, precision, and care.
We offer advanced diagnostic tools, personalized consultations, and care plans tailored to your medical and visual needs—all in a warm, supportive environment.
Book Now and Start the New Year with Clearer Vision
If you still haven’t used your vision insurance benefits, there’s still time, but not much. Schedule your comprehensive eye exam before the year ends and enter the new year with healthy eyes and updated eyewear.
Don’t let your vision insurance benefits go to waste. Book your eye exam and see clearly into the new year.
*Open Saturday by appointment only.