As the end of the year approaches, many people across the Inland Empire begin preparing for the busy holiday season. But before your schedule fills up, there’s one important reminder that can protect both your vision and your wallet: use your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) dollars before they expire.
FSA funds follow a “use it or lose it” rule, meaning any remaining balance may disappear at the end of the year, depending on your employer’s plan. At Pacific Eye Institute, we encourage patients in Apple Valley, Colton, Eastvale, Rancho Cucamonga, Temecula, Upland, and surrounding communities to take advantage of their benefits early—especially when it comes to essential eye care.
Here are five meaningful and practical ways to use your FSA for eye care before you lose it, along with the services available at Pacific Eye Institute.
1. Comprehensive Eye Exams
A comprehensive eye exam is a vital part of staying on top of your health. Even if your vision seems stable, routine eye exams help detect early signs of serious conditions, including:
- Cataracts
- Glaucoma
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Macular degeneration
- Dry eye disease
- Age-related vision changes
FSA funds can typically be used to cover the cost of these exams, ensuring you get the care you need without added financial stress. Early detection allows our ophthalmologists to intervene sooner, protect your vision, and provide personalized treatment recommendations.
2. Dry Eye Evaluations & Treatments
Dry eye is extremely common in Southern California, where the climate, air quality, allergies, and screen time can all contribute to symptoms. If you experience burning, irritation, tearing, or blurry vision, your FSA can help cover:
- Dry eye evaluations
- Prescription eye drops
- Punctal plugs
- In-office procedures for meibomian gland dysfunction
- Physician-recommended products and therapies
Dry eye can significantly affect your comfort and clarity, especially during cooler seasons when symptoms tend to worsen. Treating it now using FSA dollars is both practical and preventive.
3. Advanced Diagnostic Testing
Many eye conditions require specialized imaging and testing to ensure accurate diagnosis and proper care. These diagnostic services are often FSA-eligible and may include:
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) for retinal and optic nerve evaluation
- Visual field testing for glaucoma
- Corneal topography
- Ultrasound imaging
- Retinal photography
If you’ve been advised to follow up with further testing or have postponed recommended imaging, using your FSA funds now prevents delays in care and supports long-term vision health.
4. Medical Eye Care for Chronic Conditions
If you are managing chronic health or eye conditions, your FSA can be applied toward many medically necessary treatments. These may include:
- Glaucoma management, including follow-up visits and testing
- Diabetic eye care, especially important during holiday fluctuations in blood sugar
- Treatment for retinal diseases such as macular degeneration
- Monitoring of cataracts and age-related eye changes
- Care for corneal diseases or infections
Regular medical eye care ensures your condition remains stable and helps prevent vision loss—an invaluable benefit worth using your pre-tax dollars toward.
5. LASIK Consultations
While Pacific Eye Institute does not perform LASIK onsite, we are affiliated with Inland Eye LASIK, a trusted LASIK center serving the Inland Empire.
If you have been considering reducing your dependence on glasses or contacts, your FSA may cover:
- LASIK consultations
- LASIK or PRK procedures
- Pre-operative and post-operative appointments
Using FSA funds for LASIK is a smart financial decision because the money is tax-free, and the savings can significantly reduce the cost of vision correction. Scheduling early gives you time to meet with Inland Eye LASIK, determine candidacy, and apply your remaining FSA benefits before the year ends.
Use Your FSA Early—Appointments Fill Up Quickly
Every year, patients lose valuable FSA dollars simply because they waited too long to schedule their appointments. Fortunately, you can avoid the holiday rush by planning ahead.
November is the best time to use your benefits for eye exams, medical treatments, diagnostic testing, and LASIK consultations through Inland Eye LASIK.
Call Pacific Eye Institute today at (800) 345-8979 to schedule your FSA-eligible visit.
Secure your appointment early, protect your vision, and start the new year confidently with healthy, clear eyesight.
