Routine eye exams keep your vision strong

As you get older, the risk for some eye diseases can grow. But there is a lot you can do now to stop eye problems in the future.

Eye exams can help keep your vision strong.

During an eye exam you may get your eyes dilated. This is when an eye health specialist gives you eye drops to make your pupil larger. Eye dilation lets your provider see inside your eye and look for any changes. Often, eye problems do not have any symptoms in the early stages.

Learn when to get an eye exam based on your age with the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

It is good to have an eye exam if you:

  • Have Diabetes — get a diabetic eye exam each year. Diabetes is the leading cause of vision loss in people 18–64 years old. There are no obvious signs or symptoms. A yearly eye exam can stop 95% of vision loss caused by diabetes.
  • Are at a higher risk for glaucoma (eye diseases that damage your eye’s optic nerve)—get an eye exam every 2 years or as directed.

    • People who are at higher risk for glaucoma:

    • African Americans aged 40 years and older
    • If you are older than 60, especially if you are Hispanic or Latinx
    • If you have family members with glaucoma

    Talk with your primary care provider* (PCP) or eye health specialist if you have any changes in your eyes such as:

    • Blurry vision
    • Changing vision
    • Sudden black or grey specks or strings in your vision
    • Dark or empty spots of vision

    Learn more about common eye diseases from the CDC or the National Eye Institute.

    Vision Service Plan (VSP) for Medi-Cal Members

    To find a VSP provider (optometrist), visit vsp.com or call 1(800) 438-4560. VSP will give you the contact information of an optometrist that you can schedule an appointment with.

    When you call the optometrist, please make sure to say you are a “VSP member”. The optometrist will verify your eligibility and plan coverage based on your VSP vision care coverage. Vision care services are not under San Francisco Health Plan.

    VSP vision care benefits for adults aged 21 and older include:

    • Eye exams from an optometrist every 24 months; more if needed such as for people with diabetes.
    • Eyeglasses (frames and lenses) every 24 months, with valid prescription.
    • Replacement eyeglasses within 24 months if you have a change in prescription or your glasses are lost, stolen, or broken and it was not your fault.
    • Medically necessary contact lenses.

    Vision care for youth under 21:

    • Vision screening
    • Treatment for vision problems, including eyeglasses

    You do not need a referral from your PCP. Learn more about your vision benefits by going to vsp.com. If you have questions about your vision benefits, call VSP at 1(800) 877-7195.