Before you enroll in EyeMed, there’s one thing worth knowing: EyeMed is owned by Luxottica — the same company that owns LensCrafters and Pearle Vision, and has partnerships with Target Optical. That relationship isn’t accidental. EyeMed was built partly to funnel members to those retail locations. Understanding that dynamic helps you use the plan to your advantage instead of theirs.
With over 90 million members and 44,000+ providers, EyeMed is the second-largest vision insurer in the country and arguably the most retail-friendly option on the market.
EyeMed Plan Costs and Tiers
EyeMed offers three consumer tiers — Access, Insight, and Bold — plus employer-negotiated versions that vary in price. Self-purchased individual plans run:
| EyeMed Plan | Monthly Cost | Exam Copay | Frame Allowance | Contact Allowance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Access (basic) | $8–$13/mo | $10 | $130 | $130 |
| Insight (mid-tier) | $14–$18/mo | $10 | $160 | $150 |
| Bold (premium) | $20–$25/mo | $0 | $200 | $175 |
The Access plan is genuinely cheap — at $8–$13/month, it’s one of the most affordable individual vision plans available. The trade-off is a lower frame allowance ($130) and fewer premium lens options. For someone who primarily wears contacts and needs an annual exam, Access often delivers excellent value.
Network Strengths: Where EyeMed Really Shines
EyeMed’s biggest selling point is retail convenience. In-network locations include:
- LensCrafters (850+ US locations)
- Pearle Vision
- Target Optical
- Sears Optical
- JCPenney Optical
- Many independent optometrists
If you live near a Target or a mall LensCrafters, EyeMed’s network is effectively everywhere. Extended evening and weekend hours, same-day appointments, and the ability to pick up glasses in about an hour at LensCrafters are genuinely useful for people with busy schedules.
For patients who prefer an independent OD, EyeMed’s independent provider network is smaller than VSP’s but still substantial. Verify your preferred doctor is in-network before enrolling.
LensCrafters is in-network, so your EyeMed benefit applies there — that’s real. But LensCrafters is also a premium-priced retailer. Your $160 frame allowance won’t go far when most frames are priced at $200–$400. Use your allowance strategically: ask about featured frames (often $0 copay after allowance), or browse the value section. Alternatively, use your EyeMed exam benefit in-network and buy frames online — your exam coverage applies even if you purchase elsewhere.
EyeMed vs. VSP: The Core Differences
Both plans price similarly at higher tiers. The real question is which network fits your life better.
EyeMed advantages over VSP:
- Lower starting price (Access at $8–$13/month)
- Better retail chain coverage (LensCrafters, Target Optical)
- Longer hours and same-day glasses at many locations
- Strong online ordering integration
VSP advantages over EyeMed:
- Larger independent optometrist network (39,000+ private practices)
- Better for patients who want a long-term relationship with a private-practice OD
- Generally better lens pricing at independent offices
On contact lens coverage, both plans offer comparable allowances ($130–$175 depending on tier). See vision insurance for contacts for a full breakdown of how to maximize that benefit.
Online Ordering and EyeMed Benefits
EyeMed members can use their in-network exam benefit at a participating doctor, then order glasses or contacts elsewhere — you’re not locked into buying where you had your exam. Contact lens orders through 1-800 Contacts, Warby Parker’s online store, and other online retailers can often be submitted for reimbursement under your out-of-network benefit.
The online reimbursement rate is modest — $45–$60 for contacts depending on tier — but it’s money many EyeMed members never bother claiming. Keep your purchase receipt and submit through EyeMed’s member portal within 12 months.
EyeMed frames purchased at LensCrafters are priced at LensCrafters rates, not some separate EyeMed-discounted catalog. Luxottica’s ownership of both companies creates a clear incentive for upselling. Always ask: “What is my out-of-pocket after my EyeMed benefit?” before agreeing to lens upgrades or coatings.
Bottom Line
EyeMed is the better pick if convenience matters most — you want mall locations, weekend appointments, or same-day glasses. The Access tier at $8–$13/month is one of the best-value vision plans on the individual market if you use it for contacts or a pair of moderately priced glasses each year. For independent OD loyalists, VSP’s provider network is harder to beat. Either way, the vision insurance math hinges on whether you actually use glasses or contacts each plan year — if you don’t, even the cheapest plan isn’t worth the monthly premium.