FSA & HSA for Glasses: How to Get Reimbursed for Eyewear
Key Takeaways
Prescription eyeglasses, prescription sunglasses, and contact lenses may qualify for FSA or HSA reimbursement when used to correct vision.
You can purchase eyewear on Lensmart using a regular payment method and submit your invoice to your FSA/HSA administrator for potential reimbursement.
You can download your invoice from your Lensmart account or contact our customer service team if you checked out as a guest.
FSA funds may be subject to expiration rules, while HSA funds generally roll over from year to year.
1. Can You Use FSA or HSA to Buy Glasses?
Yes! If you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA), you may be able to use those funds to cover eligible eyewear expenses.
Both accounts help you pay for qualified healthcare expenses using tax-advantaged funds, but they work differently.
FSA (Flexible Spending Account): An employer-sponsored account that allows you to set aside pre-tax money for eligible healthcare expenses. Depending on your employer's plan, unused funds may be subject to a deadline, although some plans offer a carryover or grace period.
HSA (Health Savings Account): A savings account available to eligible individuals enrolled in a qualifying high-deductible health plan. Unlike most FSAs, HSA funds generally roll over from year to year and remain in your account.
According to the IRS, eligible medical expenses can include certain vision-care products and services, such as prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses.
For more information, visit the official IRS resources:
2. Which Glasses Are FSA/HSA Eligible?
Not every type of eyewear automatically qualifies for FSA or HSA reimbursement. Eligibility generally depends on whether the item is used to correct or address a medical or vision-related need.
Here's a general guide:
| Eyewear Type | Potential Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Prescription eyeglasses | Generally eligible |
| Prescription sunglasses | Generally eligible |
| Prescription bifocal or progressive glasses | Generally eligible |
| Prescription contact lenses | Generally eligible |
| Non-prescription reading glasses | May qualify, depending on applicable IRS rules and plan requirements |
| Non-prescription blue-light glasses | Generally not eligible unless specific medical requirements are met |
| Regular non-prescription sunglasses | Generally not eligible |
What about special lens features?
Some eyewear products include additional features, such as blue-light filtering, photochromic lenses, or anti-glare coatings. These features do not automatically make a product FSA/HSA eligible.
If you're unsure whether a particular pair of glasses qualifies, check with your FSA/HSA administrator before purchasing. They can confirm whether your plan requires a prescription, a Letter of Medical Necessity, or additional documentation.
For a detailed list of qualifying medical expenses, refer to IRS Publication 502.
3. How to Get FSA/HSA Reimbursement for Your Lensmart Purchase
Although Lensmart does not currently accept FSA or HSA cards as a direct payment method, you can still purchase eligible eyewear using your preferred regular payment method and submit your invoice to your FSA/HSA administrator for potential reimbursement.
Here's how the process works:
Step 1: Place Your Order
Browse Lensmart's eyewear collection and choose the glasses that suit your needs. Complete your purchase using a regular payment method, such as a credit card or another available payment option.
Step 2: Get Your Invoice
You can obtain your Lensmart invoice in either of the following ways:
Registered customers: Log in to your Lensmart account, go to My Orders, and download the invoice for your purchase.
Guest customers: If you placed your order without creating an account, contact our customer service team at cs@lensmartonline.com to request your invoice.
Step 3: Submit Your Reimbursement Claim
Upload your invoice to your FSA/HSA administrator's online platform or follow the submission instructions provided by your plan administrator. If required, you may also need to provide a prescription or other supporting documentation.
Step 4: Wait for Review
Your FSA/HSA administrator will review your claim and determine whether your purchase qualifies for reimbursement. If approved, reimbursement will be handled according to your plan's procedures.
Important: Lensmart provides purchase invoices to support your reimbursement application. We do not accept FSA/HSA cards for direct payment, process reimbursement claims, or guarantee that your purchase will be approved. Final eligibility and reimbursement decisions are made by your FSA/HSA administrator.
4. Frequently Asked Questions About FSA/HSA and Eyewear
Q1: Can I buy glasses online with FSA or HSA funds?
Yes, eligible eyewear purchased online may qualify for reimbursement. However, not every online retailer accepts FSA/HSA cards directly. With Lensmart, you can pay using a regular payment method and submit your invoice to your administrator for potential reimbursement.
Q2: Does Lensmart accept FSA or HSA cards at checkout?
No. Lensmart does not currently support direct payment with FSA or HSA cards. However, you can purchase eyewear using a regular payment method and request an invoice to submit for reimbursement.
Q3: How can I get an invoice for my Lensmart order?
If you have a Lensmart account, log in and download your invoice from My Orders. If you checked out as a guest or cannot find your invoice, contact our customer service team at cs@lensmartonline.com for assistance.
Q4: Are prescription sunglasses eligible for FSA/HSA reimbursement?
Prescription sunglasses used to correct vision are generally considered eligible medical expenses. However, your administrator may require a valid prescription or other supporting documentation. Regular non-prescription sunglasses generally do not qualify.
Q5: Are blue-light glasses FSA/HSA eligible?
Non-prescription blue-light glasses are generally not considered eligible medical expenses simply because they filter blue light. If you have a specific medical need, ask your plan administrator whether additional documentation, such as a Letter of Medical Necessity, could make the expense eligible.
Q6: Can I use a Lensmart discount and still request FSA/HSA reimbursement?
Yes. You can use any applicable Lensmart discounts or promotions when placing your order. However, reimbursement is subject to your plan's rules and is generally limited to the eligible amount you actually paid. Check with your administrator if you have questions about discounted purchases.
Q7: Does Lensmart accept vision insurance?
Lensmart does not directly bill vision insurance providers. However, depending on your insurance plan, you may be able to submit your purchase invoice for potential out-of-network reimbursement. Contact your insurance provider to confirm your benefits and required documentation.
Please remember that the same expense cannot be reimbursed more than once through different benefit programs.
5. Shop for Your Next Pair of Glasses at Lensmart
Whether you need everyday prescription glasses, stylish prescription sunglasses, or comfortable eyewear for reading, Lensmart offers a wide selection of frames and lens options to suit different needs and styles.
Explore our eyewear collection and find a pair you'll love.
Shop Now at Lensmart: https://www.lensmartonline.com/
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered tax, legal, or financial advice. FSA/HSA eligibility, documentation requirements, and reimbursement procedures vary by plan and administrator. Please consult your FSA/HSA administrator or a qualified tax professional to confirm whether a specific purchase qualifies.
Lensmart provides invoices upon request but does not accept FSA/HSA cards for direct payment, process reimbursement claims, or guarantee reimbursement approval.
