Short Answer

Pearle Vision’s eye exam costs vary by exam type and store location, but you can expect to pay between $90 and $120 for a standard eyeglasses exam without insurance. Exams for contact lenses can cost up to $220 without insurance. If you have vision coverage, you may only need to pay a copay (if at all), depending on your policy. Pearle Vision offers coupons and discounts online, as well as options for low-income patients. When necessary, dilation is included in a standard eye exam; digital retinal photography may be available for an additional fee. For more on Pearl Vision exam costs, see below.

Pearle Vision Eye Exam Costs

Pearle Vision offers a wide variety of vision tests and exams. Costs vary depending on the type of exam and the store location, a Pearle Vision corporate customer service representative said. Eye exams are provided by independent doctors of optometry.

We contacted Pearle Vision locations in Kentucky, Michigan, Nevada, South Dakota, and Washington to get a sample of exam costs. We found that a standard eyeglasses exam typically costs between $90 and $120 without insurance. Exams for contact lenses can cost up to $220 without insurance.

If you have vision insurance, the amount you’ll pay out of pocket will vary by your insurance plan, but you may only need to pay a copay; a typical copay for an eye exam is about $20. Some insurance plans do not require a copay.

Insurance Types Accepted at Pearle Vision

Some of the insurance plans accepted at Pearle Vision are:

  • Aetna
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • EyeMed
  • Health Net
  • Humana
  • Superior Vision
  • UnitedHealthcare

Pearle Vision also accepts Medicare Part B. To find out if your local Pearle Vision accepts your insurance, contact the store directly.

Keep in mind, many insurance plans have restrictions on the number of visits you can make to see an eye doctor. For example, your insurance plan may only cover one exam every 12 months and one pair of glasses every two years.

Payment Methods, Payment Options, & Special Offers

Pearle Vision accepts cash, checks, debit and credit cards, and flexible spending account (FSA) cards. Pearle Vision also offers a six-month payment plan through its Pearle Preferred Card.

If can’t afford eye care, contact your local Pearle Vision to find out if you qualify for a free eye exam and glasses through OneSight — a nonprofit that provides vision care for those in need.

For special offers and current discounts, see Pearle Vision’s website. AARP and AAA also offer member benefits at Pearl Vision.

What to Expect at Your Eye Exam

A standard eye exam at Pearle Vision takes about an hour and will include the following tests:

  • Visual acuity tests to check the sharpness of your vision at a distance
  • A visual field test to check for blind spots in your peripheral vision
  • A binocular slit lamp test so the doctor can get a magnified view of the interior of your eyes
  • Use of an ophthalmoscope to check the interior of your eye for signs of astigmatism, cataracts, diabetes, or hypertension
  • A glaucoma test — performed by a quick puff of air to your eye

The optometrist may want to dilate your eyes for a clearer view of your entire eye. Dilation is included in the cost of the exam at Pearle Vision and may affect your vision for a few hours after the procedure. Be sure to let the receptionist and doctor know if you do not want your eyes to be dilated during the exam.

Digital retinal photography may be available at Pearle Vision for an additional fee. Digital retinal photography can often be done instead of dilation. The cost is typically $39 and is not covered by insurance. However, a Pearle Vision associate said if you order glasses or contacts after your exam, the cost can be reduced to $19.

Exams for contact lenses may also include:

  • Evaluation of the size, shape, cornea size, pupil size, and tear production levels of your eyes
  • Assessment of your eye surface and the fit of the contacts to ensure the right fit

Note: Your eyeglasses prescription will not work for contact lenses.

Before you head to your eye exam, be sure to bring the following (if applicable):

  • Your insurance card
  • A list of any medications you have recently taken
  • Your current prescription eyewear

The optometrist may ask for your family and medical history, about your environment and lifestyle, and any vision trouble you may be experiencing.

More Information

Not sold on Pearle Vision? You may be interested in our article comparing Pearle Vision, LensCrafters, and Visionworks.


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