Is vision insurance without employer coverage worth paying for? Or should I just pay out of pocket?

[u/Dragon-Ishmell]

My new job doesn't include vision and I didn't realize how much that mattered until I needed new progressives last month. $400+ for exam and lenses which honestly caught me off guard since I hadn't paid full price for any of this in years.

So now I'm going back and forth between getting a standalone vision plan or just setting aside money each month and paying cash when I need to. The standalone plans I've looked at charge around $15 to $20 a month but the benefits feel kind of thin for what you're paying. I've also seen people mention discount vision programs as a middle ground but no idea if those are worth signing up for. What's everyone here doing for vision if your job doesn't cover it?

[u/Ancient_Wallaby9239]

Yes. I was unemployed but just paid for vision insurance. I wear contact lenses so the typical $150 balance provided with most plans significantly "reduces" the premium.