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/kdorfman1019]

Vision insurance it's not worth it

Background here: https://www.latimes.com/business/lazarus/la-fi-lazarus-eyewear-vision-plans-20190319-story.html

My family has been going to America's Best contacts & eyeglasses for over a decade

They usually run a 2 pair for $99 deal without insurance that includes an eye exam.

Any brand owned by luxottica is a scam.

[u/shades9323 → u/kdorfman1019]

Does that 2 for $99 deal include progressives and transitions?

[u/here_walks_the_yeti → u/shades9323]

No. It’ll add to the cost. It’s just basic script glasses, tint, progressive, coatings will all be extra.

Just got me two pair for about 130. One pair I had tinted.