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Sudden Vision Loss — What Should I Do?

Use the free tool — Hearing & Vision Help Finder

This could be an emergency

Sudden vision loss in one or both eyes is not something to wait out.

• Sudden loss of vision
• Eye pain
• Flashes of light
• A curtain or shadow over part of your vision
• An eye injury

See a doctor today or go to the emergency room. This guide only covers cost and coverage information — it is not medical advice.

What Medicare covers for your eyes

Once you have seen a doctor, it helps to know what Original Medicare will and will not pay for.

• Original Medicare does not cover routine eye exams or eyeglasses/contacts.
• Original Medicare does cover a yearly diabetic eye exam.
• Original Medicare covers glaucoma tests for people at high risk.
• Original Medicare covers cataract surgery, plus one pair of glasses or contacts after that surgery.

See Medicare.gov — Hearing & balance exams · Eyeglasses & contacts for the details, and confirm your own situation with Medicare or your plan.

If it turns out to be significant vision loss

Some real programs exist for people dealing with lasting vision loss.

• The Florida Division of Blind Services offers independent-living services, training and devices for people with significant vision loss.
• EyeCare America connects eligible seniors 65 and older with a volunteer ophthalmologist for a free eye exam.

Confirm eligibility directly with each program — this guide cannot guarantee you qualify.

Check your Medicare Advantage plan

Many Medicare Advantage plans add vision benefits that Original Medicare does not include.

• Compare plans during open enrollment, October 15 through December 7.
• Florida SHINE offers free, unbiased Medicare counseling: floridashine.org, 1-800-963-5337.

What to do next

If you have not already, see a doctor today about sudden vision loss — that comes first.

When you're ready to sort out coverage and programs, the free tool reads your own numbers and situation — your county, your coverage, what happened to your vision — and tells you in plain language what's covered, what isn't, and which real programs might apply to you. English or Spanish. Large type. No account. Nothing you type is stored.

Hearing & Vision Help Finder explains coverage and assistance programs in plain language from official sources; it can be wrong, and it is not medical or insurance advice. It recommends no products. Confirm with Medicare, your plan, SHINE or the program itself. Nothing you type is stored.