The “Use It or Lose It” Countdown Has Begun
As we head into the final weeks of 2025, the holiday rush isn’t the only thing with a deadline. Millions of Americans are about to forfeit their own hard-earned money by letting their Flexible Spending Account (FSA) funds and annual insurance benefits expire on December 31.
This is the classic “use it or lose it insurance” dilemma. The good news? That money is yours, and you can invest it in one of the most important things you have: your vision. We’re here to help you make the most of it before it’s gone.
Understanding Your Benefits: What Do You Have?
Navigating benefits can be confusing, so here’s a simple breakdown of what to check:
- FSA (Flexible Spending Account): This is the most urgent. In most cases, this pre-tax money does not roll over into 2026. You must spend it by your plan’s deadline (usually December 31) or you lose it for good. A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is a fantastic way to pay for health expenses tax-free.
- HSA (Health Savings Account): This money does roll over, so there’s no year-end panic. However, using it for vision is still a smart, tax-free way to invest in your health.
- Annual Vision Insurance: Most insurance plans have allowances that reset every calendar year. If you have an allowance for frames or contact lenses, it won’t combine with 2026’s allowance. You must use your 2025 benefits within 2025.
Your FSA-Eligible Shopping List: How to Maximize Your Funds
Wondering what you can spend your funds on? You have plenty of great options. Here is a list of FSA-eligible items and services we offer:
- A Comprehensive Eye Exam: This is the best place to start. An annual exam is fully covered and is essential for monitoring your vision and your overall health.
- Prescription Eyeglasses: This is the most popular way to use your FSA for eyeglasses. Have you been putting off getting a new pair? Now is the time to update your style and your prescription.
- Prescription Sunglasses: A perfect “second pair.” Protecting your eyes from UV rays is a medical necessity, and prescription sunglasses are a fully eligible expense.
- Computer or Blue Light Glasses: If you spend your day at a computer, you know the struggle of digital eye strain. We offer specialized solutions, like Neurolens, to tackle headaches and eye fatigue.
- A Full Year’s Supply of Contact Lenses: This is one of the smartest ways to use a larger remaining balance. Stock up for 2026 and save.
- A Backup Pair: What would you do if your primary pair broke? Use your remaining funds to get a reliable backup pair for total peace of mind.
Why You Can’t Wait Until the Last Week of December
While December 31 is the technical deadline, waiting until the last minute is a bad idea. To ensure you can use your benefits, you need to act now.
- The Appointment Rush: You’re not the only one with this idea! Our schedules in November and December fill up extremely fast with patients just like you.
- The Best Selection: Shop for your new frames now while our selection is at its best, before the last-minute rush picks over the most popular styles.
- Lab & Shipping Times: Your perfect glasses need to be custom-made. Ordering in late November or early December ensures your new eyewear will be ready for you promptly.
Your Local Experts for Vision Benefits in Wildwood
Navigating insurance and spending accounts can be confusing, but our team at Wildwood Vision is here to help.
We’re experts at helping our patients maximize their vision benefits in Wildwood. We can check your eligibility, explain your coverage in plain English, and help you find the perfect solution for your needs and your budget. All you need to do is bring your insurance card and any FSA/HSA payment card you have. We’ll handle the rest.
Don’t Forfeit Your Funds
You worked hard for that money; don’t give it back to your employer or insurance company. Invest it in clear, comfortable, and healthy vision for the year ahead.
The clock is ticking. Our November and December appointments are filling fast. Contact Wildwood Vision today to schedule your exam and use your 2025 benefits before it’s too late!
