Optometry

Common services and transparent pricing

Pricing estimates are modeled from the current OpenDoc specialty taxonomy, visit archetypes, and transparent cash-pay assumptions. Posted provider pricing should be treated as the source of truth whenever it is available. Pricing last reviewed April 8, 2026.

• Comprehensive eye exam with refraction — $75–$200: Comprehensive eye exam with refraction is a common optometry entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
• Contact lens exam and fitting (standard) — $100–$225: Contact lens exam and fitting (standard) is a common optometry entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
• Contact lens fitting (specialty/hard-to-fit) — $150–$350: Contact lens fitting (specialty/hard-to-fit) is a common optometry entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
• Dry eye evaluation — $75–$200: Dry eye evaluation is a common optometry entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
• Dry eye treatment (in-office IPL or meibomian gland expression) — $150–$400: Dry eye treatment (in-office IPL or meibomian gland expression) is a procedure-oriented optometry service with transparent pricing shown before anything happens.
• Pediatric eye exam — $100–$225: Pediatric eye exam is a common optometry entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
• Vision therapy evaluation — $200–$400: Vision therapy evaluation is a common optometry entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
• Vision therapy session — $100–$200: Vision therapy session is a common optometry entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
• Glasses prescription (refraction only) — $50–$100: Glasses prescription (refraction only) is a common optometry entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
• Diabetic eye exam — $100–$225: Diabetic eye exam is a screening-focused optometry service for earlier detection, monitoring, or preventive care planning.
• Retinal imaging (digital fundus photography) — $30–$75: Retinal imaging (digital fundus photography) is a common optometry entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.
• OCT scan — $50–$125: OCT scan is a common optometry entry point on OpenDoc with transparent pricing before booking.

Frequently asked questions

How much does an eye exam cost without insurance?

A comprehensive eye exam with refraction costs $75 to $200 cash-pay at an optometrist. This includes assessment of visual acuity, eye health, eye pressure, and an updated glasses prescription. Retinal imaging and OCT scans may be recommended as add-ons for $30 to $125 each.

What is the difference between an optometrist and an ophthalmologist?

An optometrist (OD) completes a 4-year Doctor of Optometry program and provides comprehensive eye exams, prescribes glasses and contacts, manages dry eye, and treats many eye conditions with medications. An ophthalmologist (MD/DO) completes medical school and a surgical residency, performing eye surgeries. For routine exams and non-surgical eye care, an optometrist is typically the most cost-effective choice.

How much does a contact lens fitting cost?

A standard contact lens fitting costs $100 to $225, which includes the exam, trial lenses, and a follow-up visit to check fit. Specialty fittings for toric (astigmatism), multifocal, or scleral lenses range from $150 to $350 due to the additional measurements and trial lens iterations required.

Do I need a separate exam for contacts vs. glasses?

Yes. A contact lens exam is separate from a routine eye exam because it includes additional measurements of corneal curvature, tear film evaluation, and contact lens trial fitting. Most optometrists offer combined exam packages that include both the comprehensive eye exam and contact lens fitting at a bundled price.

How often should I get an eye exam?

The American Optometric Association recommends annual comprehensive eye exams for adults. Children should have their first exam at 6-12 months, then at age 3, before starting school, and annually thereafter. Patients with diabetes, glaucoma risk, or high myopia may need more frequent monitoring.

What is vision therapy and how much does it cost?

Vision therapy is a structured program of visual exercises to improve eye coordination, focusing ability, and visual processing. It is commonly used for convergence insufficiency, lazy eye, and learning-related vision problems in children. An initial evaluation costs $200 to $400, and weekly therapy sessions typically cost $100 to $200 each over a 12-24 week program.

Can an optometrist treat dry eye?

Yes. Optometrists diagnose and treat dry eye disease using a range of approaches including prescription eye drops (Restasis, Xiidra), punctal plugs, in-office meibomian gland treatments, and IPL therapy. A dry eye evaluation costs $75 to $200 and helps determine the specific type and severity of your dry eye.

Is it cheaper to pay cash for an eye exam or use vision insurance?

For many patients, paying cash is comparable or cheaper than vision insurance. Vision insurance plans typically cost $10-$25/month ($120-$300/year) with copays still required at the visit. A cash-pay comprehensive exam at $75-$200 once per year — with no monthly premiums — is often the better financial choice, especially if you buy glasses online.