Are Reading Glasses FSA Eligible? (Yes, and Here Is Why You Should Upgrade)

You’re standing in the pharmacy aisle, squinting at a $12 pair of plastic readers. You know they’ll scratch in a week. You know they don’t really fit your face. But you need them to read a menu or check your phone.

Here is the secret most people miss: You don’t have to settle for "drugstore disposables."

If you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA), you are sitting on a dedicated budget for better vision. But does that money cover simple reading glasses?

Yes. And you can use it to buy premium, stylish, custom-fit readers online without visiting a doctor.

Here is how to use your expiring FSA funds to upgrade your look and save your eyes.

Is It Legal? The Rules on Buying Readers with FSA Funds

Let’s clear up the confusion immediately: Reading glasses generally qualify as fully FSA/HSA eligible expenses.

According to IRS Publication 502, eyeglasses are considered eligible medical expenses if they are used to correct a vision defect. This includes reading glasses used to correct presbyopia (the age-related difficulty in seeing close objects).

No Prescription? No Problem.

Unlike distance glasses, which require a valid, unexpired prescription from an optometrist, Over-the-Counter (OTC) readers do not require a prescription.

• The Rule: If you are buying standard magnification (like +1.50 or +2.50), you generally do not need to upload a doctor’s note.
• The Proof: All you need is an itemized receipt (which Vooglam provides) to prove to your benefits administrator that you purchased "Reading Glasses."

The "Blue Light" Loophole: How to Get Protection Tax-Free

Many people want Blue Light Blocking glasses for work, but are told they aren't FSA eligible. That is partially true—non-prescription blue light glasses often require a "Letter of Medical Necessity."

Here is the hack: If you buy Blue Light Reading Glasses, they usually qualify automatically.

Because the lenses have magnification (a medical correction), the blue light blocking filter is considered a supportive feature of the medical device. This is the smartest way to get high-quality computer glasses paid for by your employer’s plan.

Note: Most FSA administrators automatically accept blue-light reading glasses because their magnification makes them a corrective medical device. In rare cases, a plan may request additional documentation, but this is uncommon.

4 Reasons to Ditch Drugstore Readers (and Buy Premium Tax-Free)

Since you have "use-it-or-lose-it" funds expiring on December 31st, why spend $15 on a cheap pair when you could spend $50 of pre-tax money on a pair that actually lasts?

1. Stop the Headaches (Optical Quality Matters)

Cheap pharmacy readers are mass-produced with "one-size-fits-all" optics. If your eyes aren't perfectly centered in the lens, it creates prism distortion—leading to eye strain and headaches. Vooglam cuts lenses to your specific needs, ensuring clear, comfortable vision.

2. Get Durability That Lasts

Wire racks are full of flimsy plastic hinges that snap. Upgrade to acetate or metal frames with spring hinges that can survive being tossed in your bag or car.

3. Access Custom Coatings

You can’t get Anti-Reflective (AR) or Anti-Scratch coatings at the drugstore. These coatings are essential for driving at night or working under bright office lights—and yes, they are FSA covered.

4. Look Like You

Readers don't have to be boring rectangles. Use your FSA funds to accessorize with Cat-Eye, Geometric, or Oversized frames that match your personal style.

How to Order FSA Reading Glasses Online (In 3 Steps)

Buying readers at Vooglam is different than picking them off a rack, but it gives you a custom result. Here is how to fill out the form if you don't have a prescription paper:

1. Select Your Frame: Pick any frame you love.
2. Choose "Reading" Lenses: When asked for lens type, select "Reading" or "Single Vision."
3. Enter Your Magnification:
• Look for the "Sphere" (SPH) box.
• Enter your magnification power (e.g., +2.00) for both the Right (OD) and Left (OS) eye.
• Leave "Cylinder" (CYL) and "Axis" blank.
• Tip: If you don't know your power, test a few pairs at a local store first, or check our guide on how to read your eyeglass prescription to ensure you enter the right numbers.

Need help getting reimbursed? If you paid with a personal card and need to claim the funds back, visit our FSA/HSA Collection Page. We have a dedicated Claim Guide there that shows you exactly how to download your invoice and submit it to your provider.

Upgrade Your Vision Before the Deadline

Don’t let your FSA dollars vanish into thin air. Turn them into a daily accessory you love.

Find your favorite frames

FAQ: Your Top Questions on FSA Readers

Can I buy "Reading Sunglasses" with FSA funds?

Yes! This is a fantastic use of funds. Reading sunglasses allow you to read a book at the beach without glare. Since they’re for vision correction, they are fully eligible.

Are Progressive Readers eligible?

Yes. Progressive lenses (no-line bifocals) are excellent if you need to look up at a presentation and down at your notes. They are fully covered.

How do I use my FSA/HSA funds at Vooglam?

We recommend paying with your personal credit or debit card and submitting the itemized receipt for reimbursement. This ensures a smooth transaction and allows you to keep the credit card rewards points! You can download your official invoice from your Vooglam account immediately after purchase.

Is there a limit to how many pairs I can buy?

Generally, no. As long as you have the funds available in your account, you can buy multiple pairs (e.g., one for the office, one for the car, and one for the bedside table).

Are reading glasses OTC approved?

Yes. Over-the-Counter (OTC) reading glasses are classified as Class I medical devices. Because they treat a medical condition (presbyopia), they are approved for FSA and HSA spending without needing a doctor's prescription.

Are blue light reading glasses FSA eligible?

Yes, generally speaking. If the glasses have magnification (reading power), the blue light coating is considered a protective feature of the medical device, making them fully eligible. However, non-prescription (plano) blue light glasses often require a Letter of Medical Necessity.