FSA vs. HSA: How to Use Savings Accounts for Vision Care

What is a Flexible Spending Account (FSA)?

Like the name suggests, a flexible spending account, or FSA, offers a lot of flexibility. An FSA is an employer-sponsored benefit that lets you set aside pre-tax dollars for healthcare costs. Employers are required to offer an FSA alongside their workplace health insurance plan, but you may be able to participate in an FSA even if you are not enrolled in the employer’s health insurance. Payments to the account are usually taken out of your paycheck. You can use this money to pay for any eligible health expenses, including vision. 

Once you determine how much you are contributing to an FSA, this amount is set for the year unless you undergo a major life change that may qualify you to adjust the figure. For 2026, the IRS allows employees to contribute up to $3,400 to an FSA, though your employer can choose a lower limit. Some employers also allow you to carry over a portion of unused funds into the next plan year. In 2026, the maximum allowed health FSA carryover is $680, if your employer offers this feature.

What Vision Costs Can an FSA Cover?

FSAs can be a valuable way to pay for everyday and specialty vision needs. You can typically use FSA dollars for many of the same services and products you already receive at Clarkson Eyecare. FSA-eligible eye care expenses often include:

• Comprehensive eye exams 

• Glasses, including lenses and frames 

• Prescription sunglasses 

• Contact lenses, solution, cleaners, and cases 

• Certain eye drops prescribed or recommended by your eye doctor 

• Eligible eye surgeries like LASIK or cataract surgery 

Clarkson Eyecare provides a variety of eye care services, glasses, and contact lenses that can be purchased with your FSA. If you are unsure whether a specific product or service is eligible, we can help you review your options before you pay.

What is a Health Savings Account (HSA)?

A health savings account (HSA) is another type of tax-advantaged account that you can use to pay for qualified medical expenses, including vision care. Like FSAs, HSAs are funded with pre-tax dollars and can lower your taxable income. However, HSAs have some key differences. 

One big difference from an FSA is that in order to qualify for an HSA, you need to be a member of a high-deductible health plan (HDHP) that meets IRS rules. For 2026, an HSA-qualified HDHP must have at least:

• A minimum deductible of $1,700 for individual coverage or $3,400 for family coverage 

• A maximum out-of-pocket limit (including deductibles, copays, and coinsurance) of $8,500 for individuals or $17,000 for families 

Unlike FSAs, HSAs are owned by you, not your employer. Any money you do not use rolls over year after year, and the account stays with you even if you change jobs or health plans (you just cannot continue contributing once you are no longer in an HSA-eligible plan). 

What Vision Costs Can an HSA Cover?

HSA funds can be used for many of the same vision expenses as FSA dollars. Vision care from Clarkson Eyecare is generally considered a qualified medical expense when it is medically necessary. HSA funds can be applied to all the same expenses as FSAs, but because HSA funds do not expire, some patients choose to use them for larger one-time procedures like LASIK or save them for future eye care needs as they age.  

Comparing Accounts: Key Differences for Vision Care

Both FSAs and HSAs can help make eye care more affordable, but they work differently behind the scenes. Here is a simplified overview focused on vision care: 

Who can have the account?

• FSA: Only if your employer offers one. 

• HSA: Only if you are enrolled in an HSA-eligible HDHP. 

Who owns the account?

• FSA: The employer owns the account and unused funds may be forfeited or subject to grace period/carryover rules. 

• HSA: You own the account, meaning funds roll over year to year and move with you if you change jobs. 

Use it or lose it?

• FSA: Usually yes, except for limited grace periods or carryovers (up to the IRS limit if your employer allows it). 

• HSA: No. Funds remain in your account until you use them. 

 Contribution limits for 2026?

• FSA: Up to $3,400 per year if your employer allows the maximum. 

• HSA: Up to $4,400 for self-only coverage or $8,750 for family coverage, plus a $1,000 catch-up contribution if you are 55 or older. 

How to Pay for Eye Care with an FSA

If you have an FSA and want to use it for vision care at Clarkson Eyecare, here are some simple steps:

1. Check Your FSA Balance and Deadlines: Log into your FSA account or ask your HR department how much money you have available and when your plan year ends. Ask whether your plan offers a carryover or grace period and how that works. 

2. Schedule Your Eye Exam: Book a comprehensive eye exam at your nearest Clarkson Eyecare location. Regular exams help keep your prescription current and can catch eye problems early. 

3. Use FSA Funds at Your Appointment: You can use your FSA to pay for exam copays, glasses, contacts, and other covered services. Bring your FSA card if you have one or submit receipts for reimbursement through your FSA administrator. 

4. Plan Ahead for Year-End: If your plan follows a calendar year, consider using remaining FSA dollars before December 31 (or your plan’s specific end date). Many patients use remaining funds to get a backup pair of glasses, upgrade to prescription sunglasses, or stock up on contact lenses. 

 <h2>How to Pay for Eye Care with an HSA</h2> HSAs offer even more flexibility for timing and long-term planning. Here is how to use an HSA for eye care: 

1. Confirm That Your Expense is HSA-Eligible: Most medically necessary vision costs, including exams, prescription eyewear, and eye surgeries, are qualified expenses. If you are not sure, ask your HSA administrator or review their list of eligible expenses. 

2. Pay Directly with Your HSA Debit Card: You can often pay for eligible services and products using your HSA debit card at checkout. This allows you to use pre-tax dollars immediately for exam copays, glasses, contact lenses, and eligible surgeries. 

3. Pay Out-of-Pocket and Reimburse Yourself Later: Some people prefer to pay with personal funds and reimburse themselves later from their HSA. This can be helpful if you want to keep more money invested in your HSA for potential long-term growth. Just be sure to store your receipts and follow your HSA administrator’s rules. 

4. Use Your HSA for Larger Vision Expenses: Because HSA funds roll over year after year, many patients use them to help cover larger procedures or premium lens options, especially as they approach cataract surgery or other age-related eye care needs.