In most cases, Original Medicare does not include coverage for routine eye exams, eyeglasses, or contact lenses.

Normally Medicare will pay only if following cataract surgery that implants an intraocular lens. Following that specific surgery, Medicare Part B will help pay for corrective lenses, one pair of eyeglasses or one set of contact lenses provided by an ophthalmologist.

However, the drawback is it will only offer this benefit once per lifetime and they only pay for a standard pair of eyeglasses.

You would be responsible for the cost of upgraded frames.

Part B also covers a glaucoma screening every 12 months but only for people at high risk for it.

This includes those with diabetes, people with a family history of glaucoma, African Americans who are 50 or older, and Hispanic Americans who are 65 or older

Eye prostheses are covered for patients with absence or shrinkage of an eye due to birth defects, trauma or surgical removal.

It also covers replacement, typically every five years.

Part B will cover certain diagnostic tests and treatment of diseases and conditions of the eye.

If you are wanting routine eye exams and more than one pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses (or better than the standard frames), then finding a stand-alone plan or one where vision benefits are included will be required.