As the year comes to a close, many patients begin thinking about resolutions, fresh starts and ways to improve their quality of life. For individuals living with low vision, December brings another important consideration: unused insurance benefits and flexible spending dollars may expire at the end of the year. These benefits can often be applied toward services and low-vision aids that make daily living easier, more comfortable, and more independent.
At Low Vision of New York, we understand how meaningful it can be to regain the ability to read a menu, recognize faces, watch television, or navigate daily tasks with confidence. If you have remaining benefits for 2025, now is an excellent time to use them to support your visual goals before they reset.
Why Low Vision Patients Benefit from Year-End Planning
Low vision affects more than eyesight. It influences confidence, mobility, safety, and the ability to enjoy hobbies or handle everyday responsibilities. Many patients are surprised to learn that their insurance or health spending accounts can be used toward tools that directly improve functional vision.
Some plans may help cover parts of a low vision evaluation or contribute toward specialized visual aids. These aids are not standard glasses. They are custom designed to match the individual’s condition, lifestyle and remaining vision.
Examples of low vision solutions that may qualify include custom telescopic glasses, reading microscopes, magnification systems and electronic video magnifiers. Using your year-end benefits now may help you receive support that makes a meaningful difference in your daily routine.
A Low Vision Evaluation Helps You Understand What Is Possible
If you have not had a low vision evaluation this year, using your remaining benefits for this visit can be a valuable first step. A low vision exam is very different from a standard eye exam. It focuses on what you can see rather than what you cannot. The goal is to understand how to make the most of your remaining vision.
During the evaluation, we assess contrast sensitivity, visual fields, lighting needs and the specific tasks that matter most to you. Many patients come to us after being told that nothing else could be done, and they are relieved to learn that low vision rehabilitation opens doors to new possibilities.
Using your insurance or FSA funds toward this appointment ensures that you start the new year with a clear understanding of your visual options.
Year-End Benefits Can Support Access to Specialized Visual Aids
Once we understand your visual abilities and goals, we recommend aids tailored to your needs. These may include:
- Custom telescopic glasses designed for distance activities such as watching television or identifying faces
- Tele-microscopes or reading microscopes for close work
- E-Scoop lenses for enhanced contrast and clarity
- Magnifiers or prism-based reading aids
- Electronic video magnifiers for reading and daily tasks
These devices are created to improve practical and everyday independence. Depending on your insurance and spending account rules, some of your remaining benefits may help offset the cost of these aids.
Using your plan’s coverage now helps you start the new year with tools that support reading, mobility, hobbies and personal confidence.
Why December Appointments Matter for Low Vision Patients
As the end of the year approaches, many patients remember their expiring benefits at once. This often leads to a surge in appointment requests. Scheduling earlier in December allows more time for:
- A full low vision evaluation
- Discussion about your daily goals
- Selection and customization of visual aids
- Fitting, training and adjustments toward comfortable use
Because many low vision devices are personalized, beginning the process before the end of the year ensures you can make full use of any remaining benefits before they reset.
Starting 2026 With Greater Visual Independence
Low vision does not mean no vision. Patients are often surprised by how much their independence improves once they have access to the right tools and guidance. Whether your goal is to read your mail, enjoy a favorite pastime, or feel more confident moving through the world, year-end benefits offer a practical way to take the next step.
If you have remaining insurance coverage, FSA dollars or HSA funds, consider using them now to invest in your vision and quality of life. Your benefits are there to support your health. Investing in a low-vision evaluation or customized visual aids helps you begin 2026 with greater clarity, confidence, and independence.
Schedule your low vision consultation with Low Vision of New York to make the most of your 2025 benefits and discover what is possible with the right support.