It’s January, which means your vision insurance benefits just reset — but will you actually use them this year?
For many families in Ankeny, a new calendar year comes with a fresh start and a fresh batch of health benefits. But if you're like most people, you may not fully understand what your vision insurance covers, or how much you could be saving by scheduling routine eye care now rather than later.
At Child and Family Vision Center, we want you to get the most out of your plan. That means understanding the difference between vision insurance and medical eye care, knowing which services are included, and being aware of how your benefits can support your family’s eye health, especially if you’ve got kids who are due for an eye exam or need new glasses.
What Vision Insurance Actually Covers
Let’s clear up one of the biggest misconceptions: Vision insurance isn’t the same as medical insurance. It’s designed to help cover preventive and routine eye care services like:
- Comprehensive eye exams
- Eyeglass frames and lenses
- Contact lens fittings
- Lens upgrades (such as anti-glare or transition lenses)
- Vision therapy (in some cases)
Most vision plans renew annually, and that means if you didn’t use your benefits last year, they’re gone. No rollover. No refund.
The Ankeny Family Factor: Why This Matters More Locally
In a growing community like Ankeny, where families are balancing school, work, and extracurriculars, it’s easy for preventive care to slip down the to-do list. But putting off eye exams or updated prescriptions can negatively impact everything from classroom learning to sports performance.
Children’s vision isn’t static — their eyes change just like their height or shoe size. Annual exams help catch changes early and ensure their glasses or contacts still meet their needs. And for adults, regular checkups can uncover early signs of eye diseases like glaucoma or macular degeneration, even if you think your eyesight feels “fine.”
Insurance Plans We Accept at Child and Family Vision Center
We know the paperwork side of things can get overwhelming, but we’re here to help. At Child and Family Vision Center, our Ankeny eye care team is trained to walk you through your plan and make sure you’re getting every ounce of value your insurance provides.
We accept a wide range of both vision and medical insurance plans, including:
- Vision Plans: Amerigroup, Avesis, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Iowa Total Care, United Health Care, Spectera
- Medical Plans: Aetna, Midlands Choice, and more
Not sure what your plan covers? Give us a call, we’ll check your benefits and explain exactly what’s available to you and your family. It’s one less thing on your plate.
What Happens If You Don’t Use Your Benefits?
The most common reason people miss out on benefits is simple: they wait too long. Then, by the time they remember, the year is over and the opportunity is gone.
Here’s what you might be leaving on the table:
- A covered eye exam for you or your child
- An allowance toward frames or lenses
- Coverage for contact lens evaluations or fittings
- Financial support for vision therapy (when eligible)
For families with multiple children, this can add up to hundreds of dollars in savings, or more importantly, it can mean earlier diagnosis and better treatment for vision conditions that affect learning, attention, and development.
Ready to Use Your 2026 Benefits? Let’s Make It Happen
January is the perfect time to get ahead of the curve. With new benefits available and appointment slots filling up quickly, now’s your chance to book a visit and put your vision insurance to work.
At Child and Family Vision Center in Ankeny, we’re known for pediatric eye care and advanced vision therapy services, but we’re also happy to help with routine eye exams, glasses prescriptions, and contact lens care for the entire family.
Have questions? Call us at or book an eye care appointment. We’ll check your insurance, explain your coverage, and help you take full advantage of your 2026 benefits — before another year slips by.