It seems as we get through the holidays, we are still cleaning up the party hats left from New Year’s celebrations, but we are also heading into another season, Tax Season. It’s that time again and as we approach tax season, we should talk about finances and vision – two things that, at times, feel as clear as mud. But here’s the good news: with tax season comes the potential to invest in your future, starting with your eyesight.
Whether you’re rocking those stylish specs, dreaming of ditching the contacts, or simply want to prioritize your eye health, your tax return can be a powerful tool. Let’s explore our five ways to make the most of it:
1. Upgrade Your Look with New Eyewear:
We all deserve to feel confident in our glasses. This year, use your refund to treat yourself to a fresh, flattering frame that reflects your personality. Bonus points if they come with blue light-filtering lenses to protect your eyes from digital strain (hello, endless scrolling!). Choosing the right frame might be more daunting than just grabbing the first pair you see. This is why at Medical Eye Center we fit you using our state-of-the-art technology from Zeiss labs, the Visufit 1000.
The machine makes seeing yourself in a new pair of trendy glasses easy as it measures 180 degrees of your face and 45 million data points to create an avatar that you can see the glasses look like from another perspective. With hundreds of designer frames our optical department can work with you to customize the coatings to your desired look, including blue light, mirrored, and polarized, many of which may be covered by your vision insurance coverage.
2. Consider the Lasik Leap:
Are you tired of the daily contact routine or the limitations of glasses? Lasik surgery can be a game-changer, offering freedom and clearer vision without the hassle. Medical Eye Center’s LASIK Counselors specialize in your treatment from your first conversation to help you compare costs, help you wad the waters of differences in LASIK procedures, and navigate the expectations of appointments and surgery. Since LASIK is an elective surgery and is largely an out-of-pocket procedure, this may be a great place to put your tax return dollars.
If you don’t want to use all of your return at once, we accept Care Credit®, which can help improve your credit rating, as the terms are designed to not only assist with medical-related expenses but also be paid off in a short-term timeline. One thing to consider might be opening a Care Credit®, account and paying it down over time with portions of your tax return instead of using it all at once. Learn more about it here.
Care Credit
Remember that when filing for your 2023 taxes, you may be able to write off the expense of your LASIK procedure if you already had it during that year. Of course, consult a tax professional since this depends on your personal filings, but this might be an option to offset your taxable income.
3. Prioritize Preventative Care:
Regular eye exams aren’t just for when your vision feels off. They’re crucial for detecting and managing conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration. Schedule a comprehensive exam, and if needed, invest in specialized treatments or monitoring tools. We encourage using this time for annual exams to take advantage of the Optos Optomap Ultra-Wide Scan technology that we offer, taking the basic exam and enhancing it by going from a 45-degree scan of the retina to a 200-degree, allowing you to see further into the back of the eye. This can dramatically aid in early disease detection and eye conditions.
4. Invest in Future Sight:
Eye health isn’t just about the present; it’s about protecting your long-term vision. Consider using your tax return to contribute to a Health Savings Account (HSA) specifically for future eye care needs, like presbyopia treatments or cataract surgery down the line. Keep up on all your terms and requirements for the use of an HSA or FSA, and make sure to follow all Medical Eye Center’s social media accounts and take advantage of any upcoming HSA/FSA specials on LASIK or Optical Discounts when using your HSA/FSA.
5. Spread the Eye-Care Cheer:
Did you know you can donate unused portions of your medical expenses to qualified charities, including old prescription glasses or unused contacts and solutions and in some states even unused prescription drugs? This is a fantastic way to give back and help others access essential eye care services. These can typically be written off as a taxable donation as well.
Remember, your eyes are precious. This tax season, prioritize your vision health and invest in a brighter future, one clear look at a time. And hey, if you do snag those designer frames, don’t forget to tag us in a selfie – we’d love to see your new specs! Don’t forget to consult your tax advisor for specific guidance on deductions and credits related to eye care expenses. Happy seeing, and happy saving!
Sources:
https://www.optomap.com/optomap-imaging/
https://www.lionsclubs.org/en/give-our-focus-areas/vision
https://www.aarp.org/health/drugs-supplements/info-2022/how-to-donate-prescription-drugs.html
https://oomc.com/blog/is-lasik-surgery-tax-deductible/
https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p526.pdf
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