4. Optical Services and Prescription Eyewear

Vision care is another major expense rarely covered by Original Medicare. Unless you have a specific Medicare Advantage plan with vision benefits, paying for annual eye exams, progressive lenses, and frames falls entirely on your shoulders.

Private optical boutiques routinely charge upwards of $500 for a single pair of progressive glasses.

The warehouse optical department offers comprehensive exams by independent doctors of optometry. More importantly, they sell high-quality frames and premium lens treatments—such as anti-reflective coating, blue-light filtering, and transition lenses—for a fraction of traditional retail prices.

You can frequently purchase two complete pairs of prescription glasses at Costco for less than the cost of one pair at a mall retailer. This allows you to comfortably afford dedicated reading glasses, driving glasses, or prescription sunglasses.