Mascoutah’s End-of-Year Eye Care Checklist

As we cozy up in our flannels and count down the final days of December, it’s not just a time for peppermint mochas, holiday movies, and festive lights. It’s also your last chance to use your 2025 vision insurance benefits before they expire!

If you live in Mascoutah, Illinois, and haven’t scheduled your annual eye exam yet, now’s the time. At Mascoutah Eye Care, we’re here to help you make the most of your remaining FSA/HSA dollars and vision coverage, all before the ball drops.

When do Most Vision Benefits Expire?

Whether you’re enrolled in a plan through VSP, EyeMed, or another provider, most vision plans reset at the end of the calendar year. That means any unused coverage for things will expire when the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve. This includes:

• Annual comprehensive eye exams

• Vision correction via glasses or contact lenses

• Prescription sunglasses

• Lens upgrades (anti-glare, transitions, blue light protection)

You paid for those benefits. Why leave them on the table?

Hello, December! Hello, Holiday Hustle!

We get it, December in Southern Illinois is a whirlwind of school programs, holiday parties, family dinners, and local traditions. Between Santa on Main Street, twinkling lights in Scheve Park, and that unpredictable Midwest weather (frost in the morning, sunshine by 2 PM), it’s easy to forget about your eye care.

A quick vision care appointment now can help you head into the New Year with fewer things on your to-do list.

Common Questions We Get This Time of Year

“Can I really use my FSA or HSA on glasses?”

Yes! Many people don’t realize they can use their Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) dollars for qualifying vision expenses, including:

• Prescription glasses

• Contact lenses

• Sunglasses with prescription lenses

• Dry eye treatments

FSA funds are typically use-it-or-lose-it; if you don’t spend them, they vanish. And wouldn’t you rather walk into 2026 with stylish new frames and updated lenses, rather than letting your hard-earned money go to waste?

“I already had an exam this year. Can I still get glasses?”

Absolutely. Even if your eye exam is already covered for the year, your plan may include an allowance for eyewear or contacts, and you don’t have to wait until next year to shop. With winter roads and extra screen time during the holidays, this is the perfect time to upgrade to blue light-blocking lenses or get a backup pair of glasses for emergencies.

“Isn’t it too late to book an appointment?”

Not yet! While December is one of our busiest months at Mascoutah Eye Care, we’re still scheduling year-end visits and offering flexible appointment options to accommodate your holiday schedule.

Seasonal Vision Problems?

Let’s not forget: winter in the Midwest can wreak havoc on your eyes. Between dry indoor heat, cold outdoor winds, and endless hours staring at screens, it’s common to experience dry, itchy eyes, blurry vision, eye fatigue, and headaches.

Our team can help you find effective relief with custom treatments, lenses that reduce digital eye strain, and lifestyle tips.

Why Annual Eye Exams Are Important

Even if your prescription feels “fine,” annual eye exams are about your health, too. A routine exam can uncover early signs of conditions like:

• Glaucoma

• Macular degeneration

• Diabetic retinopathy

• High blood pressure and diabetes

Our state-of-the-art diagnostic tools enable our eye doctors to detect early changes in your eye health and systemic health problems. Think of it as preventive eye care, just like your annual physical.

Shop Local, See Better

Mascoutah is all about community, and we’re proud to be your hometown eye care provider. Our optical boutique features fashion-forward frames, kid-friendly options, and prescription sunglasses (yes, even in winter, UV protection is important).

When you shop local, you not only support a small business but also receive personalized care that big-box stores and online retailers can’t match.

Start 2026 with a Clear Outlook

Still need to use your benefits or spend your FSA? Let’s get your eye care appointment booked before your coverage resets.

Whether you’re a longtime patient or new to our Mascoutah family, we’re here to help you ring in the New Year with healthy vision. From our family to yours - happy holidays, and here’s to seeing 2026 in style.