Does Medicare cover it? A to Z
Does Medicare cover glaucoma tests?
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Short answer
Covered: Part B
Yes, Medicare Part B covers a glaucoma screening once every 12 months if you're at high risk for glaucoma because you have diabetes, have a family history of glaucoma, are African American and 50 or older, or are Hispanic and 65 or older.
With Medicare Part B, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for a glaucoma screening after the $283 Part B deductible in 2026, plus a copayment in a hospital outpatient setting.
Medicare Part B covers the glaucoma screening only when an eye doctor who's legally allowed to do glaucoma tests in your state does or supervises it.
| Fact | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Who covers it | Part B, as a preventive service | Medicare.gov |
| Who qualifies | High risk: diabetes, a family history of glaucoma, African American and 50 or older, or Hispanic and 65 or older | Medicare.gov |
| How often | Once every 12 months | Medicare.gov |
| What you pay | 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the $283 Part B deductible | Medicare.gov |
| In a hospital outpatient setting | You also pay a copayment | Medicare.gov |
| Who does the test | An eye doctor legally allowed to do glaucoma tests in your state | Medicare.gov |
| Routine eye exams for glasses or contacts | Not covered: you pay all costs | Medicare.gov |
What does a Medicare glaucoma screening check?
A glaucoma screening painlessly checks your vision and optic nerve health to look for signs of the eye disease glaucoma. Medicare Part B covers glaucoma screenings as a preventive service for people at high risk.
Who qualifies for a Medicare glaucoma screening?
You must have a high risk of developing glaucoma because at least one of these conditions applies:
- You have diabetes.
- You have a family history of glaucoma.
- You're African American and 50 or older.
- You're Hispanic and 65 or older.
What do I pay for a glaucoma test?
After you meet the Part B deductible ($283 in 2026), you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for a glaucoma screening. If you get the screening in a hospital outpatient setting, you also pay a copayment. What you owe can also depend on other insurance you have, how much your doctor charges and whether your doctor accepts assignment.
How often does Medicare cover glaucoma screenings?
Medicare covers a glaucoma screening once every 12 months if you qualify. An eye doctor who's legally allowed to do glaucoma tests in your state must do or supervise the screening.
Does Medicare cover routine eye exams or glasses?
No. Medicare doesn't cover routine eye exams (sometimes called “eye refractions”) for eyeglasses or contact lenses, so you pay all costs for those exams. Medigap plans generally don't cover vision care or glasses either. See Medicare and glasses.
Does Medicare Advantage cover more eye care?
Some Medicare Advantage Plans offer extra benefits that Original Medicare doesn't cover, like vision; contact the plan for details. Medicare Advantage plans include Part A and Part B coverage, and costs and rules vary by plan. See how Medicare Advantage differs from Original Medicare.
Good to know
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Related questions
- Medicare.gov: Glaucoma screenings
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- Medicare.gov: Learn what Medigap covers
- Medicare.gov: Medicare costs
- Medicare.gov: Your coverage options
Figures are Medicare’s, set nationally, and were checked against these pages on October 2026. For your own situation, contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY 1-877-486-2048).
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This page was last updated: October 2026.