Poor Vision Threatens Retiree Independence, Coaches Survey Finds
Rancho Cordova, Calif. – September 19, 2026 -- New survey data from the Retirement Coaches Association shows 96% of professional retirement coaches believe poor vision can significantly threaten clients' independence and quality of life, with 61% saying they've directly seen clients scale back social activities or daily routines because of vision concerns.
The research, conducted in partnership with VSP Individual Vision Plans, surveyed 115 retirement coaches in May 2026 to gauge how sensory health affects retirement outcomes.
Original Medicare typically excludes routine eye exams and eyewear costs
Coverage through Medicare Advantage and other plans varies widely, leaving many retirees responsible for expenses they didn't anticipate. A routine eye exam costs approximately $214 out of pocket on average in the U.S. for those without vision insurance, according to VSP data.