As the final weeks of the year draw near, many families in Marlborough, CT, face a familiar situation: vision insurance benefits that expire at year‑end.
At Steven Rafalowsky O.D., we help your whole family make the most of those benefits. The concept of Use It Or Lose It (UIOLI) is simple: if you don’t use your coverage, you lose it when the calendar flips.
In your busy schedule, it’s easy to let routine eye care slide. But taking action now ensures you don’t leave benefits on the table. At our practice, we offer routine eye exams, children’s eye exams, and a wide selection of eyeglasses and contact lenses to help you get the most out of your plan. If you’re curious about how your insurance works with our services, you can see our detailed coverage information on our insurance page.
This blog is your guide to using your family’s vision benefits before they expire. We’ll explain what UIOLI means, why it matters for your household, and how to schedule wisely in the weeks ahead.
What Is UIOLI in Vision Insurance?
UIOLI refers to vision insurance benefits that reset at the end of your plan’s benefit year - often December 31. These can include covered eye exams, eyewear allowances, or discounts on frames and lenses.
For families, the implications are significant. Children’s eyes can change quickly, and even adults may need updated prescriptions. Benefits that might seem small can go a long way when used strategically.
At our Marlborough office, we accept most major plans, including VSP, EyeMed, and Superior Vision. We can help walk you through your options.
Waiting too long can mean missed exams, skipped lens upgrades, or relying on old frames, which may affect comfort, clarity, and even performance at school and work. But when you plan, your whole family can enjoy clearer vision, updated prescriptions, and more confidence heading into the new year.
How to Make the Most of Your Vision Benefits Before Year‑End
How to Schedule Family Eye Exams
Getting everyone in for an appointment before the holidays can be tricky - but it’s possible with the right approach. Some of our best tips for smart scheduling include:
- Plan weekday visits for younger children: Morning slots often work best for younger patients who aren’t yet in school full-time
- Double up on appointments: Book a parent and child together or siblings back-to-back
- Use school breaks: Thanksgiving week and early December are popular for families trying to avoid schedule stress
- Don’t wait until the last minute: The final two weeks of December fill quickly. Booking now helps you avoid the rush
We recommend contacting our office early to secure a time that fits your family’s calendar. This also helps us verify your coverage and ensures you understand what your benefits include.
Why Pediatric Eye Exams Matter
Children’s eyes change rapidly, and annual eye exams are key for catching issues early, especially for those in school. Kids may not always know how to describe vision problems, and unchecked prescription changes can lead to headaches, trouble focusing, or falling behind in the classroom.
If your child is due for an exam, now is the time to schedule one. We tailor our pediatric eye care services to their needs and design them with family schedules in mind.
Addressing small changes now helps prevent bigger issues later, both in and out of the classroom.
Use Vision Benefits for Eyewear and Lens Upgrades
Most vision plans include either a frame allowance or lens discount. These can cover much more than you might expect:
- A second pair of glasses (ideal for backups or different settings)
- Prescription sunglasses
- Blue light or anti-glare coatings
- Upgraded contact lenses
If your child has outgrown their glasses or a parent needs a refresh, now’s the time to use what’s available. Our in-office optical team can help you choose styles and explain what your benefits cover, ensuring that nothing goes to waste.
Family Eye Exams in Marlborough, CT
Don’t let your vision benefits disappear when the clock strikes midnight. Your benefits don’t carry over, but your eye health does—and it deserves year-round care.
By acting now, you can protect your family’s eye health, update prescriptions, and make full use of what your insurance already offers.
We’re here to help you take care of both. Whether your family needs eye exams, new lenses, or help reviewing your plan, we offer warm, professional care that fits your schedule.
Don’t let your benefits expire unused. Schedule an eye care appointment at Steven Rafalowsky O.D., in Marlborough, CT, and finish the year with clear, confident vision for the whole family.
