Medicare.gov

Glaucoma screenings

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers glaucoma screenings if you’re at high risk

  • Covered by Part B
  • Preventive Service
  • Once every 12 months if you’re at high risk

  • After the Part B deductible , you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount (other costs may apply)

Description

Glaucoma screenings painlessly check your vision and optic nerve health to look for signs of the eye disease glaucoma.

Who's eligible

Medicare covers glaucoma screenings if you’re at high risk for 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.

Provider requirements

An eye doctor who’s legally allowed to do glaucoma tests in your state must do or supervise your screening.

Costs

  • After you meet the Part B deductible , you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount .
  • In a hospital outpatient setting , you also pay a copayment .

How often

If you’re at high risk, you can get a glaucoma screening once every 12 months.