The FSA Deadline Is Coming Up: Here’s How to Use Your Dollars On a New Pair of Glasses
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.
The deadline is looming to use the funds in your flexible spending account (FSA). Employers offer FSAs to employees as a way to reduce taxes on money spent on qualified out-of-pocket health and dependent care expenses, and December 31st is generally the last day to use the funds before they’re forfeited. It’s worth noting that a health savings account (HSA) is different than an FSA and doesn’t expire.
More from Rolling Stone
This Smart Roomba Robot Vacuum With Over 15,000 Reviews Is now Under $200
Bose's Best-Selling Earbuds Are Finally On Sale (And Now Cheaper Than AirPods)
Need a Quick Boost? This $40 Cable Can Charge All Your Devices at Once
In 2022, you can contribute a maximum of $5000 (per household) to FSAs. Just a few eligible medical expenses include prescription and over-the-counter drugs, appointment copayments, and equipment for you, your spouse, or any other dependent claimed on your tax return. Due to the pandemic, some employers are also offering a grace period or carry-overs so that employees have more time to spend their FSA money. (It’s best to confirm with your job and healthcare plan.)
If you ended up postponing your doctor’s visits due to the coronavirus, or didn’t spend as much as you thought you would this year, it’s likely that you’ve got some money left to blow.
One easy way to spend your FSA dollars is on prescription specs and sunglasses, which are considered medical equipment. We’ve found that GlassesUSA offers one of the easiest ways to order eyewear online, thanks to their number of lens options (single-vision, progressive, bifocal, or multifocal) and variety of designer frames from labels like Ray-Ban, Coach, Saint Laurent, Persol, Michael Kors, and others. We also like that you can also add blue light filtering and scratch-resistant coatings (among others), and the e-tailer also has a free prescription scanner app and convenient virtual try-ons.
If glasses aren’t your thing, the online eyewear retailer also stocks contact lenses from popular brands such as Acuvue, Biofinity, Dailies, and many more.
How Does FSA Spending Work for Eyewear?
If you received an FSA debit card, you can use that just as you would a regular checking or credit card. Otherwise, you can contact the company directly to get an itemized receipt that you can use when you file an FSA reimbursement claim.
To give you a few ideas on how to spend your FSA, we’ve rounded up some cool optical and sun frames that you can fill with your Rx. Even better? GlassesUSA is helping four-eyed shoppers ring in the new year with discounts, including a buy-one-get-one offer (use code BOGOFREE; restrictions apply). Read on below for our top FSA-eligible eyewear picks.
Other frames on the site may be eligible for the GlassesUSA 50% off promo, which gets you 50% off frames and free shipping. Use promo code COZY50.
What to put your FSA dollars to use before the end of the year? Here are some frames to check out and order online.
1. Muse Artur
These lightweight acetate glasses are a cross between round and geometric frames, so they complement nearly every face shape. The slight flattening at the top of the frames take these up a notch in the design department from basic glasses. Multiple colors available.
2. Ray-Ban 5285
It doesn’t get any more classic than a pair of Ray-Bans. The American-born (and now Italian-manufactured) rock-and-roll staple has over 100 cool optical and sun frames available over at GlassesUSA, including these oversized square glasses that look great on large heads.
Ray-Ban 5285 Frames
3. Ottoto Leonardo
Yet another frame that’s eligible for GlassesUSA’s discount, Ottoto’s full-rimmed square aviator is made of lightweight metal and boasts a stylish double bridge. The adjustable silicone nose pads add comfort to this timeless, square silhouette.
Ottoto Leonardo Sunglasses
4. Saint Laurent SL-57
Label-loving peepers can stay protected and stylish behind these Saint Laurent sunglasses. The end pieces make a fashionable statement on this rounded style, which is made of luxe acetate and corrosion-resistant monel metal. Sign-up for an on-site coupon to save 40% off select designer frames.
Buy Saint-Laurent SL57 Sunglasses $608
5. Prada PS1 US
These sporty sunglasses from Prada are crafted from lightweight propionate, a nylon-based plastic material that also happens to be hypoallergenic. These extra-large frames feature the Italian fashion house’s signature red stripe, and the flexible arms make them comfortable for all-day wear. Multiple colors available. A bonus: these are on sale for 40% off right now with promo code DESIGNER40.
6. Scholar
If you’ve got a round or oval face, these medium-sized rectangle frames will look smart and stylish. They’re made of durable acetate and are finished with comfy spring hinges. These unisex frames are also eligible for discounts and multiple colors available.
Best of Rolling Stone
Click here to see more up-to-date holiday deals!
