Use Your FSA or HSA Before December 31: Putting Your Benefits Toward Vision Correction
If you set aside money in a flexible spending account (FSA) this year, there’s a good chance some of it is still sitting there. For many people, those dollars expire on December 31. One of the most meaningful ways to use them is on something you’ll notice every day: clearer vision.
At Tylock Nasser Vision in Irving and McKinney, many of our patients use FSA or HSA funds toward LASIK, EVO ICL, and other vision correction procedures. Here’s what to know about your benefits, the year-end deadline, and how to plan before time runs out.
What Is the FSA “Use It or Lose It” Rule?
A health FSA lets you set aside pre-tax money from your paycheck for eligible medical expenses.
The catch is timing. FSA dollars are generally tied to your plan year, and unused funds can be forfeited when the year ends. Some employers soften this rule in one of two ways:
- Carryover: Your plan may let you roll over a limited amount of unused funds into the next year.
- Grace period: Your plan may give you up to two and a half extra months to spend the remaining balance.
A plan can offer one of these options or neither, but usually not both. If your plan offers neither, any balance left after December 31 is gone. Check with your benefits administrator so you know which rule applies to you.
How an HSA Is Different
A health savings account (HSA) works differently. HSA funds don’t expire. They roll over year to year and stay with you, even if you change jobs.
So while there’s no “use it or lose it” pressure with an HSA, the end of the year is still a natural time to look at your balance and decide whether this is the year to invest in your vision.
Can You Use FSA or HSA Funds for LASIK?
In most cases, yes. The IRS typically considers eye surgery to correct vision, including laser procedures like LASIK, an eligible medical expense. That means FSA and HSA funds can typically be used toward:
- LASIK, including Contoura Vision topography-guided LASIK
- EVO ICL (implantable collamer lens), a lens-based option for people who aren’t ideal LASIK candidates or have higher prescriptions
- Refractive Lens Exchange and other vision correction procedures
Your specific plan determines what’s covered, so we always recommend confirming eligibility with your plan administrator. Our team can provide the documentation you need for reimbursement.
Why Vision Correction Is a Smart Use of Year-End Funds
Many people spend down their FSA at the last minute on items they don’t really need. Vision correction is different. It’s an investment that can reduce or eliminate your reliance on glasses and contacts for years to come.
Consider what you already spend each year on:
- Contact lenses and solution
- Replacement glasses and prescription sunglasses
- Routine contact lens fittings
Over time, those costs add up. Putting pre-tax dollars toward a long-term solution can make the decision easier on your budget.
Planning Ahead
If your vision correction procedure costs more than your remaining FSA balance, you have options:
- Use what’s left this year. Apply your 2026 FSA balance before December 31.
- Plan for next year during open enrollment. Many employers hold open enrollment in November and December. If you’re considering vision correction in 2027, you can typically choose a higher FSA contribution now to cover it.
- Combine with your HSA. If you have an HSA, those funds can go toward any remaining costs.
- Ask about payment options. Our team can walk you through ways to cover the remaining balance.
Talk with your benefits administrator about the best timing for your situation. A short conversation can help you make the most of both plan years.
How to Get Started Before December 31
Vision correction starts with a consultation to make sure you’re a good candidate and to determine which procedure fits your eyes and lifestyle. Because December schedules fill quickly around the holidays, we recommend booking your consultation as early as possible.
Here’s what to do now:
- Check your balance. Log in to your FSA or HSA account and note your remaining funds and deadline.
- Confirm your plan’s rules. Ask whether your plan offers a carryover or grace period.
- Schedule your consultation. Meet with Dr. Taj Nasser and our team to learn which option is right for you.
- Plan your procedure date. We’ll help you choose a date that works with your benefits timeline.
Vision Correction in Dallas-Fort Worth
Tylock Nasser Vision has served patients across Dallas-Fort Worth with offices in Irving and McKinney. Led by Medical Director Dr. Taj Nasser, our team offers LASIK, Contoura Vision, EVO ICL, refractive lens exchange, and cataract surgery, with a focus on helping each patient choose the right procedure for their eyes.
If you have FSA or HSA funds left this year, now is a good time to put them toward clearer vision.
Schedule your consultation today:
- Irving: 972-258-6400
- McKinney: 469-242-2020
Frequently Asked Questions
Is LASIK FSA eligible?
Yes, in most cases. The IRS treats eye surgery to correct vision, including LASIK, as an eligible medical expense. Confirm the details with your plan administrator.
Can I use my HSA for EVO ICL?
Generally, yes. EVO ICL is a vision correction procedure, and HSA funds can typically be used toward it. Your plan administrator can confirm eligibility.
What happens to my FSA money if I don’t use it by December 31?
It depends on your plan. Some plans allow you to carry over funds or offer a grace period of up to two and a half months. If your plan offers neither, unused funds are forfeited.
Do HSA funds expire at the end of the year?
No. HSA funds roll over every year and stay with you, even if you change employers.
Can I split the cost of LASIK across two years of FSA funds?
Many patients plan around two plan years by using their current balance and choosing a higher contribution during open enrollment. Talk with your benefits administrator about the best approach for your situation.
How soon should I schedule my consultation?
As soon as possible. December appointments fill quickly, and you’ll need a consultation before your procedure can be scheduled.
