The Eyes Have It: Protect Them with Routine Eye Exams

Eye exams are great way to keep an eye on your health. Eye exams can help you get the right prescription for glasses or contact lenses, and they can also be a real ‘eye opener’ when it comes to your health.

Have you gotten an eye exam recently?

Your eyes not only are windows to your soul, but they are also windows to your health. During an eye exam, your eye doctor or specialist can check for eye diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma, or macular degeneration. They can also check for early signs of other conditions such as:

• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
• Stroke risk

How often should I get an eye exam?

If you DON’T have eye trouble, wear glasses or contact lenses or have risk factors for eye diseases, here is the recommended eye exam schedule from the American Optometric Association:

If you have a family history of eye diseases or have trouble seeing things clearly, you may need to get an eye exam more often.

Where can I get an eye exam?
You should go to your eye doctor or specialist for an eye exam. As a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana (BCBSMT) member, you may have access to vision care benefits. See your benefit booklet or certificate of coverage for more vision benefit details, or call the customer care number on your member ID card.

Are there vision discounts on materials and services?
BCBSMT is pleased to offer members a discount vision program through the Blue365® member discount program.
As a member, you’ll be able to save on:

• Eyeglasses
• Contact Lenses
• Accessories
• Laser Vision Correction and more

Visit Blue365 to start enjoying these exclusive deals. First time users will be asked to sign up. Be sure to have your BCBSMT member ID card handy to sign up.

No referral is necessary and there is a no limit to the number of time you can receive discounts on purchases. Many locations have convenient evening and weekend hours. Simply present your BCBSMT member ID card to use the discount.
Blue365 is only available to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana (BCBSMT) members with active health plan coverage. Members who do not have an active health plan with BCBSMT will not be able to register on the Blue365 website.
The relationship between Blue365, its vendors and BCBSMT is that of independent contractors. This is NOT insurance. Some of the services offered through Blue365 may be covered by your health plan. Please refer to your benefit booklet or call the customer service number on the back of your ID card for specific benefit information under your health plan. Use of Blue365 does not affect your premium not do costs of Blue365 services or products count toward your plan deductible, calendar year of lifetime maximums. Discounts are only available through participating vendors.
BCBSMT does not guarantee or make any claims or recommendations regarding the services or products offered on Blue356 and its vendors. You may want to consult with your physician prior to use of these services and products. Services and products are subject to availability by location. BCBSMT reserves the right to discontinue or change this discount program at any time without notice.

Originally published September 15, 2015; Revised 2020