The Eyes Have It: Protect Them with Routine Eye Exams

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

Your eyes aren’t just windows into your soul, they're windows into what’s going on with your body. During an eye exam, your eye doctor will check for eye diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration. Your eyes can also reveal early signs of other health conditions, including:

• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Multiple sclerosis
• Stroke

How often do you need an eye exam?

If you DON’T wear glasses or contact lenses, or have risk factors for eye diseases, the American Optometric Association  recommends this schedule for eye regular exams:

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

Where can you get an eye exam?

Go to an eye doctor or specialist for your eye exam. As a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana member, you may have access to vision care benefits. Check your benefit booklet for vision benefit details. You can also call the customer service number on your BCBSMT member ID card.

Are there vision discounts on materials and services?

BCBSMT is pleased to offer members savings on vision-related offerings through the Blue365^® member discount program.

As a member, you can save on:

• Eyeglasses
• Contact lenses
• Accessories
• Laser vision correction
• More

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

No referral is needed and there is a no limit on the number of times you can get discounts on purchases. Many locations have convenient evening and weekend hours. Simply present your member ID card to use the discount.

Sources: Why Eye Exams Are Important,  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024; Facts About Vision Loss,  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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 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. BCBSIL reserves the right to discontinue or change this discount program at any time without notice.

Originally published 9/15/2015; Revised 2020, 2022, 2024