Original Medicare will more than likely not cover routine vision exams but will provide coverage under certain circumstances. For example, Original Medicare will pay if:

• Your vision condition is considered a medical emergency or traumatic injury, and you are admitted into the hospital.
• You need cataract surgery, or had cataract surgery and need vision correction, such as glasses or contact lenses.
• You are at high risk or have a family history of glaucoma. In this case, Medicare Part B will cover a yearly glaucoma screening.
• You need a vision exam to check for diabetic retinopathy.
• You have eye prosthesis due to a birth defect, trauma, or surgical removal. 
• You need ocular photodynamic therapy.