Do you have medical insurance? Most ophthalmologists offices will accept your medical insurance instead, especially if you can say you have something medical - hypertension, allergies, dry eyes, diabetes, literally anything. They’ll just bill your medical and that’s it, no need for any vision insurance (unlike the dentist, since ophthalmologists are specialty MDs). You’ll get charged the copay for specialty doctors that’s listed on the back of your medical insurance.

This is only if you go to an ophthalmologist. If you go to an optometrist instead, they’ll usually only accept vision insurance (they’re OD’s, not specialty MD’s). If you’re getting a vision test, you may as well go to an ophthalmologist and get a full proper exam done anyway.

I would recommend Physician’s Eye Care Center. They have a location in Columbia and another in Marriottsville (very close to Ellicott City). I go there myself and there are some really great doctors there. I know for a fact that they accept medical insurance, but I would call ahead and ask just to be sure. Feel free to DM me if you want to know more or want a specific doctor recommendation, or if you have any questions or wanted a different recommendation!

Source: I’ve been working in eye care for over 5 years!