FSA vs. HSA: What’s the Difference?

Flexible spending accounts (FSA) and health savings accounts (HSA) both allow you to set aside money (before taxes) for specific health care expenses, like prescription eyewear and eye exams, but there are some key differences between them.
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FSA vs. HSA 

Health Savings Accounts:
  • Roll over unused contributions year after year
  • Can still be used after termination of employment
  • Must accompany a high-deductible health insurance plan (individual or through an employer)
  • Allow withdrawals with a 10% penalty fee
  • Have a higher contribution maximum than FSAs

Flexible Spending Accounts:
  • Typically require contributions to be used by the end of the year
  • Can no longer be accessed after termination of employment
  • Must accompany group insurance through an employer 
  • Don’t allow withdrawals 

When an FSA Makes Sense

An FSA tends to fit people who:
  • Don’t have a high-deductible health plan
  • Prefer employer-managed benefits
  • Expect predictable healthcare or vision expenses each year
  • Want to save pre-tax dollars on prescription eyewear
The main tradeoff: FSAs typically expire each year (with a possible grace period or small rollover).

Four ways to use your FSA or HSA 

Slide 1 of 4
Prescription eyeglasses
Prescription eyeglasses
Prescription sunglasses
Prescription sunglasses
Contacts
Contacts
Eye exams
Eye exams

When an HSA Makes Sense

HSAs are a good match if you:
  • Are enrolled in a high-deductible health plan
  • Want funds that roll over forever
  • Want the option to invest unused money
  • Prefer more control and flexibility
For vision care purchases, HSAs offer the advantage of long-term savings and no deadlines.

When an HSA Makes Sense

HSAs are a good match if you:
  • Are enrolled in a high-deductible health plan
  • Want funds that roll over forever
  • Want the option to invest unused money
  • Prefer more control and flexibility
For vision care purchases, HSAs offer the advantage of long-term savings and no deadlines.

Using Either Account at Warby Parker

No matter which account you have, you can use it on:
  • Prescription glasses
  • Prescription sunglasses
  • Contact lenses
  • Eye exams
  • Lens upgrades
Both cards typically process like debit cards at checkout. If not, you can submit your receipt for reimbursement.

Which One Saves You More on Vision Care?

It depends on your plan—but generally:
  • FSAs may help with predictable annual expenses (like annual contacts or a new pair of glasses).
  • HSAs offer greater long-term tax advantages, especially if you keep a balance year-to-year.
Whichever account you use, buying prescription eyewear with pre-tax dollars is almost always the most cost-effective option.
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FAQ's

Both work for prescription eyewear. HSAs offer rollover flexibility; FSAs may be better if you don’t have an HDHP.