Cost for eye exams vary, depending on everything from who performs the exam to where it takes place. Getting a regular eye exam is important not only to check for vision problems that require glasses or contact lenses, but also to check for diseases, such as glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration, that can lead to blindness if left untreated. While the cost of a comprehensive eye exam can be as low as $50, the average price for an eye exam is slightly more than $100, with the exact amount dependent on a number of factors. Vision insurance coverage varies. Some plans pay for the exam cost outright, while others require a copay. How to Prepare for Your Eye Exam and Cut Costs Do I need an exam by an optometrist or ophthalmologist? Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who prescribe eyeglasses and contacts and treat medical conditions that affect the eyes, including performing surgery. Optometrists can offer most of the same services as an ophthalmologist, but typically don't perform surgery, with some exceptions. While ophthalmologists attend medical school and then receive specialized training related to the eyes, an optometrist typically attends a four-year optometry school after college and receives a Doctor of Optometry (OD) degree. RELATED: What's the difference between optometrists and ophthalmologists? Both differ from opticians, who aren't doctors but are professionals trained to fit, adjust and repair glasses. Opticians also teach contact lens wearers how to apply, remove and care for their lenses. Exams by ophthalmologists generally cost more than optometrists. Most often, people choose an ophthalmologist to deal with diseases or specialized problems and see optometrists for routine vision exams. Of course, geographical location affects price as well. So does your choice of getting an exam at a retail store, optical chain, medical clinic or private doctor's office. Retail stores and optical chains generally charge less for an exam. What's included in the eye exam? Vision exams can include a number of different tests, which vary depending on the doctor you choose and your personal/family vision history. At a minimum, you want a comprehensive eye exam to include a review of your personal health and vision history, an evaluation of your distance and near vision using an eye chart, a check for farsightedness, nearsightedness, astigmatism and presbyopia, tests for glaucoma and the ability of your eyes to work together, and an examination of the interior of your eyes to check for problems such as cataracts and macular degeneration. Your eye doctor can also talk with you about the potential benefits and risks of procedures, such as LASIK. How often do I need an eye exam? Recommendations for the frequency of a vision exam vary. Parents should have their infants eyes checked at 6 months to be sure there are no problems. Then starting at age 3, they should receive another eye exam. At age 6, kids should have their eyes tested every two years, and more often if their eye doctor recommends it. In general, if you wear glasses or contact lenses, the recommendation is every one to two years. If you don't wear corrective lenses and are healthy and between the ages of 20 and 40, you can get an exam as infrequently as every five years, unless you notice vision changes that may require immediate care. If you have risk factors, such as diabetes, previous eye injuries or a family history of eye disease, more frequent exams are appropriate. If you're between 40 and 64, an exam every two to four years is appropriate, depending on your overall health and risk factors. Of course, if you notice worrisome changes, get an exam sooner. After age 65, the risk of macular degeneration, glaucoma and cataracts increases, and you should get an annual eye exam.