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Why January Is the Best Time to Schedule an Eye Exam in Wahpeton or Moorhead

smiling woman undergoing a slit lamp

New year, new vision goals. As we dive into January, it's not just about setting resolutions—it’s also the ideal time to take charge of your health, including your eye health. At Prairie Vision Center, we encourage patients in Wahpeton and Moorhead to start the year with a comprehensive eye exam. Whether you're managing a condition, updating your prescription, or just due for your annual visit, January offers unique advantages.

Use Your Vision Insurance Before the Calendar Fills Up

Most vision insurance plans reset in January, which means your benefits are fully refreshed. Whether your plan covers annual eye exams, glasses, or contact lenses, it’s smart to use those benefits early in the year—before schedules fill up.

At Prairie Vision Center, we accept a wide range of vision insurance plans, and our staff is happy to verify your benefits in advance. Don’t wait until November to realize your benefits are unused—booking early helps you get the most value.

Maximize Your FSA and HSA Dollars

January is also the time when most Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) reset. These tax-advantaged accounts can be used for a variety of vision care expenses, including:

  • Eye exams
  • Prescription eyeglasses
  • Contact lenses
  • Dry eye treatments like IPL and LLLT

Not sure what’s covered? Our eye care team can help guide you. Using your FSA or HSA early allows you to plan your vision care needs for the year ahead.

Recover from Holiday-Related Eye Strain

The holidays are often filled with long screen time, late nights, and dry indoor air—all of which can affect your eyes. If you’re experiencing symptoms like:

  • Blurred vision
  • Dry, irritated eyes
  • Headaches or eye fatigue

January is a great time to schedule a dry eye evaluation or general eye exam to catch and treat these issues before they worsen.

Set a Baseline for Your Eye Health

Even if you’re not experiencing symptoms, a yearly eye exam is essential for maintaining good vision and overall health. Eye exams can detect early signs of:

January is a natural time to schedule preventive care alongside other wellness appointments.

January Is Ideal for Kids’ Vision Checks

The new semester is starting, making January the perfect time to check in on your child’s vision. Undiagnosed vision problems can affect learning, reading, and classroom focus.

Our pediatric eye exams are gentle, thorough, and insurance-friendly. If you didn’t make it in before school started, now’s the time.

Beat the Spring Rush

Many people wait until March or April to book eye exams, which often results in longer wait times and limited appointment availability. January schedules tend to be more open, giving you greater flexibility.

What to Bring to Your Eye Exam

To make your visit to Prairie Vision Center smooth and efficient, remember to bring:

  • Your vision insurance card
  • FSA or HSA card
  • Your current eyeglasses or contact lenses
  • A list of any medications or symptoms

If you’re new to our practice, visit our locations page for directions to our Wahpeton or Moorhead offices.

Start 2026 with Clear Vision at Prairie Vision Center

Whether you’re looking to use your insurance benefits, spend your FSA or HSA dollars, or get ahead of eye health issues, January is the best time to act. Our experienced optometrists—Dr. William Welder and Dr. Jace Picken—are here to help you see clearly in 2026.

Ask our team about any current promotions on glasses or contact lenses.