What’s Changing in 2026: Five Key Financial and Tax Updates for Optometrists

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2026 brings several important financial and tax changes that can directly impact optometrists - especially practice owners and those with student loans.


In this episode, Evon walks through five key updates to be aware of as you plan for the year ahead, including changes to retirement contributions, student loans, health insurance, and tax planning opportunities.


To make this easier, we’ve also created a free, 2-page 2026 Financial & Tax Planning Guide for Optometrists, which you can download using the link below.


What We Cover in This Episode


1. Annual Tax & Retirement Updates for 2026

• Adjustments to tax brackets and the standard deduction
• 2026 retirement plan contribution limits
• Special catch-up contribution rules for ages 60–63
• HSA and IRA contribution updates
• Social Security wage base increase
• How to adjust payroll contributions early in the year

2. OBBBA Changes Taking Effect in 2026

• Expanded phase-out thresholds for the Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction
• Why this matters for optometry practice owners and 1099 ODs
• How this creates a longer planning runway for higher-income households
• An overview of new “Trump Accounts” expected to launch mid-year

3. Student Loan Rule Changes and Key July 1 Deadlines

• Ongoing changes to income-driven repayment plans
• Introduction of the new RAP plan
• What currently practicing optometrists need to know
• Why July 1, 2026 is a critical date for consolidation decisions
• Differences between planning for current borrowers vs. future optometrists

4. Health Insurance Changes: ACA & HSA Updates

• ACA premium tax credits reverting to pre-COVID rules
• The return of the 400% federal poverty line “cliff”
• Why income planning matters more again in 2026
• Expanded HSA eligibility for Bronze and catastrophic ACA plans
• Using HSAs as a long-term planning tool

5. Roth-Only Catch-Up Contributions for High Earners

• Mandatory Roth catch-up contributions for certain high-income earners
• Who this applies to and how it’s determined
• Why catch-up contributions may no longer reduce taxable income
• What to check with your 401(k) plan administrator

📥 Download the Free 2026 Financial & Tax Planning Guide


We distilled everything discussed in this episode—and more—into a simple, two-page reference covering the key 2026 numbers and rule changes optometrists should know.


👉 Download the guide here (https://bit.ly/ODsGuideto2026)


📅 Want Help Applying This to Your Situation?


If you’d like to get a head start on your 2026 planning, you can schedule a no-pressure introductory call to talk through what’s on your mind financially and learn how we work with optometrists nationwide.


👉 Schedule an introductory call (https://bit.ly/contactOWA)


📬 Stay Connected


When you download the guide, you’ll also receive the Eyes On The Money weekly newsletter - practical financial planning insights designed specifically for optometrists.



The Optometry Money Podcast is dedicated to helping optometrists make better decisions around their money, careers, and practices. The show is hosted by Evon Mendrin, CFP®, CSLP®, owner of Optometry Wealth Advisors, a financial planning firm just for optometrists nationwide.