INSURANCE INFO

Vision insurance is insurance coverage for glasses, routine eye health screenings and, depending on the type of vision insurance, contact lenses. 

Medical insurance is insurance coverage for health issues that require treatment of an acute event or ongoing followup. Medical insurance does not cover glasses, contact lenses, or routine eye health screenings. 

Most vision insurances cover routine eye health screenings and some cost coverage for glasses or contact lens prescriptions. Note that contact lens fittings may NOT be covered by vision insurance plans. 

Many vision insurances provide benefits to members once every one to two years. It is important to check with your insurance company the exact time frame your benefits regenerate.

If your vision insurance plan offers coverage for glasses or contact lens, be aware that some plans REQUIRE you to purchase glasses or contact lenses the day that you have your exam.

Occasionally during the course of a routine eye health screening, a medical problem is uncovered. Examples include Glaucoma, Cataracts, Diabetic Eye Disease, Retinal Holes and Tears, and Macular Degeneration. If this occurs, the visit is usually converted to a medical appointment as these are considered medical diagnoses. 

By converting these appointments, your medical insurance allows us to obtain specialty medical imaging that would normally be uncovered by your vision insurnace. 

Note that if a medical problem is found, the entire visit will become a medical visit and your vision insurance will not be billed. We cannot "split bill" between your insurances.

Dilation free exams require the use of an ultra-widefield retinal camera. This device allows your eye care specialist to look at the back of your eye without dilating the eye itself. This camera is not covered by vision insurance and would therefore require an out of pocket cost to the patient of $40.00 dollars.

Rest easy! Most insurance companies including Medicare have some allowance towards a new pair of glasses.