What You Need to Know About Your Renewed Vision Benefits

Now that your vision benefits are renewed for the new year, it’s important to understand how to make the most of them so you don’t end up with unused benefits at the end of the year! So, we’re here to make sure you’re taking full advantage of all the benefits your plan offers.

Our quick guide will help you understand commonly used insurance terms and answer some of our patients’ most frequently asked questions. If you don’t see yours addressed below, contact your neighborhood Pearle Vision EyeCare Center for more details about our services and what insurance we accept.

Health Insurance vs. Vision Insurance

While both health insurance and vision insurance provide valuable resources for keeping your eyes healthy, they have some key differences. Health insurance protects you from unexpected costs of medical and surgical services, such as eye injuries. In contrast, vision insurance can provide an added wellness benefit for healthy eye exams, which includes routine eye care, prescription eyewear, and contact lenses, and other vision services at a reduced cost.

The Vision Insurance Encyclopedia

 

What does vision insurance cover?

The eye care services and materials listed as benefits in your vision insurance plan are the items covered by your vision insurance. In general, only specific services will be covered or offered at a discount in exchange for a monthly premium and/or copay.

Does vision insurance cover contacts, glasses, and sunglasses?

Some plans cover an eye exam, some cover glasses or contact lenses, and some cover both. We’re happy to work with you to help determine what coverage is offered by your plan.

What is an allowance?

When you purchase a new pair of glasses, you’ll pay a separate price for your lenses and frames. Your allowance may only apply to the frames at a fixed rate. For example, your vision insurance may give you a $200 frame allowance. This means you’ll pay nothing if you pick frames that are $200 or less. However, if they’re more than $200, you’ll pay the difference. We offer a wide variety of frames and price points, including designer brands such as; Ray-Ban, Oakley, Coach and Vogue.

What is a copay?

When you visit an eye doctor, your copay is the fixed amount you’ll pay for the services you receive. There may be separate copays for an eye exam and other services, depending on your insurance. The cost of your copay will depend on your vision insurance.

Vision Insurance Providers

We work with all major health and vision plans, including:

EyeMed:

Utilize your EyeMed benefits on frames, lenses, and contact lenses, depending on your plan. Plus, get additional savings on vision extras like non-prescription sunglasses. All of our EyeCare Centers accept EyeMed insurance. To take advantage of everything your plan has to offer, visit a Pearle Vision EyeCare Center near you.

VSP:

There are a range of VSP plans accepted that cover various elements of vision care. Some just cover eyewear, while others include exams as well. Depending on your plan with VSP Providers, you may have coverage for advanced lenses, including progressive and anti-glare options.

Aetna:

Use your Aetna Vision Preferred benefit on exam, frames, lenses, and contacts. You may be eligible for discounts and exclusive special offers, too. Visit www.aetnavision.com to find a location that accepts this plan.

TRICARE:

This plan provides benefits for members of the armed forces and their families. Under this plan, you’re covered for an annual exam at in-network locations. Visit the TRICARE page to find a list of EyeCare Centers that accept this insurance plan.

UnitedHealthcare:

With United Healthcare Vision Providers, pay as little as a $10 copay for an eye exam, depending on your plan, when you visit an in-network provider. Some plans cover exams and eyewear, others cover eyewear and contacts. Visit the UnitedHealthcare page to find an EyeCare Center that is in-network.

Note: Not all locations accept all of these insurance plans. Contact your neighborhood Pearle Vision EyeCare Center to learn more.

More Common Insurance Questions

 

Can I use my insurance to buy glasses?

This depends on your plan. While some plans only cover eye exams, many include glasses and/or contacts as well!

Can I use my insurance to buy glasses at Pearle Vision – even if I got my prescription somewhere else?

Yes! You don’t need to get your eyewear at the same place you received your eye exam. Many optometrists have a limited selection of frames and lenses. No matter where you get your prescription, you’re always welcome to bring it to us. Pearle Vision EyeCare Centers offer a wide selection of designer frames and state-of-the-art lenses, and we’d love nothing more than to help you find your perfect pair.

Can I get an eye exam without insurance?

We want everyone to get the health care they need and deserve, which is why we accept any new patients with or without eye exam insurance. Contact your neighborhood Pearle Vision EyeCare Center ahead of time to request an estimate for the cost of an eye exam without insurance so that you can budget accordingly. If you don’t have insurance, be sure to ask about any available discounts, promotions, or payment options.

Whether you’ve obtained your vision insurance through an employer, a family member’s plan, or have purchased an individual eye care plan, Pearle Vision can help you navigate and understand your insurance. Being informed about your vision insurance can help ensure you’re getting the services you need without receiving an unexpected bill. Plus, we may have promotional offers that could be combined with your plan! Our eye care experts are also here to walk you through the process and answer any questions you may have before, during, and after your visit.

We are here to help you navigate your insurance and answer any of your questions. If you’d like to come in for an eye exam, book an appointment at your neighborhood Pearle Vision EyeCare Center and take advantage of your vision insurance benefits.