Vision
Insurance

Vision Insurance

It's no surprise that many people misunderstand vision insurance. Depending on the reason for the doctor’s visit – a routine exam or an eye injury – it’s not always clear which doctor to visit.

At its most basic level, vision insurance helps cover the cost of routine eye exams, contact lenses, and glasses. Some vision plans also pay for corrective procedures such as laser eye surgery. Additionally, most programs include one pair of glasses or contacts a year.
 

Who Provides Vision Care Services?

Frequently, vision care plans (including those you buy or are provided by your employer) contract with eye care professionals. In some plans, you use a certain eye care provider and receive a discount on the services offered. However, most plans purchased from a vision care insurance company are PPOs (preferred provider organizations) where your eye care is managed by a network of eye care providers. In a PPO, you also can use out-of-network eye providers, but you must pay a greater share of the cost.

Typically, eye care offices and networks include optometrists and general ophthalmologists. Some networks also may include ophthalmologists who perform refractive surgery, and provide LASIK or other vision correction procedures.

Do I Need Vision Care Insurance?

If you or members of your family wear corrective lenses and need periodic eye exams and changes in your eye lens prescription, it may be worthwhile to purchase vision care insurance. If you do not currently wear or need glasses, you may be able to get a periodic eye exam through your regular health insurance plan.

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