What do I need to bring to my exam?

Some patients prefer to bring a driver in case their eyes are dilated (but this is not mandatory).


Do you know what my copay will be, how much my contact lenses will be, how much my glasses will cost etc?

While our staff works very hard at estimating how much a patient’s out of pocket cost may be, the final decision is made after the exam is completed, products are selected and purchased and we submit your claim for you to your insurance company for payment. The ultimate responsibility for payment is that of the patient.


What is the difference between a Vision Plan and Medical insurance?

Vision Plans covers routine vision screening services such as periodic eye examinations and refractions (determining the prescription.) Some vision plans will also offer benefits on materials. These benefits may take the form of allowances toward materials and contact lens fittings. Benefits vary greatly and it is important for patients to communicate with their vision plan to know what is covered.

Examples of Vision Insurance are: VSP, Davis Vision and EYEMED

Medical insurance, on the other hand, covers medical eye care services such as eye emergencies and diseases, and evaluation and management visits of diseases or suspected diseases. Often, diagnostic tests such as digital imaging and visual field evaluations are covered as well. Most insurance types have deductibles and co-pays associated with your coverage. It is important for patients to communicate with their insurance plan to know what their deductible is.

Examples of Medical insurance are: Aetna and Regence.

Some insurance plans are plans we are not participants in or are “out of network”. In these cases, we will give you the documentation you need to seek your own reimbursement.

HSAs and Flex Spending Accounts may be used to cover prescription eyewear.

So if you are coming in for your routine vision screening and want to see if your eyeglass or contact lens prescription has changed you typically use your Vision Plan. If you were hit in your eye with a soccerball and lost vision or had a stye we would bill your medical insurance.

If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us today.