Patient resources
Insurance Checklist
Vision plans typically cover routine examinations and eyewear. Medical insurance typically covers disease, injury and monitoring. Which applies depends on why you are being seen, so bring both cards.
The distinction that confuses everyone
A visit for new glasses and a visit for a red painful eye happen in the same chair with the same doctor and are billed completely differently. The first is routine and usually falls under a vision plan. The second is medical and usually falls under medical insurance.
A routine visit can also become a medical one partway through, if something is found. That is explained to you at the time rather than appearing as a surprise on a statement.
Typically covered by a vision plan
- An annual comprehensive eye examination
- An allowance towards frames and lenses, usually with a frequency limit
- A contact lens allowance, often as an alternative to the frame allowance rather than in addition
- Some coverage towards contact lens fitting
Typically covered by medical insurance
- Eye infections, injuries and emergencies
- Dry eye evaluation and management
- Glaucoma screening, monitoring and treatment
- Diabetic retinal examinations
- Macular degeneration monitoring
- Medically necessary contact lenses for keratoconus and irregular corneas
- Diagnostic imaging where clinically indicated
What to check before you come in
- Whether your plan requires a referral
- Whether your examination benefit has already been used this year
- Whether your frame or contact lens allowance runs on a calendar year or a plan year
- Whether both a vision plan and medical insurance are in force
The short version
Bring both cards and let the office work it out. Coverage is verified before your visit rather than discovered at the desk afterwards.
Book an appointment
Call (480) 706-3937 or request a time online. Two patients an hour, so there is time to answer questions properly.