Practical
What eye care actually costs
This page has no dollar figures on it, deliberately. What you pay depends on your insurance, on what your eyes need and on what you choose, and a number published here would be wrong for almost everyone reading it.
What drives the cost
| Factor | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Which examination you need | A routine comprehensive examination, a contact lens fitting and a specialty lens fitting involve very different amounts of chair time and equipment. |
| Whether it is routine or medical | Vision plans typically cover routine examinations. Medical insurance typically covers disease, injury and monitoring. Which applies depends on why you are being seen. |
| What testing is clinically indicated | Imaging, visual fields and corneal mapping are used where they are warranted, not on everyone every time. |
| Lens material and design | High index materials, progressives, occupational designs and coatings all vary considerably in cost, and the right choice depends on your prescription. |
| Frame choice | Twenty one brands span a wide range. The optician will tell you which frames actually suit your prescription before you fall in love with one that does not. |
| Custom versus stock lenses | Scleral, hybrid and Ortho-K lenses are made individually to your measurements. Stock soft lenses are not. |
What your plan is likely to cover
- An annual comprehensive eye examination, under most vision plans
- A contribution towards frames and lenses, usually with an allowance and a frequency limit
- Contact lens allowances, which are often an alternative to the frame allowance rather than in addition to it
- Medically necessary contact lenses for keratoconus and irregular corneas, frequently under medical rather than vision insurance
- Diagnostic imaging and disease management, usually under medical insurance
- Annual diabetic eye examinations and glaucoma screening for those at high risk, under Medicare
Plans accepted include VSP, EyeMed, Avesis, Medicare, TRICARE, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, plus other health plans. Other health plans are accepted as well. Call the office with your plan details and the front desk will verify your coverage before the visit.
What is included regardless
- The WOW Warranty on eyewear, covering unlimited replacement
- A 120 day redo guarantee if the glasses are not right
- Free cleaning, repairs and adjustments for as long as you wear a frame bought here
- A 30 day unlimited warranty on every contact lens purchased
- A starter kit with solution and case for new contact lens wearers
- Interest free in-office financing and payment plans
Pricing questions
Why are there no prices on this page?
Because the number would be wrong for almost everyone reading it. What you pay depends on what your plan covers, what testing your eyes actually need and what you choose. The office gives you a clear figure before anything is ordered.
Can you quote me over the phone?
Not reliably, and a figure given without knowing your plan would be a guess. What the office can do is verify your benefits before your visit so there are no surprises.
What if I have no insurance?
You are still seen, and the cost is explained clearly before anything is ordered. Interest free in-office financing is available.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes. Interest free in-office financing is arranged directly with the office rather than through a third party lender.
Can I use FSA or HSA funds?
Yes. Eye examinations, prescription eyewear and contact lenses are generally eligible expenses. Check specifics with your plan administrator.
Is specialty lens fitting more expensive?
It costs more than a standard fitting, because it involves considerably more chair time, custom manufacture and a longer follow up schedule. Many plans cover medically necessary lenses, and the office works to maximise that.
Get an exact figure
Call (480) 706-3937 with your plan details and the office will verify your benefits before you come in. Nothing is ordered without your agreement.