What’s the difference between medical insurance and vision plans?

There continues to be much confusion concerning the proper usage of Vision Plans or Medical Insurance to cover your eye exam. Hopefully, the following will help clear some of the confusion.

 It is important that you understand that your Vision Plan (VSP, EyeMed, or Comp Benefits) covers ROUTINE eye care only (nearsightedness, farsightedness, and normal astigmatism). You will be receiving a comprehensive medical eye exam at our office not a “quickie Mega-Mart exam”. Dr. Keriotis is committed to giving you the highest quality eye care. He will examine you for many conditions such as glaucoma, dry eyes, cataracts, retinal holes or tears, diabetic and hypertensive eye disease among many others.

 If your eye exam involves a medical condition related to your eye that requires specific counseling, documentation, follow-up care, regular monitoring or referral to a surgeon, then your visit is NOT COVERED by your Vision Plan. Unfortunately, the doctor cannot tell if medical eye conditions exist before you are thoroughly examined.

 The good news is that your Medical Insurance can be used when an eye-related medical problem, such as, cataracts, dry eyes, complications from diabetes or high blood pressure (among many others) is found during the course of the eye examination. You do not need a vision benefits rider on your medical insurance to be covered for a medical eye condition. In these cases, your Medical Insurance will be billed for the eye exam even though a Vision Plan may also be in effect. Your Medical Insurance co-pays and deductibles prevail and must be paid at the time of your exam.

More Good News!: If we do file the exam with your medical insurance, you can still use your Vision Plan benefits towards the purchase of glasses or contact lenses based on your plans allowances.