Eye health and vision maintenance are key components of our overall health, but most Americans aren’t making annual visits to the eye doctor — even when they’re struggling with visual symptoms. The importance of incorporating eye exams into your overall wellness plan cannot be overstated, so why are so many people missing out on this essential care? Despite the increasing prevalence of employer-provided vision insurance, many prospective patients are still left wondering, “Is vision insurance worth it?”.
While the answer to that question differs based on individual and family needs, here are some areas where traditional vision insurance may fall short, and some insight into how you can address those issues.
Vision Insurance Can Be Limiting
Traditional vision insurance plans typically cover a basic eye exam, refraction and a portion of the cost of frames or lenses. Advanced eye care, such as retinal imaging or dry eye screening, doesn’t fall into that basic coverage, leaving many patients going without a caliber of care that would benefit them.
You may also be limited in where you receive care, having to look through the network of providers available to you. Because vision insurance is so often tied to employment, a change in jobs can mean a change in the quality of your choices.
Vision Insurance Can Cause Sticker Shock
Most people struggle to navigate the web of deductibles and copays and realize only when the bill arrives that an aspect of their care wasn’t covered — or at least not covered in full. Even with insurance coverage, out-of-pocket payments are to be expected for any care beyond the most basic screening.
While this may be the right financial choice for some, people whose work causes eye strain, people with advanced eye care needs and families with children may find that traditional vision insurance is more costly than it’s worth.
Vision Insurance Falls Short for Kids’ Eye Care
Children’s developing eyes require special attention and treatment. Traditional vision insurance doesn’t typically cover the comprehensive exams and therapeutic treatments best suited for children. One of the key aspects missing from this coverage is baseline concussion screening.
Concussions are common in children, especially children in organized sports. Most mild concussions go undiagnosed, but can contribute to long-term issues. Baseline concussion screening tracks a child’s vision, enabling your family eye care provider to identify a potential concussion.
Make Sure You Have the Coverage You Need
Whether you’re uninsured or your vision insurance isn’t providing the level of coverage you need, Complete Eye Care of Medina’s 20/20 Club provides advanced eye care for families without hidden fees, costly copays or the complexity of billing insurance.
A regular adult plan covers a comprehensive vision exam, refraction checks, retinal imaging, eyewear and contact lens fitting discounts, and more. Our children’s plan also covers baseline concussion screening.
We believe in providing the highest quality eye care for the whole family, and making that care accessible through simple, in-house coverage. Reach out online to learn more about the 20/20 Club.