IF I HAVE BLUE CROSS,(OR ANY OTHER INSURANCE PLAN) WHY DOESN'T YOUR OFFICE KNOW WHETHER OR NOT I AM ELIGIBLE FOR AN EXAM and/or GLASSES?

We can only tell you when your last exam was, if it was with us. As much as we would like to know everything about everyone's insurance company, it is impossible as every company negotiates differently as to what benefit you will have and the frequency of those benefits. For example, within VSP alone, there are hundreds of plans, each with their own specific benefits.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I AM ELIGIBLE FOR AN EXAM? Usually, there is a 1-800 number on your insurance card that will connect you to your benefits office, or check out the insurance links on the CHECK YOUR BENEFITS PAGE on this website

HOW LONG IS A GLASSES PRESCRIPTION VALID?

2 years

DO MY GLASSES HAVE A WARRANTY?

All glasses have a warranty of 1 year against manufacturers defects. Unfortunately, manufacturers will not cover eyewear that has been damaged from abuse, e.g. glasses that have been dropped or stepped on or damaged by chemicals or misuse.

IF I HAVE MY EXAM SOMEWHERE ELSE, CAN I STILL PURCHASE GLASSES OR CONTACT LENSES THROUGH YOUR OPTICAL SHOP?

Absolutely! We have an extensive collection of frames ranging from designer to budget. We can provide lenses by Varilux, Zeiss and Essilor as well as other manufacturers. Our trained staff will fit you with the frame and lenses that are best suited to your individual need. We stock Biomedic 55 contact lenses in house, and can order most major brands of contacts at competitive prices.

CAN I USE MY FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT FOR COPAYS AS WELL AS EYEGLASS AND CONTACT LENS PURCHASES?

Yes, and we will provide you with any receipts you may need.

WHY ARE THERE EXTRA CHARGES FOR A CONTACT LENS EXAM?

A contact lens exam is more extensive than a routine eye exam. In addition to the regular exam, the doctors will check your eyelids, your corneas, and your visual acuity with and without your lenses. They will also evaluate the fit and condition of the lenses. Most insurance will only cover the routine part of the exam, not the contact lens exam, unless you have specific benefits that cover contact lens services. If you are having a contact lens exam, please wear your lenses to this visit.

IF I WANT TO TRY A NEW KIND OF CONTACT, WHY ARE THERE ADDITIONAL FITTING FEES BESIDES THE CONTACT LENS EXAM FEE?

Every type of contact lens is different in design and/or material. A contact lens must fit properly on the eye. It cannot be too loose or too tight. Ill fitting contact lenses can cause many problems, some potentially very hazardous to the health of the eye. Therefore, patients must come back at least once, depending on the type of contact used, so the doctor can check the lens fit, integrity of the ocular surface, as well as the vision with the new lenses. The more complex the lens design, such as astigmatic or multi-focal lenses, the greater the likelihood that you will have to come back more than once for follow up visits. Please note that all follow up visits, whether it is one or several, are included in your fitting fee.

HOW LONG IS A CONTACT LENS PRESCRIPTION VALID?

Contact lens prescriptions are valid for 1 year. Please don't shoot the messenger-this is a federal law.

IS IT A GOOD IDEA TO ORDER A YEAR'S SUPPLY OF CONTACT LENSES?

Yes. There are usually discounts and manufacturer's rebates when you purchase a year's supply. It is also convenient because you don't have to worry about having lenses available for a whole year. They can often be shipped directly to you at no additional charge. If there are rebates involved, we will provide all the paperwork necessary to expedite your rebate process.

WHAT ARE THE CONTACT LENS FEES?

If you are continuing to wear the same lenses and are just having a checkup or changing the prescription of the same lens, the fee is $30. This fee is over and above the routine eye exam, and is not usually covered by insurance unless you have specific contact lens coverage.

If you are changing to a different type of lens, there are refiting fees that are applied depending on the type of lens you are being fit with. The more complicated the fit, (such as toric or bifocal), the higher those fees. Our fee schedule for contact lens refitting fees are as follow:

soft sperical contact(no astigmatism) $50 soft toric lenses (for astigmatism) $70 Soft multifocal (bifocal lenses) $90 Spherical RGP (hard lenses) $70 Toric RGP (hard lenses for astigmatism) $90 Multifocal RGP (hard lenses for bifocal) $110

If you have any questions concerning these fees, please feel free to call us at 978-475-5252