Major providers of vision insurance

Vision insurance or benefits companies are always preferred provider organizations (PPOs), which contract with a network of eye care providers. Generally, vision plan members can access to services provided by optometrists, ophthalmologists, eyewear outlets, contact lens manufacturers, or optical laboratories at fixed rates that are usually below posted retail prices.

A vision insurance PPO allows both network and out-of-network services. But when policyholders use an out-of-network provider, they should pay the provider in full at the time of service. Then they can request reimbursement of an allowed portion of the costs from their vision insurance company later. For each network service accessed, vision plan member need to pay a small co-pay ($10-$15). But out-of-network provider services may cost policyholders much more.

You can refer to a list of providers through the National Association of Vision Care Plans (NAVCP) which includes most vision insurance companies. Major vision insurance companies in United States are AlwaysCare, Davis Vision, EyeMed, Spectera and Vision Service Plan (VSP).