That is a question I receive every day, usually more than once. It’s a good question. The short answer is no, however I can submit an out-of-network claim form for you and your insurance company will usually reimburse you within 2-4 weeks.

Why not? The long answer…gets out soap box…

First of all, I don’t have a doctor here on the premises, which is required to bill insurance. However, my ultimate goal is to have a doctor here, but I still hope to not take insurance. The reasons are many. I have billed insurance for my whole 22 years in this profession, and written off hundreds of thousands of dollars that the doctor’s offices lose by billing insurance. Why is this a problem for you? Saving money is good, right? Doctors are overpriced, right? Well, yes and yes. But, it’s a vicious circle. We’ve all gotten those crazy explanation of benefits from our insurance company, where, let’s say 30k was billed for childbirth, for example. The insurance company pays maybe 10k of that. The hospitals and doctors have to mark up the charges and bill for every kleenex you used during your stay to make any money, or even just cover their costs. It’s the same with glasses. Optometrists and optical shops have to consider how much they will be writing off, losing, when they set their pricing structure up. Therefore, their prices are higher to compensate. I’m not criticizing anyone, and unfortunately, it’s the way our system is set up. But, it isn’t the way I want to start off, or move forward with my business.

The other huge reason I’m choosing not to take vision insurance is due to the fact that 2 of the main carriers, VSP and Eyemed specifically, are part of the conglomerate monopolies in the eye care world. They own frame companies, they own lens labs, they own insurance companies. What’s wrong with this? Again, it means you pay less, right? Well, not really. They are in the business to make money, and how they are doing it is by cutting THEIR costs and ultimately, quality. Frames are being made cheaply, usually in China, and you get what you pay for. Apples to oranges.

This is not my vision for my business. I want to offer high quality eyewear from companies I trust, from people I’ve built a relationship with and whose frames are made in quality factories here in the US or Europe, sometimes handmade. And know that my pricing is reasonable for what I’m offering. This is what I feel good about fitting on your face, and what will be the most comfortable for you long-term. Independent eyewear for your individual style.

Feel free to comment with any questions or thoughts you have!