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Optical Services

Flaum Eye Institute / Optical Services / Policies & Insurances
 

Policies & Insurances

We accept the following Insurances for Routine Eye Exams and Eyewear. 

  • Aetna
  • Blue Choice Option
  • Excellus BC/BS (Not Western NY)
  • Child Health Plus
  • EyeMed
  • Medicare (Post-Cataract Only)
  • MVP
  • VSP

​Please note this is not a full list of insurances accepted. If you do not see your insurance listed, call to inquire. 

 

What is the difference between a routine eye exam and a medical eye exam?

If you’re seeing the doctor because you’re having trouble with out of focus vision, this is likely a routine eye exam. If you’re seeing the doctor because you have medical condition like glaucoma, diabetes, new flashers or floaters, sudden loss of vision, eye pain, etc, this is a medical exam. Anything related to glasses, or most contact lens prescriptions, is considered a routine exam. If the doctor discovers that your vision is blurry because you have cataracts, and your final diagnosis is a medical diagnosis, then your exam becomes a medical exam. OR if the doctor gives you a diagnosis of nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism, this is non-medical and your exam is a routine exam.

What does this distinction mean for your insurance coverage?

It depends on your policy and your plan. Some insurance providers offer coverage for medical exams, but not routine exams. Some insurance plans cover a routine eye exam annually, while others cover every two years. If your medical insurance does not cover the cost of a routine exams, employers may provide supplemental vision plans like VSP or Eyemed that cover the cost of a routine eye exam and provide discounts or allowances to purchase contacts and/or glasses. Please bear in mind that it is the patient’s responsibility for knowing their coverage, but we are here to help with questions. If you need any assistance determining what your insurance covers please reach out to our office.

Optical Shop Policies

Frame Warranties

Unless otherwise noted, all frames carry a minimum one-year manufacturer's warranty covering defects or damage caused by reasonable use.

Lens Warranties

Unless otherwise noted, all lenses carry a one-year warranty covering defects or damage causes by reasonable use including scratches.

Anti-reflective Coatings

Depending on the type of coating, we warranty anti-reflective coatings for a period ranging from one to two years.

Transitions

We warranty Transitions® coating for a period of one year from dispensing of your lenses.

Non-adapt

If for any reason you cannot adapt (get comfortable with) to your new prescription we will re-make your lenses for up to 30 days from dispensing.

Doctor's Script Change

For some patients, especially those who have undergone complex medical or surgical treatment, vision may fluctuate. If your Flaum Eye Institute doctor changes your prescription within 90 days of when your lenses were dispensed, we will re-make them with the new prescription.

Payment

100% of the total is due at the time of purchase.

Sales Tax

Prescription eyewear (including spectacles, contact lenses and sunglasses) and contact lens solution are considered medical and not subject to NYS sales tax. Non-prescription items and accessories, however, are taxable.