How to Use VSP (Don’t Forget to Use VSP this Year!)
VSP is mostly straightforward! Once you’re enrolled, you’re able to book your appointment and head to your doctor. But there are a couple of steps you can take to make sure you’re getting the best deal and making the most of your benefits.
The first and most important thing is to make sure you’re going to an in-network doctor or glasses retailer for your exam and lenses/frames. You can easily do this by going online to VSP.com and clicking “Find a Doctor.” If you’re not into going online, you can always go old fashioned and call your normal eye doctor/retailer and just ask if they’re in-network for VSP!
With SDPEBA’s version of the VSP plan you can get one basic exam and eye care screening a year for no cost. You basically always need a recent eye exam in order to get a pair of prescription lenses so, getting your eye exam is your first step!
After you get your eye exam, that’s when the whole world opens up. Most optometrists sell frames and lenses at their office, but you can always take your prescription elsewhere. There are great online retailers (like the one on VSP.com) and other stores that will gladly sell you contacts or frames. Again, just make sure they’re in-network.
Now, frames/contacts are a bit more complicated but really aren’t that difficult to understand once you get the premise. Basically, with SDPEBA’s VSP plan you get two in-network allowances that you can put toward frames or contacts. You cannot combine allowances, this plan is designed to let you get two pairs of glasses, two orders of contacts, or one of each. This is a great way to make sure you’re covered on all fronts. For example, you could get one pair of glasses and one pair of contacts, or one pair of normal everyday use glasses and one pair designed to use at a computer. You can even get a pair of prescription sunglasses and a pair of computer glasses if you’re so inclined, the world’s your 20/20 oyster.
Here's a breakdown of how the allowances work:
1st Allowance:
- $200 towards frames or contacts
- $0 Copay on most lenses (e.g., single vision, lined bifocal, impact resistant, standard progressive)
- $55 copay on advanced/custom progressive lenses
- Lens Enhancement Coverage
- Free UV Protection
- Free Scratch resistant coating
- 30% saving on additional lens enhancements
2nd Allowance:
- $170 toward frames or contacts
- $0 Copay on most lenses
- 30% off lens enhancements (including advanced/custom progressive lens, UV protection, etc.)
As you can see, the first allowance is bigger and allows you to fine tune your glasses, whereas your second allowance is slightly smaller and is more limiting on what you can get. Because of this, it might be better to put your first allowance toward a more expense or complicated pair that has something like a lens enhancement, whereas your second pair can be simpler.
When I use this plan, I put my first allowance toward nicer frames that I would wear more often. I upgrade my lenses to be scratch resistant and get a name brand, like Ray-Ban. For my second pair I get a cheaper set of frames with a weaker prescription and get them with a blue light filter so I can use them at my computer. The lens enhancement does end up costing me a bit out of pocket, around $15 after the 30% discount. I know other people who just get a 2nd pair that’s nearly identical to their first pair as a backup, and some people who just get one pair of glasses and a set of contacts.
Ultimately, using VSP is fairly stress free. The important thing to stress is to go in-network. If you’re worried about the cost of your glasses or appointment, talk to your doctor! Ask them to estimate the cost of your lenses and feel free to say no if they try to upcharge you or offer you any special deals that VSP won’t cover.
Want to get started on it now? Click here to find a doctor with VSP!