When it comes to eye health and vision insurance, many misconceptions can cloud our understanding. Vision insurance, sometimes called eye insurance, provides coverage for eye exams, prescription glasses, contact lenses, and sometimes even more vision benefits and savings. However, navigating the ins and outs of these vision insurance plans can be confusing, leading to the spread of myths and misunderstandings. In this article, we’ll debunk and give answers to seven of the most common myths about vision and vision insurance, helping you make more informed decisions about your eye care.
Myth 1: If I Don’t Use All of My Frame Allowance, That Amount Rolls Over to Cover Other Optical Expenses
One common misconception about vision insurance is that if you don’t use your full frame allowance, the remaining amount will roll over to cover other optical expenses, such as contact lenses or additional pairs of glasses.
Unfortunately, this is not how most vision insurance plans work. Frame allowances are usually a use-it-or-lose-it benefit. If you don’t spend the full frame allowance, the leftover amount doesn’t carry over into your next purchase or cover other costs. To make the most of your vision plan benefits, it’s important to understand the specifics of your vision insurance plan and use your frame allowance within the coverage period.
Myth 2: Reading in Dim Light Harms Your Eyes
Many of us were told when we were young that reading in dim lighting would harm our eyes, but don’t worry—it’s a myth.
Before the invention of electric light, most nighttime reading and other work was done by candlelight or lanterns. Reading in dim light won’t harm your eyes—but it could create symptoms of eye strain and discomfort, which can make it feel like you’ve harmed your eyes. This myth has had so much influence that some doctors still warn patients not to read in dim light.
Myth 3: All Eye Doctors Are the Same
Another myth is that all eye doctors are the same and it doesn’t matter who you see for your eye care needs. Actually, there are two different types of eye care professionals, each with their own specialties.
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Optometrists are necessary health care professionals and are recognized as doctors who provide quality eye health and vision care services. These doctors examine, diagnose, and treat diseases and disorders related to the eye.
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Ophthalmologists are medical doctors who specialize in eye and vision care, can perform eye surgeries, and treat a wider range of eye conditions.
Choosing the right type of eye care professional depends on your specific vision and eye care needs. Routine vision exams might only require a visit to an optometrist, while more serious eye health concerns could necessitate a visit to an ophthalmologist.
Myth 4: Vision Insurance Benefits Can Be Used to Buy Non-Prescription Sunglasses
Many people assume that vision insurance can be used to purchase non-prescription sunglasses. While it’s true that some eye insurance plans offer discounts on non-prescription eyewear, most plans are specifically designed to cover prescription glasses and contact lenses.
The primary focus of vision insurance is to correct vision problems and maintain eye health, so benefits are usually limited to prescription-related items. If you’re interested in non-prescription sunglasses, you might still be able to get a discount, but these purchases typically won’t be covered under your standard vision insurance benefits.
Myth 5: Losing Vision Is an Inevitable Part of Aging
It’s a common belief that losing vision is just part of getting older, but this isn’t entirely accurate. Many vision problems that develop as people age can be treated. Presbyopia which is near-vision loss, and cataracts can both be remedied to allow adults to see clearly again.
It is important to have an eye exam on a yearly basis, especially as you get older, to catch both reversible and permanent threats to vision, such as glaucoma or macular degeneration. Sometimes, early treatment can slow or prevent vision loss.
Myth 6: People Who Are Color Blind See in Black and White
Color blindness is another area where myths abound, particularly the notion that color-blind individuals see only in black and white. However, complete color blindness, known as achromatopsia, is very rare. Most people with color blindness have difficulty distinguishing between certain colors, such as red and green or blue and yellow, rather than seeing the world in grayscale.
Color blindness is usually inherited and affects more men than women. Understanding color vision problems helps dispel the black-and-white misconception and highlights the importance of testing and support for those affected.
Myth 7: Cost Is the Most Important Thing to Consider When Evaluating Vision Benefit Companies
When selecting vision insurance, many consumers focus solely on cost, assuming that the cheapest option is the best. While cost is certainly an important factor, it’s not the only one to consider when selecting a vision insurance plan.
The extent of coverage, network of providers, flexibility in choosing eyewear, and customer service are equally important aspects to evaluate. A lower-cost plan might offer limited benefits or have a restricted network of eye care professionals, which could result in higher out-of-pocket expenses down the line. When evaluating vision insurance options, consider all aspects of the coverage to ensure it meets your needs and provides good value.
Conclusion
There are many myths around eye health, vision, and vision insurance. It’s important to understand the facts to make good choices for your eye care, including when choosing vision insurance.
Vision insurance can be a valuable tool in maintaining eye health. Regular eye exams are crucial for maintaining good vision and monitoring overall eye health. Choosing the right insurance plan and eye care professional can significantly impact your vision health and overall well-being. VSP®’s plans offer a large nationwide network of providers and benefits that help you save money. Getting started with choosing a vision plan takes just a few moments.
Information received through VSP Individual Vision Plans’ social media channels is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, medical recommendations, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Reviewed by Dr. Valerie Sheety-Pilon:
Dr. Valerie Sheety-Pilon is Vice President of Clinical and Medical Affairs at VSP Vison Care where she helps drive strategic initiatives aimed at raising awareness about vision, eye health and its connection to overall wellness, while providing insight into medical advancements that seek to benefit patient care. She also provides oversight of VSP programs to address gaps in care for some of the most high-risk populations, including those living with diabetes.
With more than two decades of experience as a Doctor of Optometry, Dr. Sheety-Pilon has dedicated much of her time to clinical research across numerous ophthalmic subspecialties and has an established history of helping patients through novel therapeutic agents and clinical adoption of transformative technology in the areas of digital health, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices.
Prior to joining VSP Vision in 2019, Dr. Sheety-Pilon served as Adjunct Clinical Professor at Illinois College of Optometry, held various executive positions within the eye health industry, and has extensive experience managing and practicing within an ophthalmology and optometry practice.
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