Doctors:Best way to get eye-care, use insurance or go to lenscrafters?

[scottmandue]

My conundrum: I have insurance at work (VSP) that has a nominal co-pay however I know I am going to need new glasses and I alway feel like I am paying through the nose for frames and lens at the doctors office.
I just got an offer in the mail from lenscrafters however they don't take my insurance so the full blown eye exam is $105. I may save that much on frames and lens however the last time I shopped there they didn't seem cheap either.

Perhaps you doctors and/or you folks who have been wearing glasses for a long time can give me insight (no pun intended) as to which is the better way to go.

I'm lazy so I only get my eyes checked ever three to five years so I have only gone through this a few times.

Thanks,
Scott

[BlueSkyJaunte]

If your eyes have zero value, sure, go to Lenscrappers and have them do their schtick.

[scottmandue]

Originally posted by BlueSkyJaunte
If your eyes have zero value,

Hmmm, how much does an eyeball go for nowadays?
As much as a kidney?

[sammyg2]

I have VSP also, I go to the optometric college in Fullerton.
3rd or 4th year students do the exam and then a real optometrist comes in ands re-checks everything.
Total cost for a full exam and a new pair of glasses with upgraded frames and lenses, $25.

[scottmandue]

Wonder if there is a collage up my way that does that?

I think that is how my parents got my braces done, drove me up to the USC dental school.

[scottmandue]

FWIW I was about to call the doctor to set up an appt. but then I got this thing in the mail so I thought I would bounce the idea off you all.

[RickM]

VSP will reimburse you for Contact lenses, frames and lenses. Yes, it'll me more out of your pocket but you'll have more freedome. Also, some reputable doctors are in the VSP network...they have a locator tool on their website.

I went to Costco and got a couple of nice italian frames with lenses for a decent price. The 1 year guarantee is better than most places.
To double check the labs work simply bring your new glasses to your doc and ask them to verify magnification and the focal points on the lenses (they have a reader to do this). If they have a problem with your request then go to another doctor.

[fastpat]

This depends on your own health state, and your family history. A MD will have the equipment to check for glaucoma and macular degeneration, which an optician at Lenscrafters will probably not have.

[BlueSkyJaunte]

Originally posted by fastpat
A MD will have the equipment to check for glaucoma and macular degeneration, which an optician at Lenscrafters will probably not have.

Not to mention an education...

[scottmandue]

I have heard about the Costco option also, however I am not member and not going to join just to save a few bucks on glasses.

[Dixie]

Lenscrafters (and such) will tell say you need glasses. Even of you don't need them. Per my wife's first-hand experience.

[scottmandue]

That is also what I suspected... I called the doctor and made an appointment.

[LeeH]

Originally posted by Capt. Carrera
Lenscrafters (and such) will tell say you need glasses. Even of you don't need them. Per my wife's first-hand experience.

Same thing happened to me at an opthamologists office. When I walked in the first thing they asked was if I wanted contacts or glasses. I said "Neither." They looked at me like I was from outer space when I said I was just there for a checkup.

We did the whole thorough checkup including the photoscan of the retina. The doc starts to tell me how he could give me a prescription that would improve my vision... I told him I could see fine, but he still suggested my vision would be perfect with glasses. I asked how my eyes tested. He said, "You have 20/20 vision, but it's on the weak side of 20/20.

[Big Ed]

dude, make an appt. with the doc. get the prescription if correction is necessary. If the doc wants too much for the glasses, THEN go to lenscrapters. But get the exam from some non-schmuck.

[JavaBrewer]

Originally posted by scottmandue
I have heard about the Costco option also, however I am not member and not going to join just to save a few bucks on glasses.

Ooooh, but you don't know what you're missing. Where else can I get a beautiful fresh cut of Salmon, a good bottle of wine, a large bag of Starbucks beans, a stainless tool chest, and a couple pair of Ralph Lauren shorts under the same roof?

Forgot to mention the tires, travel deals, new auto programs, and the $1.50 Polish dog with soda.

[charlesbahn]

There is a lot of confusion about eye care professionals. I am an Ophthalmologist so I am biased.

An Ophthalmologist is a Doctor of Medicine (MD) who goes to medical school (4 yrs), does an internship in general medical care or surgery (1 yr), and then does residency training in medical and surgical care of the eye (3 years). Many also do a subsequent fellowship in a subspeciality such as glaucoma or retina (1-2 years). The training, strict licensure, and continuing medical education requirements of Ophthalmologists pretty much assures consistancy and competence in the profession.

An Optometrist goes to an Optometric School after college (3-4years) where the emphasis is mainly on the diagnosis and treatment of refractive aspects of the visual system (glasses and contacts). They also receive some training in the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions of the eye. More recenctly some states have begun to permit optometrists to prescribe medications. I have found that the ability of an Optometrist to diagnose and treat medical conditions affecting the eye vary considerably with their education and interests. Some are excellent, some not so good. They do not perform surgery.

An optician has technical training to measure and make glasses. Their training varies considerably and is frequently "on the job training." Again some are really good, others less so.

In selecting an eyecare professional, you should go to someone you feel comfortable with. If you go to a practice that has an optical shop on site, there is a natural bias for that practice to steer you in that direction.

I personally examine eyes and provide the patient my best advice about the options they have for correcting their vision. I give them prescriptions but do not make or sell glasses. I do sell contacts, but am happy to provide a prescription for 1800contactlenses if the patient wishes. I will recommend local optometrists and opticians if asked. I will always check a patients glasses after they are made, and work with the optician if there are any problems.