Frequently Asked Questions
For answers to frequently asked questions, please select a category from the drop-down above.
Are there any age limits?
No.
Since this isn't insurance, then who guarantees claims will be paid?
The doctors assume all financial risk.
My state doesn't currently offer Vision Care Direct. How can I sign up?
At this time we can not assist you. Check back as we are adding states all the time.
Do I need an ID card?
An ID card will be issued, but it is not necessary to obtain services. You can always download a duplicate copy from the Members section at www.visioncaredirect.com.
How do I obtain services?
Locate a provider at www.visioncaredirect.com. Let the office know when you call that you are on Vision Care Direct.
Who is Vision Care Direct?
Vision Care Direct is the nation's fastest growing Optometrist managed vision plan on the market. We currently have over 5,000,000 people who access our doctor network for care.
Can I change the plan if I decide I want other benefits than what I selected?
Not until the plan renews although you may contact our Client Services team at 877-823-2552 and discuss your options.
What kind of savings can I expect?
You can expect significant savings at time of service as illustrated below:
Services Received Retail VCD 100 Savings
Comprehensive Exam $120 $15
Frame 150 50
Lens - bifocal lens 110 15
COST AT TIME OF SERVICE $380 $80 79%!
Cost of plan - individual 179
TOTAL COST WITH PLAN $259 32%
For illustrative purposes only – actual savings may vary
Does this plan cover coatings and tints?
No, those are cosmetic options and you will pay the doctor's retail price.
Does this plan cover polycarbonate lenses for my children?
Not at this time. You will pay the difference between a standard lens price (which is covered) and the polycarbonate. This is approximately $75.
What am I responsible for at time of service?
$15 for an exam and $15 for materials depending on the plan you have enrolled in. Plus you are responsible for add-on's and enhancements, excesses above allowances, and possibly a contact lens fitting fee.
Does the plan cover medically necessary contact lenses?
Yes. There is a $250 allowance for medically necessary contact lenses.
Am I limited to certain frames?
No - you can select any frame from the provider's inventory.
Are contact lens fitting fees covered?
In select states (Missouri & Arizona), you can use the contact lens allowance towards the fitting fee. Otherwise it is your financial responsibility.
Can I buy as many pairs of glasses I want?
The plans with materials benefits cover one pair of glasses per year OR contact lens up to the allowance. You can purchase multiple plans to obtain additional materials.
Can I cancel at any time?
No. This is a membership plan with a one-year commitment.
What if I become eligible for another vision plan after I enroll in Vision Care Direct. Can I cancel the VCD plan?
If you have not used your VCD benefits, you can cancel in this situation with a return of contributions. If you have used your benefits, we can not cancel you until the plan renews.
Can I change the plan if I decide I want other benefits than what I selected?
Not until the plan renews although you may contact our Client Services team at 877-823-2552 and discuss your options.
Do I need a claim form?
No, your doctor will file a claim with us after you have received services.
Does the plan cover medically necessary contact lenses?
Yes. There is a $250 allowance for medically necessary contact lenses.
What if I wear both contact lenses and glasses? Can I get both?
The plan covers glasses OR contact lenses. If you need both, you can enroll in a Complete plan AND a Materials Only plan (two separate enrollments on-line).
What if I wear both contact lenses and glasses? Can I get both?
The plan covers glasses OR contact lenses. If you need both, you can enroll in a Complete plan AND a Materials Only plan (two separate enrollments on-line).
Who do I call for customer service?
For claims, call 877-488-8900. For other needs call our Client Services team at 877-823-2552.
Can I put myself on one plan and my kids on another?
Only if you sign up for two plans. One for yourself, and one for your children.
Can I sign up my kids and not myself?
Yes.
To what age can my children stay on the plan?
Children can stay on the vision plan as long as they are financially dependent on you and either live in your home or are away at college.
What if I need to see an eye doctor and I’m traveling?
Access our multi-state provider directory at www.visioncaredirect.com or call 877-823-2552 for assistance.
How do I enroll?
There are two ways to enroll:
- Sign up on-line at www.visioncaredirect.com
- Download a paper application at www.visioncaredirect.com
Downloading a paper application costs more as the 10% on-line discount will not apply.
Can I put myself on one plan and my kids on another?
Only if you sign up for two plans. One for yourself, and one for your children.
Can I sign up my kids and not myself?
Yes.
Do I have to provide my children or spouses SS# if adding as a dependent?
No.
How long is this plan?
This is an annual membership plan for 12 months.
Can I pay monthly and how?
Yes, you can download an application from www.visioncaredirect.com or call 877-823-2552 to have an application mailed to you.
How soon after I enroll can I see the doctor?
Once your account is activated (on-line is immediate), you can obtain services.
Where do I send the paper application?
The application is at the top of the paper application.
Do I have to provide a social security number?
At this time, yes.
Are there any age limits?
No.
To what age can my children stay on the plan?
Children can stay on the vision plan as long as they are financially dependent on you and either live in your home or are away at college.
Am I limited to certain frames?
No - you can select any frame from the provider's inventory.
Do I need an ID card?
An ID card will be issued, but it is not necessary to obtain services. You can always download a duplicate copy from the Members section at www.visioncaredirect.com.
Is this insurance?
No, this is a membership plan.
Since this isn't insurance, then who guarantees claims will be paid?
The doctors assume all financial risk.
What if I'm on Medicare?
You can enroll in Vision Care Direct even if on Medicare.
Can I pay monthly and how?
Only through a paper application although you will not receive the 10% internet discount. You can download an application from www.visioncaredirect.com or call 877-823-2552 to have an application mailed to you.
Does this plan cover polycarbonate lenses for my children?
Not at this time. You will pay the difference between a standard lens price (which is covered) and the polycarbonate. This is approximately $75.
Where can I find a list of doctors?
Are retail stores on your plan?
No, only private practice doctors. You must see a Vision Care Direct doctor; a list can be found at www.visioncaredirect.com
Where can I find a list of doctors?
How do I obtain services?
Locate a provider at www.visioncaredirect.com. Let the office know when you call that you are on Vision Care Direct.
Can I go to any doctor I want?
No, you must obtain services from a Vision Care Direct doctor. You can find a doctor at www.visioncaredirect.com.
What if I need to see an eye doctor and I’m traveling?
Access our multi-state provider directory at www.visioncaredirect.com or call 877-823-2552 for assistance.
Will this plan automatically renew?
If purchasing via www.visioncaredirect.com, a renewal letter will be mailed to you prior to the end of the first 12 months. You will need to confirm your intent to renew. If purchasing on monthly bank draft, renewal automatically occurs.
Are retail stores on your plan?
No, only private practice doctors. You must see a Vision Care Direct doctor; a list can be found at www.visioncaredirect.com.
My state doesn't currently offer Vision Care Direct. How can I sign up?
At this time we cannot assist you. Check back as we are adding states all the time.
Does this plan cover coatings and tints?
No, those are cosmetic options and you will pay the doctor's retail price.
What if I need to see an eye doctor and I’m traveling?
Access our multi-state provider directory at www.visioncaredirect.com or call 877-823-2552 for assistance.
Is there a waiting period?
No. Once your account is activated (on-line is immediate), you can obtain services.
Do I have to provide a social security number?
At this time, yes.
Do I have to provide my children or spouses SS# if adding as a dependent?
No.