Vision benefits
Vision benefits generally help with routine vision examinations, glasses, or contact lenses. Benefits, allowances, and how often you can use them vary by plan.
Patient guide
Prepare for Your Visit
A little preparation can make your appointment easier. Start with the checklist below, then review what to expect and how to confirm your coverage.
A simple checklist for your visit
- Photo identification and your current medical and vision insurance cards.
- Your glasses, including reading and computer glasses.
- Your contact lens boxes or current lens prescription, if applicable.
- A list of medications, eye drops, and allergies.
- Relevant eye records and information about previous eye procedures.
- Sunglasses and any questions you would like to discuss with your doctor.
New patients & paperwork
Call your office before your first visit to ask about current forms, records, and arrival instructions. If the office sends you paperwork, follow the instructions provided.
Let the team know in advance if you need language or accessibility assistance. Please do not send medical records, insurance identification numbers, or sensitive health information through the website’s general-question form.
Find your office’s phone number →What to expect
Your doctor will discuss your vision and health history, assess your eyesight, and examine your eye health. Testing and follow-up recommendations depend on your individual needs. Ask the office how much time to allow for your appointment.
Planning for dilation
Your doctor will discuss whether dilation is recommended. Dilating drops can cause blurred vision and light sensitivity for several hours. Bring sunglasses and arrange a ride home if your eyes will be dilated. Reading, screen work, and other tasks may be more difficult until the drops wear off; plan your day accordingly and do not drive while your vision is affected.
Coming in for contact lenses?
Tell the office when scheduling that you would like a contact lens evaluation. Bring your current lens brand and prescription details, your glasses, and a lens case. Ask whether you should wear your lenses to the appointment and whether any additional time or fees apply.
If you are new to contact lenses, let the team know so they can explain the fitting process and any instruction or follow-up visits that may be needed.
Understand your insurance before your visit
We do not accept Medicaid and are not in-network with Medicaid plans. Please call your office if you have questions about your coverage.
Medical insurance
Medical insurance may apply when a visit involves an eye health concern or medical condition. Coverage depends on the reason for the visit, services provided, and your specific plan.
Bring both cards even if you are coming in for a routine examination. Vision and medical plans can have different provider networks. Having one type of coverage does not automatically mean a service is covered under the other.
Before your appointment, confirm:
- Your exact plan: Give the office your insurer and full plan name. Confirm network status for your doctor, office, and planned services with both the office and your insurer.
- Your benefits: Ask your insurer about eligibility, benefit frequency, and any referral or authorization requirements.
- Your costs: Ask about copays, deductibles, coinsurance, and separate charges for refraction, contact lens evaluations, testing, or eyewear.
Insurance verification is not a guarantee of payment. Your plan determines covered benefits and your share of the cost. If you do not have insurance, call your office to discuss self-pay fees before your visit.
More insurance and billing questions →Confirm where you’re going
Check the office location on your appointment confirmation. During the Libbie Place renovations, please call to confirm your appointment location if you are unsure.
Short Pump: address & directions →Glen Allen: address & directions →Libbie Place: address & directions →
Need to schedule, change, or cancel a visit? Call the office where your appointment is scheduled.
View Office Phone Numbers →