Typically, government employees or select tech companies have access to highly upgraded vision plans that include the highest levels of material coverage. However, in roughly 99% of plans that we come across, this level of coverage is not typical.

For complete clarity, standard vision insurance covers only a “base” plastic lens, a material first commercialized in 1950. Over the past 75 years, lens technology has advanced dramatically, and we only prescribe the latest lens designs. The following benefits are not available with a “base” plastic lens:

• Computerized lens curves to reduce peripheral distortion

• Reading boosts to assist near vision or reduce eye strain

• Comfort curves to help ease subtle eye misalignments

• Anti-glare coatings to improve clarity and night vision (even the camera on your phone has this coating)

• Blue-light filtering to reduce exposure from sunlight and digital screens and to support the circadian rhythm

• Thinner, lighter lenses

• Scratch-resistant protection

At our practice, we only prescribe lenses that meet modern standards of vision, comfort, and eye health. As a patient, you should expect nothing less from your eye care professional.

That said, confusion can still arise regarding what “base” lens coverage truly means. A few helpful analogies:

• Tires: Needing new tires and asking America’s Tire to install the lowest-quality tires available. In reality, they won’t offer them because of safety and performance concerns. 

• Auto insurance: Choosing the absolute legal minimum coverage. This is risky if an accident occurs.

• Smartphones: Expecting a modern smartphone to function without a high-resolution screen, scratch-resistant glass, or camera coatings—it would technically work, but no one would consider it acceptable today.

• Mattresses: Buying the cheapest mattress available and expecting proper support and long-term comfort; it meets the minimum requirement but fails your body in the long run.

Vision is no different. Meeting the minimum is not the same as receiving appropriate care.