Frequently Asked Questions

General Eye Exam Questions

I don’t wear glasses and can see fine! Why do I need an eye exam?

Getting an eye exam is part of a healthy person’s regular routine, whether your vision is 20/20 or requires correction. In addition to detecting glaucoma or cataracts, an eye exam may detect other health issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol – just to name a few. AARP® MyVision Care provided through EyeMed Plans offer all members an eye exam to ‘keep an eye’ on your health.

How often should I get an eye exam?

As with any type of ongoing health care, annual eye exams are a good rule of thumb unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

How long does an eye exam typically take?

We recommend that you plan for about one hour, to be on the safe side. Most appointments start and end within 30 minutes to one hour. If your eyesight requires multiple tests or if you have a more complex problem, the exam may run longer or require subsequent visits.

Why does the eye doctor perform so many tests?

Eye doctors perform various tests to examine all parts of the eye, as well as to gauge your overall health. Some procedures are designed to evaluate your vision, others allow the doctor to look at the structure of the eye, and still others help detect specific diseases. Visit www.EyeSiteOnWellness.com for additional information and videos about what to expect during an eye exam.

Product and Benefit Questions

What does the loss of sight benefit cover?

The Loss of Sight Rider allows for up to $25,000 for permanent and irrecoverable loss of sight due to Sickness or up to $10,000 due to Injury. Call EyeMed Customer Service at (844) 243-4584 for a claim form and filing instructions.

What does the diabetic benefit cover?

AARP® MyVision Care provided through EyeMed plan members who have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes are eligible to receive supplemental coverage for additional vision examinations from their vision provider. Exams are available up to two times per benefit year. For more information about this benefit, please contact the EyeMed Customer Care Service at (844) 243-4584.

Will I get a vision insurance ID card? How do I order replacements or extra cards?

Yes, we provide two (2) vision insurance ID cards upon enrollment in the AARP® MyVision Care plan, but you aren’t required to present the vision insurance card at the time of service. If you lose your card or need extras for your family, you can contact the EyeMed Customer Care Service at (844) 243-4584.

Is there a waiting period?

There are no waiting periods. Your vision plan benefits can be used on the first day of your effective date, which is the first of the month following your enrollment date. For example, if you purchase an AARP® MyVision Care provided through EyeMed plan on March 12, you can begin to use your benefits on April 1, your effective date.

Where can I go to use my vision plan benefits?

The EyeMed Vision Care directory of more than 54,000 independent and retail in-network vision providers and the locations where they practice can be accessed via the user-friendly Provider Locator or by calling the EyeMed Customer Care Service at (844)243-4584. Go online, and you can access turn-by-turn directions. Members can even download a mobile app to their iPhones or iPads for on-the-go access to our vision provider network. Be sure to choose “Advantage” in the list of network options. Benefits may also be used at any out-of-network provider.

Does AARP® MyVision Care provided through EyeMed offer any additional discounts?

At in-network providers, vision plan members receive 40% off additional prescription eyewear purchases, 15% off conventional contact lenses, and 20% off non-prescription sunglasses and accessories. Don’t like wearing glasses or contacts? No problem. AARP® MyVision Care provided through EyeMed plan also offers discounts on LASIK laser vision correction.

Are out-of-network benefits covered?

Coverage is provided, but members must pay for services first and file an out of network claim for reimbursement. Rather than use out-of-network providers, AARP® MyVision Care provided through EyeMed members already have access to a very large network of independent providers and retail locations. In fact, we have over 54,000 vision providers, many practicing at more than one location. Independent providers and providers affiliated with LensCrafters, Pearle Vision, and Target Optical are all represented on the EyeMed network. (Please note: out-of-network benefits generally cover less than in-network benefits, resulting in higher out-of-pocket expenses must be paid at the time of purchase.)

How do I submit a claim?

When you visit one of EyeMed’s in-network vision providers, the vision provider will take care of all of the paperwork. If you see an out-of-network provider, you’ll need to pay at the time of service. Login and download a claim form to send to us for reimbursement.

What is covered under my plan?

For plan details, please refer to your summary of benefits.

Can I get both glasses and contacts?

Depending on the plan selected, the policies will only cover glasses or contacts; however members can receive 40% off an additional complete pair of eyeglasses and a 15% discount off conventional contact lenses once the covered benefit has been used.

Can I get LASIK vision correction?

LASIK is offered at a 15% discount off the retail price or 5% off the promotional price for LASIK or PRK from the U.S. Laser Network, owned and operated by LCA Vision. It’s just an additional discount you receive as an AARP® MyVision Care provided through EyeMed member. Please refer to your summary of benefits for additional discounts. Contact the U.S. Laser Network online or by phone at 877-5-LASER-6[(877) 552-7376] to find a provider.

Who can I contact for help?

Call EyeMed at (844) 243-4584 during these hours:
Monday – Thursday: 7:00 am to 7:00 and Friday 7:00 am to 5:00 pm CDT

Option 1 – Talk to a product specialist about AARP® MyVision Care provided through EyeMed plans and coverage
Option 2 – Find out more about benefits and find a provider
Option 3 – Speak with a billing specialist regarding your billing, address updates or to make changes to you plan