(no subject)

[geminigirl]

Can anyone here tell me what's different about a "contact lens appointment" as opposed to a "routine eye exam?"

I've worn contacts on and off for ten years or more, and can't ever recall the doctor doing anything different at an appointment regarding contact lenses as opposed to a regular appointment, and I'm trying to find out why my HMO wants to charge me more than three times as much for a contact lens appointment than a regular eye exam.

I'd ask the woman I spoke to on the phone, but well, she couldn't even seem to get that the numbers on my insurance card are xxyy...she got stuck on the second y. And couldn't explain to me anything different. I'd have been satisfied with "the contact lens exam covers the initial visit and the follow up visits" or something like that, so I don't have to pay the co-pay three times or something like that.

I'll try again this evening or tomorrow morning.

Comments

[messyjessy.livejournal.com]

I think during the "contact lens" exam they measure your eyeball so that the lens fits in there correctly. Plus they do extra vision tests - with your lenses in, with your glasses on & with your naked eyes.

Doesn't seem to be worth 3x more tho ...

[geminigirl]

Yeah, that's what I'm thinking...I'm thinking that considering what my HMO charges me for my lenses (well over $200) and the appointment, (and quite possibly for any follow up appointments) it may be cheaper to go elsewhere for it. Might have to call For Eyes or something.

[mskathy.livejournal.com]

fwiw, it's always cheaper for me to pay out of pocket for contacts.

And, the appt is always explained to me as a "fitting" appt so the lenses fit right, which is what your other responder said :)

[geminigirl]

I'm seriously thinking I'll pay out of pocket for the lenses next time...my glasses too, I think. But it's the exam...all I want to know is what's different, what's covered, and I can't get an answer.

[tisiphone.livejournal.com]

I dunno, they usually do my contact lens fittings at the same time as my eye exam. It does cost like, $20 extra though. I willingly pay the price to not look like a dork.

[rockstargrrl.livejournal.com]

when i've had initial eye exams, they ask specifically if it's for contacts or not. if it does involve contacts, they measure my eye and the diameter, as well as the curvature of the lenses needed - it's a fitting for contact lenses in addition to checking your prescription. then once you get lenses, you go in for a follow up and ensure the right fit and prescription.

[cliftongk1.livejournal.com]

During a regular eye exam, they'll check the diopter (prescription strength for your correction) as well as usually run a routine glaucoma test and sometimes a retinal check as well.
During a contact lens exam, the doctor also must check the axis and cylinder measurements of the eye to determine the proper curvature and fit for your lenses. In addition, with a contact exam, there is more time taken to examine the capillaries surrounding the iris, since improper care or wearing of contact lenses can lead to capillary spread to bring more oxygen to the eye.