What medicare covers... Medicare will pay an allowed amount for eyeglasses following cataract surgery. Medicare pays for examinations for medical purposes. Medicare will not pay for routine eye examinations, refractions, and deluxe eyeglass features. Patients are responsible for these charges. After cataract surgery, Medicare will pay 80% of the Medicare ALLOWABLE. They will also pay 80% of the Medicare ALLOWABLE toward lenses. If you have a secondary insurance, it will usually cover the remaining 20%. If you have Medicare only, the 20% difference plus any optional items you have selected will be your responsibility. When the retail price of the frame is OVER the allowable, the patient is charged the difference. UV filter coatings are a covered benefit. Tints, scratch resistant coatings, anti-reflective coatings, progressive lenses, Transitions and Photogrey lenses, oversize lenses and rimless charges areconsidered extras. Polycarbonate and high index lens materials are also considered patient responsibility. We make every effort to collect only what is necessary at the time we dispense your glasses to you. If your insurance pays more, you will be refunded; if your benefits pay less than expected, you will be billed for the balance.

Your Lenses…

Your lenses are individually ground according to the doctor’s prescription. Eyeglass prescriptions for routine correction are normally good for two years. We provide premium product lenses within a reasonable time, usually four to five working days.

Adjusting to Your Lenses...

Like wearing new lenses to wearing new shoes…meaning we suggest that you break them in for a minimum of one week. Things such as medications, a change in lens material (glass to plastic) or changing lenses for the first time in several years may cause discomfort.

If you are still having trouble after two weeks, please come into the optical shop at your convenience and we will triple-check the prescriptions, and if necessary, have the doctor re-examine you at no cost.

Glass Lenses…

Glass lenses are not often recommended because they are not as safe or durable as plastic or polycarbonate polymers. We have a policy prohibiting the sale of glass lenses to children.

Coatings…

Ultra Violet Coating is added protection against the sun’s harmful ultra violet rays. Scratch Coating is clear and adds another layer of protection and durability on plastic lenses. Certain brands are comparable to glass and have a two-year warranty. Anti-Reflective Coating alleviates the glare encountered from overhead lights, computer screens, and other surfaces which emit light in a reflective manner. These lenses are highly recommended for individuals experiencing difficulties with night driving.

Types of Lenses…

Photogrey lenses are made from glass. They are clear indoors, and change to a darker shade when they are outdoors or are exposed to cold temperatures. Transition lenses are made from plastic. They change from clear indoors to darker when outdoors. These lenses do not change when in an automobile. Polarized lenses are not coated or tinted, but have a “screen” laminate within the lens. They eliminate most harmful rays and offer the most visual acuity. This is the best lens for sunglasses.

Progressive (no-line) Lenses…

Progressive no-line lenses are dynamic lenses. While it is common to call them no-line bifocals, they are really a trifocal lens meaning there is a distant (road signs), intermediate (18-36 inches) and near (close) design area to accommodate your vision needs. If you find that you are unable to adjust, we have options. We can, 1) exchange your progressives for lined bifocals or trifocals at no charge (but no refund), or 2) give you a pair of single vision lenses to see either distant, intermediate, or near.

Sunglasses…

Sunglasses are very important to the health of the eye. Cataracts, macular degeneration, and glaucoma are all conditions worsened by not wearing sunglasses. Many of the over-the-counter types block certain light rays, but the majority do not offer substantial eye protection against all light situations. Light travels in wave lengths, much like the ripples on the surface of water, The waves are classified by color and how fast they move. A lens may be safe against infrared waves (which move slowly), but may not offer optimum protection against blue light waves (which move rapidly). While a lens may be advertised as having Ultraviolet protection, it is important to note that there are three levels of harmful UV light--A,B, and C. Because we live at altitude, our doctors recommend you protect your eyes with a quality pair of sunglasses.

We offer a fine selection of frames, including Clearvision, Oakley, Europa, Kenmark, Marcolin, and Silver Dollar just to name a few.