VIS 6, 8, 12, 21: Comparing Vision Plans, How to Choose Benefits

August 17, 2019

When it comes to choosing a vision plan, you have options. Dental Select offers four vision plan options: VIS 6, 8, 12 and 21. With varying frame and lens allowances, frequencies, deductibles and co-pays – whatever your company’s preferences are, we have your employees covered. Essentially, it comes down to what plan works best for your group.

 

First, we recommend taking a look at your vision needs. Think about eye products that are in demand (frames, lenses, contact lenses) and how often? Also, what type of services (exam, contact lens fitting, LASIK or PRK)? All important factors to consider. Next, we’ve put together a side by side plan comparison, to help point out highlights and differences between each option. So read on to compare our broad plan offerings to see which fits your company’s needs best.

 

 

EyeMed Vision Plans

To begin, let’s cover some basic features that apply to all our plans. Dental Select’s vision products are provided through EyeMed Vision Care which offers nationwide access to more than 98,000 independent practitioners and optical retail providers at more than 25,000 locations across the country.  Our partnership with EyeMed helps provide your employees  added offerings, convenience and unparalleled network access.

 

With plans available throughout the United States, convenient access is offered across the nation. This includes some of your favorite leading optical retailers, such as:

Many locations are open 7 days per week, including evenings – so you’ll be able to get appointments scheduled at your convenience. Plus, EyeMed also offers additional programs like, ordering glasses and contact lenses online using in-network benefits through glasses.com and contactsdirect.com. Making some of your benefits accessible without leaving the comfort of your own home.

 

 

 

Vision Plan Comparison

 

VIS 6

As our most popular plan, this plan is also generally the lowest cost option. With minimal co-pays for exams and lenses and new frames allowance once every two years, this plan is ideal for employees and families looking for just enough coverage without a higher premium.

 

Features:

  • Exams and lenses every 12 months, with frames every 24 months.
  • No co-pay for frames, and $100 allowance for any frame plus a 20% discount off balance over $100.
  • 40% discount off additional complete pair of prescription eyeglass purchases and 15% off conventional contact lenses once the funded benefit has been used.

 

Benefit Frequencies

Eye Exam: 1x every 12 months
Frames: 1x every 24 months
Glasses Lenses OR Contacts: 1x every 12 months

Learn more here.

 

 

VIS 8

Vis 8 comes stacked with benefits, giving your employees the vision coverage they’ve been looking for. Touting exams, frames AND contact lenses once every 12 months, your group’s vision needs will be well taken care of. Allowances for contact lenses are high ($200), which makes this plan a great option for regular contact lens wearers. Plus there are no co-pays on exams and basic lenses, and did we mention coverage for glasses lenses and contacts in the same benefit year?

 

Features:

  • Exams, frames, lenses and contact lenses will have benefits once every 12 months.
  • No copay for frames, and $100 allowance for any frame plus a 20% discount off balance over $100.
  • 40% discount off additional complete pair of prescription eyeglass purchases and 15% off conventional contact lenses once the funded benefit has been used.

 

Benefit Frequencies

Eye Exam: 1x every 12 months
Frames: 1x every 12 months
Glasses Lenses AND Contacts: 1x every 12 months

Learn more here.

 

 

VIS 12

Ideal for those who are looking for all-around, annual coverage with minimal copays. This plan offers yearly coverage for exams, frames, and lenses and contact lenses. Plus, this is another great plan where employees can get glasses AND contacts lenses in the same year – boasting a $120 contact lens allowance and $100 frame allowance, every 12 months.

 

Features:

  • Exams, frames, lenses and contact lenses will have benefits once every 12 months.
  • No copay for frames, $100 allowance for any frame plus a 20% discount off balance over $100.
  • 40% discount off additional complete pair of prescription eyeglass purchases and 15% off conventional contact lenses once the funded benefit has been used.

 

Benefit Frequencies

Eye Exam: 1x every 12 months
Frames: 1x every 12 months
Glasses Lenses AND Contacts: 1x every 12 months

Learn more here.

 

 

VIS 21

PLENTY OF COVERAGE

This plan includes a higher ($130) annual allowance for frames, making this a frontrunner for glasses wearers and frame aficionados. And as for contact lenses, VIS 21 includes $150 allowance that can be used once every 12 months in lieu of frames. In short, this plan offers plenty of coverage. Plus, employees will receive annual coverage frequencies for exams, frames, and lenses or contact lenses.

 

Features:

  • Exams, frames and lenses or contact lenses will have benefits once every 12 months.
  • No copay for frames, and $130 allowance for any frame plus a 20% discount off balance over $130.
  • 40% discount off additional complete pair of prescription eyeglass purchases and 15% off conventional contact lenses once the funded benefit has been used.

 

Benefit Frequencies

Eye Exam: 1x every 12 months
Frames: 1x every 12 months
Glasses Lenses OR Contacts: 1x every 12 months

Learn more here.

 

 

Read more about our vision plans here.