Why ‘Do You Take My Vision Insurance?’ Might Be the Wrong First Question

By Brianna Sosa

Ever notice that even with vision insurance your glasses still seem expensive? A pair of simple prescription glasses costs, on average, around $350. Most people shopping for eyewear only ask one question: “ Do you take my vision insurance?”  I mean, it feels like the smart thing to do. After all, insurance is supposed to save money… right? In this blog I will explain how vision insurance actually works, because once you see it clearly, you might look at it a little differently.

Imagine this: You work at a factory. The factory pays you, but it also owns the only store where you’re allowed to shop. Your paycheck comes from them… and so do the prices. They give you a “discount,” but the prices were set with that discount in mind. That’s not illegal, it’s just a company store.

You might be asking yourself, what does this have to do with my vision insurance?

Well here’s the part most people don’t realize:

Some of the biggest vision insurance plans are closely connected to the same companies that: Make the frames, make the lenses, own the labs, own the retail chains and decide how much is “covered”. Basically, the company selling you the insurance is often connected to the company selling you the glasses.

Why the Discount Doesn’t Feel Like a Deal

Have you ever noticed that your insurance only covers part of the frame? Or that you’re often nudged towards specific brands? The upgrades pile up quickly, and worse – the final price still feels… high. That is because the discount isn’t coming from savings, it's coming from control. When one system controls the insurance, the brands, and the pricing, the discount is often built into the math before you even walk in the door. Economists call this vertical integration and no, it's not illegal. 

To be fair, vision insurance feels comforting. You pay a small amount each month. You feel prepared and covered. For some people, especially those with very specific needs, it can be helpful. But for many folks who need glasses every year or two, don’t require specialty lenses and prefer choice over restrictions – paying directly often costs the same, or less. Without the fine print. 

The Hidden Cost of Speed and Volume

It’s also important to consider how insurance-paid lab work is made. Insurance labs work on volume. That means glasses are produced very quickly and in very large numbers. Their goal is speed, not careful customization. Now, while fast turnaround sounds appealing, accuracy, and consistency can suffer.

Eyeglasses require precision. Even small mistakes, such as a slight prescription error, lenses sitting in the wrong position, or measurements being off, can affect comfort, clarity, and cause eye strain or headaches. When this happens, people often have to return to the optician or even go back to the eye doctor to fix issues that shouldn’t have occurred in the first place.

Those extra visits come with real costs. Time away from work or school, gas and parking, follow-up appointments, long calls with customer service, and the frustration of starting over all add up. When you include these hidden costs, the insurance “covered” option can end up costing more than it appears at first glance.

How is Annapolis Opticians Different?

Independent opticians, like Annapolis Opticians, don’t own insurance companies. We don’t own frame factories. We don’t push brands because we’re told to. Every frame and brand is carefully picked out by us with the consumer in mind. That means that:

• Frames are priced honestly from the start

• Recommendations are based on fit, comfort, and vision

• You’re not limited to a short list of “approved” options

• The price you see isn’t built around a coupon

  
  

No shell game. No company store. No mystery math. 

Next time you shop for glasses, try asking this instead :

“What would this cost if I just paid directly?” 

You might be surprised how often the answer is “About the same, or less”. And you’ll know exactly where your money is going. 

Vision insurance isn’t a scam. It’s just a business model. But understanding that model gives you power – and choices. When it comes to your eyes, the best deal isn’t always the one with the biggest coupon. Sometimes it’s the one with the clearest explanation.