WHAT IS A ROUTINE EYE EXAM?
A routine eye exam is defined by insurance companies as an office visit for the purpose of checking vision, screening for eye disease, and/or updating eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions. Routine eye exams produce a final diagnosis, like nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism. Vision insurance plans provide coverage for routine exams, glasses and contact lenses, or at least provide some type of discounts on your doctor’s fees.
A routine eye exam is billed to your vision insurance plan. By law, Medicare does not pay for routine vision exams.

WHAT IS A MEDICAL EYE EXAM?
A medical eye exam produces a diagnosis, such as conjunctivitis, dry eye, glaucoma, or cataracts, to name a few. Depending on your policy, your medical insurance may cover a medical exam, but not pay for the exam if it is a routine eye exam. Examinations for medical eye care, assessment of an eye complaint, or to follow up on an existing medical condition are billed to your medical insurance plan.

WHAT ARE REFRACTION FEES?
A refraction is the part of an office visit that determines your eyeglass prescription.

It typically involves questions like:
“Which is clearer – option one or option two?” as different lens combinations are shown to you.
Vision insurance policies generally cover both the eye exam and the refraction.
Medical Insurance will not cover the cost of the refraction.