To the contact lens wearers in the Cary/Raleigh area... (insurance, how much) - Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Cary - North Carolina (NC) -The Triangle Area - City-Data Forum

des1rees · 03-03-2011, 11:06 AM

Is it normal for the eye dr to charge an additional $40 to check your contact lens prescription? I just called to make an appt with one, and was told it would be the co-pay AND then an additional $40 for the contact lens checkup - not the cost for the contact lens themselves, but to check for my contact lens prescription. Just trying to figure out if this is normal, and if so, then if it is $40 across the board?

Thanks for your posts...

D

gibsonlespaul · 03-03-2011, 11:18 AM

Sounds like a contact lense "fitting" charge. Eye Care Associates charged me for it but Insurance covered it- only paid $20 co-pay.

des1rees · 03-03-2011, 11:21 AM

I wonder if I walked in there and said all I want is an eye exam to make sure my prescription has not changed...no mention of contacts. Then would they still charge me the $40. I have been wearing contacts for the last 15 yrs. what fitting charge??? I pay the co-pay for the eye exam. Take my prescription. And then order online. Anyone done that?

boardjnky4 · 03-03-2011, 11:24 AM

Without the contact lens fitting they will not issue you a prescription for contact lenses.

If you feel that the Rx hasn't changed, feel free to use Vision Direct's UK website to order your contacts. They don't check your Rx with your doc, but the shipping and cost is probably more.

frankpc · 03-03-2011, 11:30 AM

Agreed, I've always been charged a contact lens fitting fee outside of a normal exam fee. No contact fitting fee, no script.

Frank

skaternum · 03-03-2011, 11:32 AM

Yes, it's normal. How your insurance company covers / handles it depends on your vision plan.

yellowbelle · 03-03-2011, 11:36 AM

I wear contacts and I've always been charged extra too. My husband only wears glasses, and he doesn't get the extra charge that I do.

Research how much your insurance covers. It might just be a separate copay and you don't have to pay the full $40 out of pocket.

janda001 · 03-03-2011, 01:47 PM

Just had an eye exam yesterday and I noticed on my bill that there was a charge for contact fitting but it was all charged to my insurance and I only had a $20 co-pay to deal with.

aphorista · 03-03-2011, 01:50 PM

I have paid that fee as well. However, after being a repeat customer, I was able to get my Eye Doctor to waive the fee.