Understanding your coverage.

Medical vs. vision insurance

Eye care can involve two different kinds of coverage. Understanding the difference explains why, as a medical eye care practice, we bill medical insurance — not vision plans.

Medical insurance covers the diagnosis and treatment of eye conditions and diseases — things like cataracts, glaucoma, dry eye, diabetic eye exams, and eye surgery. Vision insurance is a separate, routine-care benefit that typically covers a wellness eye exam and an allowance toward glasses or contact lenses.

Great Lakes Eye Care is a medical ophthalmology and optometry practice. Our care is billed through your medical insurance, and we do not accept vision insurance plans (such as VSP or EyeMed). If your visit is for a medical eye concern, your medical plan is what applies — and our team is glad to help you understand your coverage before you come in.

Local optometrists provide excellent routine vision care, which allows our specialists to focus on serious and complex medical eye conditions. If you have vision insurance and are looking for a routine exam or new glasses, we'd encourage you to see one of the many participating optometrists in the area.

Plans we accept

As a medical practice, Great Lakes Eye Care participates with most major medical insurance plans serving Southwest Michigan and Northern Indiana, including many Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and commercial plans. We do not participate with stand-alone vision plans. Because networks change and every plan is different, the surest way to confirm your coverage is to call us — or check with your insurer using our practice name and location.

Making the most of your benefits

• Bring your current medical insurance card (and a photo ID) to every visit.
• Remember that vision plans (VSP, EyeMed, and similar) cannot be applied here — your medical insurance is what covers your care.
• Some services and lens upgrades may not be covered; we'll always talk through costs with you first.
• If a referral or prior authorization is required by your plan, we'll help coordinate it.

Coverage information is provided as a general guide and can change. Participation in a given plan does not guarantee that a specific service will be covered — benefits are determined by your individual policy. Please verify your coverage with our office and your insurer before your visit.