I went into Alvernon Optical today because they are listed as an in-network provider for my employer’s vision benefits plan.
The shop was clean, the staff friendly and the selection of frames was good. I told the young man who assisted me that I needed a new pair of glasses and that while I did have a vision benefits plan I was on a budget. He understood and was very helpful in assisting me with viewing a selection of frames while the secretary checked to find out what my vision plan benefits would cover.
I had with me my prescription so I did not need an eye exam but I did have two problems with this business.
First, I found out the frames I wanted had two prices - $140 for people without insurance and $185 for people with insurance. Hmmm... Why charge me more just because I have insurance?
Second, after my consultation I was told that after my insurance allowable I was going to have an out-of-pocket expense of $307 dollars for one pair of eyeglasses. I thanked him for his time but let him know I was not happy with that price. I informed him that I had gone to another local optical dispensary (who was a non-network provider for my vision benefit plan). Using the same prescription I had been quoted $318 for two pair of prescription glasses (one pair of regular eyeglasses and one pair of prescription sunglasses). After my out-of-network reimbursement of $105 I would have a net cost of $202 for both eyeglasses and sunglasses. He asked who and after told him he returned the prescription and I left the store a satisfied customer. Even though I was not going to get my glasses there I was certainly pleased with my experience and probably would recommend this business.
After lunch, however, I checked my vision benefits plan website and found that my eligibility status had changed from that morning – now it said I was not eligible for benefits. I called and found out it was because Alvernon Optical had pulled authorization. They told me to call the store and ask them to release the hold so I could get my glasses elsewhere. I did and a less that friendly gentleman told me "we'll take care of it" and hung up while I was still speaking. Two hours later they still had not called to release their authorization so I had my benefit plan Customer Service Department call and force a release of the authorization.
I realize Alvernon Optical had to contact my insurance to verify my eligibility and to determine my benefits. My problem was they were not as attentive about releasing the authorization on my insurance as they were in obtaining the authorization. Even after I had called and requested they do so. I was also dissatisfied by the fact that they were not at all bashful about charging me a higher price because I have insurance.
I do not recommend Alvernon Optical.
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