GlossaryofVisionTerms
QuickLinks
» Base Plan
» Computer VisionCare Optional Plan Enhancement
» Contact Lens Allowance
» Co-Pay
» Dependent Age Limit
» Employer Sponsored
» Enhancement
» Frame Allowance
» Frequency
» In-Network
» Lined Bifocals
» Lined Trifocals
» Photochromic Lenses
» Polycarbonates Lenses
» Progressive (No-Line) Lens Optional Plan Enhancement
» Out-of-Network
» Single Vision Lenses
» Tints
» UV Protection
» Voluntary
» WellVision Exam
Base Plan
Standard, shelf-rated plans. There are currently four base plans: Premier, Deluxe, Classic & Traditional.
Computer VisionCare Optional Plan Enhancement
This is an enhancement that can be added to any base plan and is only available to the primary member. It includes a limited level supplemental eye exam (which addresses the specific visual needs for computer use) and an extra pair of glasses (available only when the member has been diagnosed by an eye care professional as having a vision condition affecting computer use).
Contact Lens Allowance
The dollar amount that the plan will pay towards contacts and/or the contact lens exam. Members will also receive a 15% discount on the contact lens exam.
Co-Pay
A specific amount the member pays the VSP doctor for an exam and/or lenses at their appointment. Only applicable to In-Network services.
Dependent Age Limit
Dependent children can be covered until the end of the month they turn age 26.
Employer Sponsored
A type of plan where the employer pays all or part of the member premiums. These plans require that the employer pay at least 51% of the premium and at least 75% participation of eligible employees. Minimum group size of 2 members.
Enhancement
This is an option for additional covered benefits that can be added to any base plan for a small cost. Current enhancements are Computer VisionCare and Progressive Lenses.
Frame Allowance
The dollar amount that the plan will pay towards frames. Members will receive a 20% discount off any amount over the allowance.
Frequency
This is how often a member can receive services, since the last time they received services. For example, members are eligible for a WellVision Exam every 12 months. If they had their last exam on 12/15/11, they will be eligible for their next exam on 12/1/12.
In-Network
To get the best benefits, members must use the VSP Signature network of providers.
Lined Bifocals
A type of spectacle or contact lens design that includes two focal areas: one for near and one for distance. Also known as multi-focal lenses.
Lined Trifocals
A type of spectacle or contact lens design that includes three focal areas: usually a reading lens, a lens for far away viewing and a lens for mid-distance viewing. Also known as multi-focal lenses.
Photochromic Lenses
These lenses darken in the sun and lighten inside. UV protection is built in, and they may be made of either glass or plastic. Also known as Transitional lenses.
Polycarbonate Lenses
A lens material that is thinner, lighter and more impact resistant than standard plastic. They are the standard for children’s eyewear.
Progressive (No-Line) Lens Optional Plan Enhancement
This is an enhancement that can be added to any base plan. Bifocal or Trifocal (multi-focal) lenses with no visible lines where the lens gradually changes from distance to near. The viewing zones gradually blend into each other. Standard, Premium & Custom Progressive Lenses – Different levels of Progressive Lens options, based on brand and pricing of the lenses.
Out-of-Network
This is any provider that is not a VSP provider (not in the VSP network). Members can use out-of-network providers, but they will be required to pay the provider in full at the time of service. Members can then apply for a partial reimbursement directly from VSP. Claims must be filed within 6 months of the date of service. Members may receive reimbursement up to the allowed amount, after any applicable co-pay.
Single Vision Lenses
A type of spectacle or contact lens that corrects one vision problem, like near or farsightedness.
Tints
A lens option where the lenses are either all one color (solid tint), or lenses that are dark at the top and light at the bottom (gradient tint).
UV Protection
The degree to which a lens or its coating protects the eye from the sun’s harmful rays.
Voluntary
A type of plan that does not require a minimum employee participation level. Usually the employee pays for his or her own premiums. Minimum group size of 2.
WellVision Exam
A WellVision Exam is something only VSP can offer. VSP doctors do much more than a quick check of your eyes. They'll carefully look for eye problems and other health conditions.
» Base Plan
» Computer VisionCare Optional Plan Enhancement
» Contact Lens Allowance
» Co-Pay
» Dependent Age Limit
» Employer Sponsored
» Enhancement
» Frame Allowance
» Frequency
» In-Network
» Lined Bifocals
» Lined Trifocals
» Photochromic Lenses
» Polycarbonates Lenses
» Progressive (No-Line) Lens Optional Plan Enhancement
» Out-of-Network
» Single Vision Lenses
» Tints
» UV Protection
» Voluntary
» WellVision Exam
Base Plan
Standard, shelf-rated plans. There are currently four base plans: Premier, Deluxe, Classic & Traditional.
Computer VisionCare Optional Plan Enhancement
This is an enhancement that can be added to any base plan and is only available to the primary member. It includes a limited level supplemental eye exam (which addresses the specific visual needs for computer use) and an extra pair of glasses (available only when the member has been diagnosed by an eye care professional as having a vision condition affecting computer use).
Contact Lens Allowance
The dollar amount that the plan will pay towards contacts and/or the contact lens exam. Members will also receive a 15% discount on the contact lens exam.
Co-Pay
A specific amount the member pays the VSP doctor for an exam and/or lenses at their appointment. Only applicable to In-Network services.
Dependent Age Limit
Dependent children can be covered until the end of the month they turn age 26.
Employer Sponsored
A type of plan where the employer pays all or part of the member premiums. These plans require that the employer pay at least 51% of the premium and at least 75% participation of eligible employees. Minimum group size of 2 members.
Enhancement
This is an option for additional covered benefits that can be added to any base plan for a small cost. Current enhancements are Computer VisionCare and Progressive Lenses.
Frame Allowance
The dollar amount that the plan will pay towards frames. Members will receive a 20% discount off any amount over the allowance.
Frequency
This is how often a member can receive services, since the last time they received services. For example, members are eligible for a WellVision Exam every 12 months. If they had their last exam on 12/15/11, they will be eligible for their next exam on 12/1/12.
In-Network
To get the best benefits, members must use the VSP Signature network of providers.
Lined Bifocals
A type of spectacle or contact lens design that includes two focal areas: one for near and one for distance. Also known as multi-focal lenses.
Lined Trifocals
A type of spectacle or contact lens design that includes three focal areas: usually a reading lens, a lens for far away viewing and a lens for mid-distance viewing. Also known as multi-focal lenses.
Photochromic Lenses
These lenses darken in the sun and lighten inside. UV protection is built in, and they may be made of either glass or plastic. Also known as Transitional lenses.
Polycarbonate Lenses
A lens material that is thinner, lighter and more impact resistant than standard plastic. They are the standard for children’s eyewear.
Progressive (No-Line) Lens Optional Plan Enhancement
This is an enhancement that can be added to any base plan. Bifocal or Trifocal (multi-focal) lenses with no visible lines where the lens gradually changes from distance to near. The viewing zones gradually blend into each other. Standard, Premium & Custom Progressive Lenses – Different levels of Progressive Lens options, based on brand and pricing of the lenses.
Out-of-Network
This is any provider that is not a VSP provider (not in the VSP network). Members can use out-of-network providers, but they will be required to pay the provider in full at the time of service. Members can then apply for a partial reimbursement directly from VSP. Claims must be filed within 6 months of the date of service. Members may receive reimbursement up to the allowed amount, after any applicable co-pay.
Single Vision Lenses
A type of spectacle or contact lens that corrects one vision problem, like near or farsightedness.
Tints
A lens option where the lenses are either all one color (solid tint), or lenses that are dark at the top and light at the bottom (gradient tint).
UV Protection
The degree to which a lens or its coating protects the eye from the sun’s harmful rays.
Voluntary
A type of plan that does not require a minimum employee participation level. Usually the employee pays for his or her own premiums. Minimum group size of 2.
WellVision Exam
A WellVision Exam is something only VSP can offer. VSP doctors do much more than a quick check of your eyes. They'll carefully look for eye problems and other health conditions.