Vision Benefits of America
300 Weyman Plaza, Suite 400
Pittsburgh, PA
15236-1588

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

To Our Covered Members:

In order that we might assist you in using your VBA Vision Benefits, we’ve compiled the following most frequently asked questions and answers.It is our hope that this will provide you with a better understanding of how the program works and of what you must do to receive the maximum benefit.

Question What is the benefit of using a VBA Participating Provider?
Answer Every VBA Participating Provider location must have either a licensed practicing Doctor of Optometry or Ophthalmology associated with it. Each has agreed to accept VBA’s fee as full payment for their services and adhere to VBA’s comprehensive examination standards. Additionally, all lenses will be fabricated at one of VBA’ Approved Optical Labs, where both the cost and the quality are strictly controlled.
   
Question Who are the VBA Participating Providers in my area?
Answer VBA represents one of the most comprehensive networks of Optometrists, Ophthalmologists and well known Retail Optical Stores in the nation. An up-to-date list of the providers in your area can be accessed by logging on here. When making your appointment, inform the doctor that you are a VBA member.
   
Question Do I have to request a benefit form before making my eye appointment?
Answer

If your doctor is a participating physician they are capable of electronically downloading your authorization for service.  First, verify that you or your dependent are eligible for service by logging on here.  If your doctor does not participate with VBA you will have to pay for services and submit a claim for reimbursement (which may result in higher out of pocket amounts).

   
Question When is the best time to call VBA’s Customer Service Department?
Answer If you only need to request VBA Benefit Forms for yourself or your dependents you can call any time. After reaching our Customer Service Department at 1-800-432-4966, simply press Option 4. However, if you need to speak with a VBA Customer Service Representative, you may call between the hours of 8:30 am and 7:00 pm EST Monday through Friday. You may experience longer waiting times in the morning hours. Generally, later in the day and later in the week is better.
   
Question Will there be any extra charges if I use a VBA Provider?
Answer

Your plan will provide a complete vision exam, clear lenses and a quality frame at no out-of-pocket cost to you other than any applicable copayment amounts. However, should you select optional items that may not be covered, such as tinted lenses, photograys or progressive no-line bifocals, there will be additional charges that you will be responsible for. Additionally, frames whose acquisition cost exceeds the plan’s wholesale frame allowance will also result in extra charges.

Even though these optional items aren’t covered under the plan, the amounts you will be charged are strictly controlled by VBA and are considered fair and reasonable. Ask the VBA Provider if the items you select would result in any additional charges.

NOTE: MAKE SURE YOU ARE AWARE OF ANY ADDITIONAL CHARGES BEFORE YOU SIGN THE BENEFIT FORM. VBA MONITORS ALL ADDITIONAL CHARGES TO INSURE THAT THEY ARE CORRECT.

   
Question How long will it take to receive my glasses?
Answer Generally, your glasses will be back from the VBA Laboratory within two weeks (VBA allows 10 working days). If, however, the frame you selected is out of stock from the manufacturer, or if you have requested an anti-reflective coating or progressive bifocals, it may take slightly longer.
   
Question What guarantee do I have that my glasses will be made right?
Answer VBA guarantees every pair of glasses 100%. If your prescription is not totally accurate, or if the VBA Lab did not produce the lenses in exact accordance with your prescription, VBA will make it right at no additional cost to you.
   
Question If my glasses are broken or lost, can they be replaced?
Answer No. Unless you are eligible for the benefit at that time, there are no provisions for lost or broken glasses. Some providers may offer this protection at an additional cost to you if you ask.
   
Question What should I do if I wish to get contacts instead of glasses?
Answer

You should proceed in the same manner as if you were going to get glasses. We would advise, however, that you shop around for both a provider and a price that you are comfortable with, since the cost of contacts is not controlled by VBA. You will simply be reimbursed up to your plan’s maximum allowance toward the total retail cost of the contact lenses and/or contact lens exam.

If you use disposable contacts and purchase replacement contacts every few months, it is best to accumulate paid receipts up to your maximum allowance and then submit one claim form in order to receive the full benefit.

   
Question What if I wish to use a provider that does not participate with VBA?
Answer

Under the plan, you may use any provider you wish. After you have received your exam and/or materials, simply attach your itemized receipts (exam cost, frame cost and the type and cost of lenses) to your VBA benefit form and return it to VBA. Reimbursements are made biweekly and are in the amounts printed in your VBA Benefits Brochure.

If you wish to use a non-participating doctor for your exam, you may still use a VBA Participating Provider to obtain your glasses. VBA Providers who will dispense glasses from another doctor’s prescription are indicated with an asterisk in the in the VBA Providers’ List. You must take both the benefit form and the prescription to the VBA Provider. The receipt for your non-participating doctor exam should be returned to VBA, along with a note including the name of your employer and your social security number. You will be reimbursed directly for your exam according to the schedule printed in your benefits pamphlet.

NOTE: If any problems arise with your glasses or contacts due to an inaccurate prescription written by a Non-Participating Doctor, neither VBA nor the Participating Provider assume any responsibility.

   
Question Does my benefit include any accommodation for laser vision correction?
Answer YES. VBA has partnered with TLC Laser Eye Centers, the nation’s largest and most experienced providers of LASIK and PRK procedures! VBA covered members are entitled to a preferred discount off of prevailing fees. To learn more about this exciting new benefit, you may contact TLC Laser Eye Centers at www.tlcvision.com.
   

IF YOU HAVE ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS ON THESE OR ANY OTHER ASPECTS OF YOUR VISION BENEFIT, WE ASK THAT YOU CONTACT THE BENEFITS OFFICE OR CALL VBA DIRECTLY AT 1-800-432-4966. THANK YOU!