It may not be the Doctor's fault!

Have you ever ordered glasses from your optometrist and it seemed like forever before they came in?  And when they finally arrived, they were wrong and the process had to start all over again?  I have... and my natural inclination was to be mad at the doctor!

Last week I met with an eye doctor who shared with me a problem.  Glasses were ordered for a patient 3 MONTHS ago, and the patient is still waiting for the glasses!  The doctor is frustrated and the patient is furious... and his fury is now being directed at the doctor for not being able to get the glasses made correctly.

So what happened?  The patient's vision plan is part of his medical insurance.  Although the doctor doesn't like that particular vision plan, he accepted the insurance to accommodate his patients who have it.  It's a cheaply priced vision plan which is why it appeals to many employers, insurance agents, and - of course - the people who sign up for it.

What none of these people know - as it's not disclosed on any of the vision plan documents - is the doctor may be required to use the vision plan's own lab for making the glasses... and this takes quality control out of the doctor's hands completely.  If the doctor doesn't use the mandated lab, he/she doesn't get paid.

Unfortunately, this is not an isolated event as I could hear stories like this almost every day.

So, as a consumer, what can you do to prevent this from happening to you?

• DO YOUR HOMEWORK!  
• Every vision plan company has a published toll-free number... if you are on a vision plan now, or are considering enrolling in a vision plan, call and ask questions.  
• Find out if restrictions are placed on the doctor like using a specific lab or specific materials.  

The old adage is true... you DO get what you pay for so please keep this in mind even when buying a vision plan.

And if you're experiencing the same thing right now?  Ask your doctor about options available to you.  Sometimes it take the squeaky wheel to get the attention you deserve... and your doctor might be able to get your vision plan to make an exception allowing your glasses to be made at a lab the doctor trusts.