Empire Plan Vision Benefits: What NY State Employees Need to Know
If you're a New York State employee covered under the Empire Plan, your vision benefits are built into your health coverage. Whether you work for a state agency, municipality, or participating employer in Brooklyn, you can use those benefits at Vision Palace Optical on Avenue U. Here's what you need to know about accessing your eye care and how we can help you get the most from your plan.
The New York State Empire Plan vision coverage includes routine eye exams, frames, and lenses through a managed vision network. The specifics depend on whether you're covered under the PEF (Public Employees' Federation), MC (Management/Confidential), or Participating Employers (PE) group. Coverage varies by plan — call us or book through Zocdoc to verify your benefits before your visit.
Understanding Your Empire Plan Vision Coverage
The Empire Plan contracts with Davis Vision, the vision care administrator for New York State. Your routine eye exam is a covered benefit when you visit an in-network optometrist or ophthalmologist. This means you can come to Vision Palace Optical for your exam, and your coverage applies directly.
What's typically included: a refraction (the part where your eye doctor checks your prescription), eye health evaluation, and screening for conditions like glaucoma and cataracts. You don't have to use a separate vision card — your Empire Plan medical coverage handles it. That said, coverage specifics vary depending on your employee group and plan tier. Some Empire Plan groups have copays; others have different deductible structures. The best move is to call us at (718) 998-8400 before you book so we can confirm exactly what your plan covers.
One important note: Empire Plan members can use frames and lenses through the Davis Vision network. If you want designer frames (we carry Dita, Gucci, Tom Ford, Prada, Ray-Ban, and more in our Sheepshead Bay location), your plan may cover a portion of the cost, but there's typically an out-of-network component. We'll walk you through that conversation when you're here.
Why Choose Vision Palace Optical for Your Empire Plan Exam
We've been serving Brooklyn neighborhoods — from Sheepshead Bay to Gravesend to Marine Park — for over 30 years. Both Dr. Julia Sheyko and Dr. Alexander Shlivko are in-network providers for Empire Plan vision coverage, so your exam is straightforward and efficient.
When you come in, we handle all the paperwork. We submit your exam results and any prescriptions directly to the Davis Vision system, and your plan coverage is applied at the time of visit. There's no hassle of filing claims yourself or waiting for reimbursement. You pay your copay (if applicable), and you're done.
We also understand that many NY State employees have busy schedules. Our office at 1723 Avenue U is open Monday through Saturday, so you can book a comprehensive eye exam before or after work, or on your lunch break. Walk-ins are welcome for frame browsing and other questions — no appointment needed.
What to Bring to Your Empire Plan Eye Exam
Bring your Empire Plan ID card or employee ID. If you have your plan documents handy, that helps us confirm your specific coverage group (PEF, MC, PE, etc.), but we can also look it up. Having your insurance information speeds up check-in.
If you wear contacts or have worn them before, let us know. We offer contact lens fitting for Empire Plan members, and many plans include coverage for a contact lens exam (sometimes with a separate copay). Dr. Sheyko is certified in advanced contact lens fittings, including specialty lenses like toric (for astigmatism) and multifocal options.
Come with any old glasses or contact lens prescriptions if you have them. This helps Dr. Sheyko or Dr. Shlivko understand your vision history and make sure your new prescription is accurate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Empire Plan cover routine eye exams? Yes. Routine eye exams are a covered benefit for Empire Plan members when you visit an in-network provider like Vision Palace Optical. Coverage varies by plan — call us or book through Zocdoc to confirm your specific copay or deductible.
What's the difference between PEF, MC, and PE coverage? These are three different employee groups under the Empire Plan umbrella. PEF covers Public Employees' Federation members, MC covers Management and Confidential employees, and PE covers Participating Employers (cities, counties, school districts). Each group has slightly different vision benefit structures. We can help you figure out which you're in when you call.
Can I use my Empire Plan vision benefit at Vision Palace Optical? Yes. Vision Palace Optical is in-network with Davis Vision, the administrator for New York State Empire Plan vision benefits. We're located at 1723 Avenue U in Brooklyn and serve NY State employees from across the city.
Are designer frames covered under Empire Plan? Most Empire Plan vision benefits include a frame allowance (typically $150–$200, depending on your group). If you choose designer frames like Gucci, Prada, or Dita, you can use your allowance and pay the difference out of pocket. We'll show you exactly what your plan covers when you're choosing frames.
Do I need a separate copay for contact lenses? It depends on your specific Empire Plan group. Some plans cover contact lens exams with your routine exam copay; others charge a separate copay or require prior authorization. We'll clarify this when you book or call.
Can I get progressive lenses with my Empire Plan? Yes. Progressive lenses are typically covered as your standard lens option. If you choose premium options like Varilux or Zeiss progressives, you may have an out-of-pocket upgrade cost. We'll discuss options when you're at the office.
What if I need special lenses like blue light blocking or Transitions? Blue light lenses and Transitions photochromic lenses are add-on options. Your Empire Plan covers the base lens; these upgrades usually have a small additional cost. We can quote that for you during your visit.
Getting Started with Your Empire Plan Vision Benefits
The process is simple. Book through Zocdoc at your convenience, or call us at (718) 998-8400. When you book, mention you have Empire Plan coverage, and we'll make sure everything is set up correctly. You can also verify your coverage online before your visit if you want to know exact copay amounts.
If you have questions about your Empire Plan vision benefits or want to confirm coverage before booking, don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to make your eye care simple and affordable. According to the American Optometric Association, adults should have a comprehensive eye exam at least every two years — or every year if you're over 60 or have a family history of eye disease.
As a NY State employee, you've already paid for this benefit. Let's make sure you're using it. Come see us at Vision Palace Optical — 1723 Avenue U, Brooklyn, open Monday through Saturday. Book your Empire Plan eye exam through Zocdoc, get in touch, or call (718) 998-8400 today.
References
- New York State Empire Plan — Dental & Vision Benefits (PEF). New York State Department of Civil Service.
- New York State Vision Plan for Employees of the State of New York. New York State Department of Civil Service.
- American Optometric Association — Eye Exam Frequency. Comprehensive eye exam guidelines for adults and seniors.