Looking for an Empire Plan Optometrist in Brooklyn?
If you're a New York State employee on the Empire Plan and you're searching for an optometrist, the first thing to know is where your routine vision benefit actually lives. For many State employees it isn't part of the Empire Plan at all. The Department of Civil Service's NYSHIP benefits page says "New York State offers dental and vision benefits that are separate from NYSHIP", the State health insurance program the Empire Plan belongs to. That separate benefit is the New York State Vision Plan.
This guide explains how that works, which card to bring, and how to use your benefit at Vision Palace Optical, 1723 Avenue U in Brooklyn. Coverage varies by plan. Call us or book through Zocdoc to verify your benefits before your visit.
The NYS Vision Plan Is Separate From the Empire Plan
The State's own page describes the plan this way: "The New York State Vision Plan covers vision exams, glasses or contacts, and some additional benefits." The plan booklet for PEF-represented employees says the plan "is administered by Davis Vision, Inc." It also notes that you may enroll in the NYS Vision Plan even if you do not enroll in NYSHIP, which is another way of saying the two are different benefits.
Which plan you have depends on your bargaining unit:
- PEF and several other State employee groups - the NYS Vision Plan, administered by Davis Vision. Check your own group on NYSHIP Online to confirm.
- CSEA, DC-37 or UUP - the Civil Service page says your coverage "is provided through your union's employee benefit fund", so your vision benefit comes from that fund rather than the NYS Vision Plan.
- Participating Employers (local governments and other public employers that offer the Empire Plan) - dental and vision benefits may be different. Ask your employer's health benefits administrator what you have.
Your Empire Plan medical coverage may still matter for eye care that is medical rather than routine. For example, the PEF booklet notes that after cataract surgery, "additional benefits may be available under the Empire Plan or your HMO." For routine exams and glasses, look to your vision plan first.
How Often You Can Use the Benefit
For PEF-represented employees, the plan booklet says employees and covered dependents age 19 and over are eligible once in any 24-month period, and covered dependents under 19 are eligible once in any 12-month period. Other groups and funds set their own schedules, so check your own plan book or call the plan before you book.
Copays and frame or lens allowances are also set by your plan, not by us. Your plan book lists them, and we can check them when you call.
Using Your Benefit at Vision Palace Optical
We accept Davis Vision, the administrator of the NYS Vision Plan. Participation can differ from one Davis Vision plan to another, so call us at (718) 998-8400 to confirm we participate for your plan before you book. You can also check Davis Vision's "Find a Provider" tool through NYSHIP Online.
The PEF booklet describes three steps for in-network care:
- Find a provider in the Davis Vision network.
- Schedule an appointment and identify yourself as a member of the New York State Vision Plan.
- Present your Davis Vision ID card at the time of service. The provider verifies eligibility and explains your benefit coverage.
The booklet also says that in-network, "the provider will file the claim on your behalf." That matches how we work: we file claims for our patients, so you don't need to send in a claim form yourself. If you see a provider outside the Davis Vision network, the booklet describes a separate out-of-network claim and reimbursement process.
We've been serving Brooklyn neighborhoods - from Sheepshead Bay to Gravesend to Marine Park - for over 30 years. Our office at 1723 Avenue U is open Monday through Saturday, 10am to 6pm, so you can book a comprehensive eye exam on a weekday or a Saturday. Walk-ins are welcome too, for an eye exam, frame browsing or other questions.
What to Bring to Your Exam
- Your Davis Vision ID card, or the details of your union fund's vision plan if you are in CSEA, DC-37 or UUP
- Your current glasses or contact lenses, and any old prescriptions
- Your group (for example PEF), if you know it, so we can check your benefits faster
If you wear contacts, let us know when you book. We offer contact lens fitting, and whether a contact lens exam is part of your benefit depends on your plan. Dr. Sheyko is certified in Paragon CRT (orthokeratology), and both of our doctors fit contact lenses.
Bringing your old glasses and prescriptions helps Dr. Sheyko or Dr. Shlivko understand your vision history and make sure your new prescription is accurate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an Empire Plan optometrist near me in Brooklyn?
For routine eye exams and glasses, many State employees use the NYS Vision Plan, which is administered by Davis Vision and is separate from the Empire Plan. Vision Palace Optical is at 1723 Avenue U, Brooklyn, NY 11229, and accepts Davis Vision. Call (718) 998-8400 to confirm we participate for your group before you book.
Does the Empire Plan cover routine eye exams?
For many State employees, routine exams and glasses come through the separate NYS Vision Plan rather than the Empire Plan itself. If you are in CSEA, DC-37 or UUP, check your union's benefit fund. Coverage varies by plan, so check your plan book or call us to verify before your visit.
Do I need a separate vision card?
If you are enrolled in the NYS Vision Plan, yes. The PEF plan booklet tells members to present a Davis Vision ID card at the time of service. Your Empire Plan card is for your medical coverage.
How often can I get an exam and glasses?
For PEF-represented employees, the plan booklet says once in any 24-month period for employees and dependents 19 and over, and once in any 12-month period for dependents under 19. Other groups may differ, so check your own plan book.
Are designer frames covered?
Frame options and allowances depend on your plan. If you choose designer frames, there may be an out-of-pocket difference. We'll go through what your plan allows when you're choosing frames.
Can I get progressive lenses or lens upgrades?
Progressive lenses, blue light lenses and photochromic lenses may be covered in full, in part or not at all, depending on your plan. We'll check your benefits and explain any difference before we order your lenses.
Getting Started
Book through Zocdoc or call us at (718) 998-8400. When you book, tell us you have the NYS Vision Plan (or your union fund's plan) and we'll check your benefits. You can also verify your coverage online before your visit.
Not sure how often to come in? According to the American Optometric Association, adults 18 to 64 at low risk should have an eye exam at least every two years, adults 65 and older annually, and adults at higher risk at least annually or as their eye doctor recommends.
Come see us at Vision Palace Optical - 1723 Avenue U, Brooklyn, open Monday through Saturday. Book your exam through Zocdoc, get in touch, or call (718) 998-8400.
References
- Dental/Vision - PEF, Empire Plan. NYSHIP Online, New York State Department of Civil Service.
- New York State Vision Plan for Employees of the State of New York Represented by PEF (January 2024). New York State Department of Civil Service.
- American Optometric Association - Comprehensive eye exams. Recommended exam frequency by age and risk.