Finding an Eye Doctor Who Accepts Your 1199SEIU Vision Benefits in Brooklyn
If you're a 1199SEIU union member working in healthcare, hospitality, or services across New York, your vision benefits are part of your contract — and Vision Palace Optical on Avenue U in Sheepshead Bay accepts your coverage. You don't have to travel into Manhattan or waste time calling around. We're here on your block, and we'll handle the insurance details for you.
1199SEIU members get comprehensive eye exams, quality frames, and advanced lenses all covered under your plan. Here's what you need to know about using your vision benefits with us in Brooklyn.
How 1199SEIU Vision Coverage Works
Your 1199SEIU health plan includes vision benefits through one of several carriers depending on your specific plan tier. Coverage typically includes an annual eye exam, allowances for frames or contact lenses, and discounts on additional eyewear or specialty lenses. The exact dollar amounts and coverage rules vary by your specific plan year and contract.
Here's the important part: you don't have to figure it out alone. When you book at Vision Palace Optical, call us at (718) 998-8400 or book through Zocdoc, mention your 1199SEIU coverage. We'll verify your benefits before your visit so there are no surprises. Coverage varies by plan — call us or book through Zocdoc to confirm your benefits before your visit.
Why Choose Vision Palace Optical for Your 1199SEIU Eye Exam
We've been serving union members and working families on Avenue U for over 30 years. Our optometrists, Dr. Julia Sheyko and Dr. Alexander Shlivko, specialize in comprehensive exams, contact lens fittings, and treating common eye conditions. We speak English, Russian, and Spanish, so language isn't a barrier.
You're not just getting an eye exam — you're getting personalized care. We take time to listen, explain what we find, and work within your budget. Whether you need a simple vision correction or management of dry eye, glaucoma, or other conditions, we have the expertise. And since we accept 1199SEIU alongside Medicare, Medicaid, EyeMed, MetroPlus, Fidelis Care, and many other plans, most working Brooklynites can afford their eye care here.
Designer Frames and Lenses That Fit Your Benefits
Your 1199SEIU vision allowance isn't limited to basic plastic frames. We carry designer eyewear from Gucci, Prada, Tom Ford, Ray-Ban, Tiffany & Co., Coach, Burberry, Dita, and many others — right here in our Avenue U showroom. If designer frames fit your budget and benefit allowance, you can wear them.
We also offer advanced lens options. Progressive lenses let you see clearly at all distances without visible lines. Transitions lenses darken in sunlight and clear indoors — perfect if you're commuting through Brooklyn. Blue light lenses reduce screen glare for office work. Crizal anti-reflective coating makes lenses look clear and reduces glare, which many insurance plans help cover.
Ask Dr. Sheyko or Dr. Shlivko which lens upgrades your 1199SEIU plan covers. Many union plans subsidize specialty lenses more than you'd expect.
Walk-Ins Welcome, No Appointment Stress
You're busy. Between shifts at the hospital, nursing home, hotel, or school, squeezing in an eye appointment isn't easy. Vision Palace Optical is open Monday through Saturday, 10am to 6pm. We welcome walk-ins for frame browsing and DMV tests. If you need a full comprehensive eye exam, booking through Zocdoc or calling us helps, but we do our best to fit you in.
We're located at 1723 Avenue U in Sheepshead Bay, just off the main drag. Whether you live in Sheepshead Bay, Brighton Beach, Gravesend, Marine Park, or Bensonhurst, we're accessible and familiar.
Verifying Your 1199SEIU Benefits Before Your Visit
Don't guess what your plan covers. Call us at (718) 998-8400 a day or two before your appointment and have your insurance card handy. We'll ask for your member ID, group number, and plan type. We'll check your exam coverage, frame allowance, and any deductibles you may have left.
Alternatively, book through Zocdoc, and we'll verify your eligibility online. Either way, you'll walk in knowing exactly what to expect financially.
Coverage varies by plan — call us or book through Zocdoc to confirm your benefits before your visit.
What to Bring to Your Eye Exam
Bring your 1199SEIU insurance card (or have your member ID and group number ready). If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them with you. If you have a list of eye conditions in your family — like glaucoma, cataracts, or macular degeneration — let us know. And if you've had a recent eye exam elsewhere, bring those records if you have them.
That's it. Our doctors will do the rest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Vision Palace Optical accept all 1199SEIU plans?
We accept 1199SEIU coverage through the major carriers included in union contracts. However, plan specifics vary year to year and by job classification. Call us at (718) 998-8400 or book through Zocdoc to confirm your exact plan before your visit. Coverage varies by plan — we'll verify your eligibility so there are no surprises.
What does a 1199SEIU eye exam typically cover?
Most 1199SEIU plans cover a comprehensive eye exam once per calendar year. Many also include a frames allowance (ranging from $100 to $200+, depending on your plan) and contact lens coverage. Some plans cover lens upgrades like anti-reflective coating or progressive lenses at a reduced rate. We'll confirm your specific coverage when you call or book.
Can I use my 1199SEIU benefits for designer frames?
Yes, if your plan allowance is high enough. Our designer frames from Gucci, Prada, Tom Ford, Ray-Ban, and Tiffany & Co. range widely in price. If your plan allowance is $150 and a Gucci frame costs $200, you'd pay the difference out of pocket. But many mid-range designer frames fit well within union vision allowances. Ask us during your visit.
What if I need glasses and contacts?
Your 1199SEIU plan may cover either glasses or contacts annually, or it may split the allowance between them. Dr. Sheyko and Dr. Shlivko will discuss your options. We fit all types of contacts — daily, monthly, toric, multifocal — and can help you decide what works best for your lifestyle and budget.
Do you offer evening or Sunday hours for shift workers?
We're open Monday through Saturday, 10am to 6pm. Sunday we're closed. We understand shift work is common in our union community, so our Saturday hours run until 6pm. If you need a DMV vision test, walk-ins are always welcome during these hours and don't require an appointment.
How long does a comprehensive eye exam take?
We don't rush. A thorough exam includes testing your vision, checking eye pressure for glaucoma, evaluating your eye health, and discussing any concerns. Most exams run about an hour, but we don't publish specific time estimates because every patient is different.
Book your eye exam at Vision Palace Optical on Avenue U in Sheepshead Bay — book through Zocdoc or call us at (718) 998-8400. We're open Monday through Saturday, and we accept your 1199SEIU vision benefits. Let us help you see clearly and take care of your eye health.