Finding an Eye Doctor That Accepts Medicaid in Brooklyn
Good news - you don't have to look far. Vision Palace Optical at 1723 Avenue U accepts Medicaid and has been caring for Brooklyn patients since 1995. We know navigating insurance can feel like a second job, so we want to make it as straightforward as possible: bring your card, come in, and we'll handle the rest.
Many people with Medicaid in New York get their benefits through a managed care plan, and each plan has its own network of eye doctors. Healthfirst, MetroPlus Health Plan and Fidelis Care are on our list of accepted plans, but each offers more than one product, so call us to confirm we participate with yours. We see patients from across Southern Brooklyn - Gravesend, Sheepshead Bay, Marine Park, Bensonhurst, and beyond. If you've been putting off your eye exam because you weren't sure if your coverage would be accepted, this is your sign to book. Our team speaks English, Russian, and Spanish, and we're happy to walk you through how your plan works, especially if you've just enrolled in Medicaid or switched plans.
What Medicaid Covers for Eye Care in New York
New York State Medicaid's Vision Care Manual sets the usual frequency for a complete eye exam and for eyeglasses at once every two years (24 months), not once a year, and managed care plans can vary from it. More frequent care can be paid for when it is medically necessary and the provider documents why - for example a condition such as diabetes or glaucoma, a rapidly changing cataract, or a young person's progressing nearsightedness.
If you are in a Medicaid managed care plan with vision benefits, the manual says the plan must provide at least the same vision services as regular (fee-for-service) Medicaid, and you need to use an eye doctor in that plan's network. Plans can add to that minimum, so your plan may allow more than the baseline.
Here's a general overview of what's commonly included:
- Complete eye exam - usually once every two years, more often when medically necessary
- Eyeglasses - usually one pair every two years, from a selection of Medicaid frames, with new lenses sooner possible when there is a documented medical reason
- Follow-up care - visits to manage a condition such as diabetes, glaucoma or cataracts may be handled as separate medical visits
That said, every Medicaid managed care plan has its own rules. What Healthfirst covers may differ from what MetroPlus covers. Coverage varies by plan. Call us or book through Zocdoc to verify your benefits before your visit. We strongly recommend calling us at (718) 998-8400 before your visit so we can verify your specific benefits ahead of time - no surprises at checkout.
Medicaid Eye Exams for Kids Ages 6 and Up
We see children ages 6 and up. Vision problems in kids often go unnoticed until an eye doctor looks closely, so if your child is having trouble in school, complaining of headaches, or squinting at the board, it may be time for an exam. The Vision Care Manual's usual frequency of once every two years applies to children too, and more frequent exams can be covered when they are medically necessary and documented, for example a child's progressing nearsightedness. Coverage varies by plan, so check your plan or call us before the visit.
What to Expect at Your Visit
Your visit at Vision Palace Optical is relaxed and thorough. We're a neighborhood practice, not a factory - we take the time to actually talk with you about your eyes and your vision.
When you arrive, you'll want to bring your Medicaid card and a photo ID. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring those too so we can use your current prescription as a reference.
A comprehensive eye exam at our office typically includes:
- Visual acuity testing - the classic "read the chart" portion, checking how clearly you see at distance and near
- Refraction - determining your exact glasses or contact lens prescription
- Eye health evaluation - examining the structures of your eye including a glaucoma screening and retinal evaluation to check for signs of conditions like macular degeneration, cataracts, or diabetic eye changes
- Intraocular pressure check - a quick, painless test that screens for glaucoma risk
If your Medicaid plan covers frames and lenses, you may be able to choose your frames the same day as your exam. We carry a wide selection of styles - there's something for everyone, from classic to on-trend.
How to Book
Scheduling is easy. You can book your appointment through Zocdoc, or simply give us a call at (718) 998-8400. We're open Monday through Saturday, 10am to 6pm, on the Avenue U corridor near the Q train.
A quick note: walk-ins are welcome, for comprehensive eye exams as well as DMV vision tests. If you'd like us to verify your Medicaid benefits before you come in, book ahead through Zocdoc or call us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Vision Palace Optical accept Medicaid?
Yes. We accept Medicaid, and we file the claim for you. Medicaid managed care plans each have their own network, so call us at (718) 998-8400 and we can confirm whether we're in-network with your specific plan.
Where can I find an eye doctor near me that accepts Medicaid in Brooklyn?
Vision Palace Optical is at 1723 Avenue U, Brooklyn, NY 11229, on the Avenue U corridor in Sheepshead Bay, close to Gravesend and Marine Park. We accept Medicaid for eye exams and are open Monday through Saturday, 10am to 6pm. Book through Zocdoc or call (718) 998-8400, and have your plan name ready so we can check your benefits first.
Do I need a referral for an eye exam under Medicaid?
It depends on your plan. Referral rules are set by each Medicaid managed care plan, so check with your plan's member services line before your visit - or call us and we can help point you in the right direction.
What if my Medicaid plan isn't listed on your website?
Don't assume you're not covered. Give us a call at (718) 998-8400 and we'll look up your plan directly. We'd rather check than have you miss out on benefits you're entitled to.
What other insurance plans do you accept?
Along with Medicaid, we accept EyeMed, MetroPlus Health Plan, Fidelis Care, Healthfirst, 1199SEIU, UFT, Aetna, EmblemHealth, BlueCross BlueShield, UnitedHealthcare, Medicare and more. See the full list on our insurance page. Coverage varies by plan, so verify your benefits before your visit.
Can I get glasses covered under Medicaid at Vision Palace?
Usually, yes. Under New York State Medicaid's Vision Care Manual, eyeglasses are dispensed after a complete eye exam and a written prescription, typically one pair every two years, and you choose from a selection of Medicaid frames. If you would rather use your own frame, Medicaid does not pay for the frame. Managed care plans may set their own rules on top of that, so we'll verify your specific benefits before you select frames. No pressure, no guesswork.
Ready to book? Learn more about what to expect on our eye exams page or visit our Medicaid insurance page for more details on accepted plans. Call (718) 998-8400 or book your eye exam through Zocdoc - we're here Monday through Saturday on Avenue U, ready to help.
References
- New York State Medicaid Program - Vision Care Manual, Policy Guidelines. eMedNY, New York State Department of Health. Frequency limitations, eyeglass dispensing and Medicaid managed care enrollees.