We Accept Your Vision Insurance—Here's What You Need to Know
Finding an optometrist that takes your insurance shouldn't feel like a treasure hunt. At Vision Palace Optical on Avenue U in Sheepshead Bay, we accept more than a dozen major vision plans so you can get the eye care your family needs without breaking the bank. Whether you have Medicare, Medicaid, EyeMed, VSP, Aetna, or any of the other carriers we work with, we'll handle the details while you focus on your vision.
Coverage varies by plan—call us at (718) 998-8400 or book through Zocdoc to confirm your benefits before your visit.
Medicare & Medicaid: Comprehensive Eye Care for Seniors & Families
If you're 65 or older, Medicare covers eye exams under Part B, though coverage is limited to patients with specific eye conditions like glaucoma or diabetes. Many Brooklyn seniors combine Medicare with supplemental plans like MetroPlus or Fidelis Care to expand their vision benefits. We're familiar with these combinations and can help you understand what's covered at your visit.
For families and children on Medicaid in Brooklyn, eye exams and medically necessary glasses are fully covered. We accept Medicaid through MetroPlus Health Plan and Fidelis Care—two of the most common plans serving Sheepshead Bay, Brighton Beach, and surrounding neighborhoods. If your child needs an eye exam for school or if you're looking for lenses to slow myopia progression in kids ages 6 and up, Medicaid typically covers the visit. We'll verify your specific coverage when you call.
Coverage varies by plan—call us or book through Zocdoc to verify your benefits before your visit.
Commercial Vision Plans: EyeMed, VSP, Aetna, Cigna & More
EyeMed and VSP are two of the largest commercial vision insurance carriers in New York, and we're in-network with both. If your employer or union provides vision coverage through EyeMed, you'll have access to our full frame collection—including designer brands like Gucci, Tom Ford, Prada, and Ray-Ban—plus comprehensive eye exams at little to no out-of-pocket cost.
Aetna vision plans, Cigna, BlueCross BlueShield, EmblemHealth, UnitedHealthcare, Superior Vision, Healthfirst, Davis Vision, and Spectera Vision are all accepted at our Avenue U location. Each plan has different coverage limits for exams, frames, and lenses, so it's important to know what your specific plan covers before you arrive.
Coverage varies by plan—call us or book through Zocdoc to verify your benefits before your visit.
Union & Government Employee Plans: 1199SEIU, UFT & More
Many Brooklyn healthcare workers, teachers, and public employees benefit from specialized vision coverage through their unions or employers. We accept 1199SEIU health benefits—one of the largest healthcare union plans in New York. If you're a member or dependent, your eye exam and frame allowance are typically covered in full.
Teachers in the city and retirees often have vision coverage through their contracts or pension plans. Call us directly at (718) 998-8400 to confirm your specific union or government benefits, or verify coverage when you book through Zocdoc.
Coverage varies by plan—call us or book through Zocdoc to verify your benefits before your visit.
Designer Frames & Lens Options: What Your Insurance Covers
Your vision insurance usually covers a basic frame allowance, but many patients want to upgrade to designer eyewear. We carry Dita, Gucci, Silhouette, Ray-Ban, Tiffany & Co., Alain Mikli, Burberry, Coach, Dolce & Gabbana, Maui Jim, Miu Miu, Mont Blanc, Prada, Tom Ford, Versace, YSL, and Jimmy Choo—right here on Avenue U. If your plan allows, you can apply your benefits to any frame and pay the difference, or choose a frame within your coverage.
For progressive lenses, Transitions photochromic lenses, Crizal anti-reflective coatings, or blue light blocking options, most insurance plans cover the exam and basic lens options. Premium lens technologies like Stellest myopia control lenses for kids ages 6 and up may require an out-of-pocket cost, but we'll explain all your options before you decide.
How to Verify Your Coverage Before Your Visit
The easiest way to confirm your benefits is to book through Zocdoc, which shows real-time eligibility for most major plans. You can also call us at (718) 998-8400 and speak with our team—we're fluent in English, Russian, and Spanish, and we've helped thousands of Brooklyn families understand their coverage over our 30+ years on Avenue U.
Have your insurance card handy when you call or book. We'll let you know your exam cost, frame allowance, and any out-of-pocket expenses upfront so there are no surprises.
Coverage varies by plan—call us or book through Zocdoc to verify your benefits before your visit.
Walk-In DMV Vision Tests: No Insurance Needed
If you're here for a DMV vision test, you don't need vision insurance—just a valid ID and the fee. We submit the MV-619 directly to the New York State DMV while you wait, so you can have your results same-day. Many Sheepshead Bay and Brighton Beach residents stop by on their lunch break or after work since we're open Monday through Saturday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Vision Palace Optical accept Medicaid?
Yes, we accept Medicaid through MetroPlus Health Plan and Fidelis Care. Eye exams and medically necessary glasses are typically covered for adults and children ages 6 and up. Call us to verify your specific plan's coverage.
What if I have Medicare and I'm not sure if I qualify for a covered exam?
Medicare Part B covers eye exams for patients with specific conditions like glaucoma, diabetes, or macular degeneration. Many Medicare patients also carry supplemental vision insurance or Medicaid, which can expand coverage. Call us at (718) 998-8400 and we'll help you figure out what's covered before your visit.
Can I use my VSP or EyeMed benefits at Vision Palace Optical?
Yes, we're in-network with both VSP and EyeMed. Your exam, frames, and lenses should be covered at little to no cost, depending on your plan. Book through Zocdoc to see your real-time benefits, or call us to verify.
What if my insurance doesn't cover designer frames?
Most plans include a frame allowance (usually $100–$150) that you can put toward any frame in our collection. If you want a designer frame like Gucci, Tom Ford, or Prada, you'll pay the difference out of pocket. We also offer quality non-designer frames within every budget.
Do you accept insurance for contact lens fittings?
Yes, contact lens fittings are covered by most insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare (in some cases). The fitting fee may be separate from the exam. Call us to confirm your plan's coverage for contacts.
Is there a cost for the DMV vision test if I have insurance?
DMV vision tests are a separate service from eye exams and are not typically covered by vision insurance. The cost is a flat fee. Insurance doesn't apply, but we submit your results directly to the DMV for you.
Book Your Eye Exam—We Accept Your Insurance
At Vision Palace Optical, we believe quality eye care should be accessible to every Brooklyn family. Whether you're covered by Medicare, Medicaid, EyeMed, VSP, Aetna, 1199SEIU, or any other plan we accept, we're here to make the process simple.
Book your eye exam at Vision Palace Optical through Zocdoc or call us at (718) 998-8400. We're located at 1723 Avenue U in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, open Monday through Saturday. Bring your insurance card and we'll take care of the rest.
Coverage varies by plan—call us or book through Zocdoc to verify your benefits before your visit.
References
- American Optometric Association. Vision Insurance and Coverage in the United States.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Vision Health Initiative — Insurance and Eye Care Access.
- National Eye Institute — NIH. Medicare and Medicaid Coverage for Eye Care.