I can see! I can see!
I've put off going to the optometrist long enough. I had every intention of going last March, after the theatre FINALLY kicked in my health insurance...only to have to delay the appointment several months due to that freakish infection that caused my left eye to swell to the size of a golf ball. And after the infections and swelling were subdued? Well, that's just sheer procrastination and laziness on my part.
It's been just over a year since I donned my last pair of contact lenses. Which means it's probably been close to two and a half years since my last exam and purchase. Eyewear I know to be pricey, but even with a three year lull I don't remember things being this expensive. I'd be in a tough place if I didn't have any eye coverage...
The itial appointment for the contact lens fitting runs $105. Just to select the right size and perscription before settingme off on my week trial run. The lenses themselves run $32 a box...that's 6 lenses. So a annual supply runs $260. Plus a follow up exam to with a co-pay of $15. Totaling $380 for the contact lenses.
Enter the insurance plan. Thankfully that knocks a huge chunk out of the first appointment...bringing that down to a very manageable $35. And the insurance covers $45 towards the purchase of the lenses. So now we're talking more in the $265 range. That seems about on par for what I spent on my last eye exam and contact pruchase WITHOUT insurance.
Of course...I don't wear contacts round the clock. I can't sleep with them in. While I currently own a pair of glasses their wear and tear is showing. I've had the frames for at least three years...possibly closer to five. The lenses fair a bit better, being a mere two and a half years old. So I'm overdue for a new pair. Another sticker shock though. The lenses start at $115 a pair. The frames start at right around $70, though most of the frames I spotted were more like $100-$130. That's another $200 to add to the bill.
Insurance gives another little boost...25% off when glasses are purchased with contacts (though I may argue...the optomitrist claimed it was 50% while the gentlman at the opcital center quoted th lesser discount). So glasses for about $150.
After insurance I'll be dropping about $420 on the ability to see clearing. If that's the case next time around I may seriously consider lasik, if not for the cosmetic reason, for the cost saved in the long haul. Or, heaven forbid, I may join the throngs at optical supercenters such as those found at Walmart.
Like it or not Walmart may be the right track for health care...
It's been just over a year since I donned my last pair of contact lenses. Which means it's probably been close to two and a half years since my last exam and purchase. Eyewear I know to be pricey, but even with a three year lull I don't remember things being this expensive. I'd be in a tough place if I didn't have any eye coverage...
The itial appointment for the contact lens fitting runs $105. Just to select the right size and perscription before settingme off on my week trial run. The lenses themselves run $32 a box...that's 6 lenses. So a annual supply runs $260. Plus a follow up exam to with a co-pay of $15. Totaling $380 for the contact lenses.
Enter the insurance plan. Thankfully that knocks a huge chunk out of the first appointment...bringing that down to a very manageable $35. And the insurance covers $45 towards the purchase of the lenses. So now we're talking more in the $265 range. That seems about on par for what I spent on my last eye exam and contact pruchase WITHOUT insurance.
Of course...I don't wear contacts round the clock. I can't sleep with them in. While I currently own a pair of glasses their wear and tear is showing. I've had the frames for at least three years...possibly closer to five. The lenses fair a bit better, being a mere two and a half years old. So I'm overdue for a new pair. Another sticker shock though. The lenses start at $115 a pair. The frames start at right around $70, though most of the frames I spotted were more like $100-$130. That's another $200 to add to the bill.
Insurance gives another little boost...25% off when glasses are purchased with contacts (though I may argue...the optomitrist claimed it was 50% while the gentlman at the opcital center quoted th lesser discount). So glasses for about $150.
After insurance I'll be dropping about $420 on the ability to see clearing. If that's the case next time around I may seriously consider lasik, if not for the cosmetic reason, for the cost saved in the long haul. Or, heaven forbid, I may join the throngs at optical supercenters such as those found at Walmart.
Like it or not Walmart may be the right track for health care...
posted by Unknown at
8:13 PM
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