Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) Insurance: What You Should Know Before Your Eye Exam

Dr. Ryan Corte
Oct 12
4 min read

Are you interested in learning more about Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) insurance? Maybe you already have BCBS and are looking for an eye doctor in Charlotte or Asheville, NC.

If so, look no further, Reflect Vision Care proudly accepts BCBS medical and vision insurance! We also accept a wide range of vision and medical insurance plans, helping you receive the best possible care while maximizing your benefits.

Below, we’ve outlined the most common questions our patients ask about BCBS and how eye care coverage works through their medical and vision plans.

What Is BCBS?

Founded in 1929, Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) is one of the oldest and most recognized health insurance providers in the United States. BCBS consists of 35 independent, locally operated companies serving different regions of the country, each offering its own combination of medical and vision benefits.

Together, these companies provide health coverage for more than 100 million members nationwide, offering access to one of the largest provider networks in the country.

How Do I Find a BCBS Eye Doctor?

Finding a BCBS provider is easy! Because BCBS operates through regional companies, the vision coverage details vary depending on your specific plan. Some BCBS plans include vision benefits directly, while others contract them out to specialized vision networks such as:

EyeMed
VSP (Vision Service Plan)
Community Eye Care (CEC)

You can find a BCBS provider by visiting the Blue Cross Blue Shield Provider Finder. There, you can search by:

Location or ZIP code
Provider or practice name
Type of coverage (medical or vision)

💡 Tip: Be sure to check whether your vision benefits are administered through BCBS itself or through a partner network like EyeMed or VSP. And yes, Reflect Vision Care proudly accepts most BCBS plans, including those contracted through EyeMed, VSP, and Community Eye Care!

What If My Provider Isn’t In-Network?

You can still see any eye doctor you’d like, even if they’re not in-network. However, if your provider is out-of-network, you may need to pay upfront for services and submit a reimbursement claim directly to BCBS.

Your reimbursement amount will depend on your plan’s terms, but seeing an in-network provider generally ensures lower costs and less paperwork.

Our team at Reflect Vision Care can help you verify your BCBS coverage before your visit to avoid any surprises.

How Much Does BCBS insurance Cost?

The cost of BCBS coverage varies depending on:

Whether your plan is employer-sponsored, individual, or family
The state or region where you’re insured
Whether vision care is included directly or through a contracted network

BCBS offers a variety of affordable plan options, including those with preventive care and vision benefits built in. To confirm your exact benefits and copays, check your BCBS member portal or contact your plan administrator.

What Does BCBS Cover for Eye Care?

Routine Eye Exams

If your BCBS plan includes vision benefits, you may have an exam copay between $0–$25 for a comprehensive eye exam.

If your plan doesn’t include vision coverage, you can still use your medical benefits for medically necessary eye exams, such as evaluations for cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, dry eye, or diabetes.

Glasses and Contact Lenses

Most BCBS plans contract out vision benefits for glasses and contact lenses through a vision network (EyeMed, VSP, or CEC).

Typical benefits may include:

Frame allowance: $150–$200
Lens coverage: single vision, bifocal, or trifocal lenses
Contact lens allowance: $100–$150 for contacts or fittings

Note: As with most vision insurance, you can apply your benefits toward glasses or contact lenses during the same benefit period, not both.

Are Medically Necessary Contact Lenses Covered by BCBS?

Yes, in many cases. BCBS medical insurance may cover medically necessary contact lenses, such as scleral, hybrid, or rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses, when used to treat certain eye conditions like:

Keratoconus
Severe dry eye disease
Corneal irregularities

Coverage typically begins once your medical deductible has been met. Our doctors can provide the required documentation and detailed information about your specific coverage.

Does BCBS Cover Diabetic Eye Exams?

Yes. BCBS covers comprehensive diabetic eye exams as part of its medical coverage.

If your deductible has been met, these exams are typically covered in full. These visits are crucial for detecting early signs of diabetic retinopathy, a leading cause of vision loss in adults.

During your diabetic eye exam, your optometrist will evaluate your retina, optic nerve, and blood vessels, and send a report to your primary care physician to coordinate care.

Does BCBS Cover Refractive Surgery (LASIK or PRK)?

No, BCBS does not cover LASIK or PRK because these procedures are considered elective and not medically necessary.

However, some BCBS vision partners, such as EyeMed and Community Eye Care, offer discount programs through participating laser surgery providers. If you’re considering LASIK, we can help you explore available discount options.

Additional BCBS Vision Benefits

Broad provider network: Access thousands of independent and retail eye doctors nationwide.
Comprehensive coverage: Most plans include medical and preventive eye care.
Integrated options: Many BCBS plans pair medical and vision benefits under one account.
Discounts: Some plans offer savings on LASIK, sunglasses, and lens enhancements.
Preventive focus: Regular eye exams help detect health conditions such as diabetes and hypertension early.

Why Choose Reflect Vision Care for Your BCBS Eye Care

At Reflect Vision Care, we work with most BCBS medical and vision plans, including those partnered with EyeMed, VSP, and Community Eye Care.

Our experienced optometrists provide both routine and medical eye exams, and our team will help you verify your benefits, minimize out-of-pocket costs, and ensure a seamless experience.

Whether you need new glasses, contact lenses, or treatment for an eye condition, you can trust our team to deliver advanced, compassionate care at every visit.

Schedule Your BCBS Eye Exam Today

Ready to use your BCBS benefits for your next eye exam? We make it simple.

Schedule your eye exam at one of our convenient Reflect Vision Care locations:

📞 Call us or schedule online to book your appointment today!