Spectera Vision Insurance: What You Should Know Before Your Eye Exam

Dr. Ryan Corte
Oct 10
4 min read

Are you interested in learning more about Spectera vision insurance?

Maybe you already have Spectera and are looking for an eye doctor in Charlotte or Asheville, NC.

If so, look no further, Reflect Vision Care proudly accepts Spectera insurance! We also accept a wide range of vision and medical insurance plans, making it easy for you to get high-quality, comprehensive eye care.

Below, we’ve outlined the most common questions our patients ask about Spectera coverage and what to expect when using it for your eye exam, glasses, or contact lenses.

What Is Spectera Vision Insurance?

Spectera is a vision insurance company owned by UnitedHealthcare, one of the largest health insurance organizations in the country. Spectera offers members access to:

A broad, nationwide network of eye doctors and optical retailers
Affordable copays and generous frame and lens allowances
Discounts on elective vision correction surgeries such as LASIK and PRK

Spectera’s goal is to make routine vision care more accessible and affordable, whether you prefer local, independent optometrists or national retail providers.

How to Find a Spectera Provider

Finding a Spectera provider is quick and simple. You can use the Spectera Provider Locator to search by city, ZIP code, provider name, or practice name.

Spectera’s network includes independent optometry practices like Reflect Vision Care, as well as larger retail optical chains.

💡 Tip: Even if you already have a UnitedHealthcare medical plan, Spectera may serve as your stand-alone vision coverage, so be sure to verify that your provider accepts Spectera specifically. And yes, Reflect Vision Care proudly accepts Spectera!

What If My Eye Doctor Isn’t In-Network?

You can still see any eye doctor you’d like. However, if your provider is out-of-network, you’ll likely need to pay in full at the time of your visit and then submit a claim directly to Spectera for partial reimbursement.

Keep in mind:

Out-of-network benefits typically have higher out-of-pocket costs.
Most private optometry practices are out-of-network with Spectera, so it’s always best to confirm network status in advance.

If you’re unsure, our Reflect Vision Care team can help you verify your benefits before your appointment.

How Much Does Spectera Cost?

One advantage of Spectera is flexibility. It’s available both through employers and as an individual plan, meaning you don’t need to wait for open enrollment or employer coverage to sign up.

Individual plans can start as low as $10 per month
Enrollment is available online with no sign-up fees
Coverage typically begins on your chosen start date

Spectera offers a range of plan options, so you can choose the one that best fits your vision needs and budget.

What Does Spectera Vision Insurance Cover?

Most Spectera vision plans include coverage for comprehensive eye exams, glasses, and contact lenses, plus the option for discounts on elective procedures and lens enhancements.

Eye Exams

Standard copay: typically $10–$25
Covers a full comprehensive eye exam (not a medical exam)

Frames and Lenses

Frame allowance: $150 or more
Lens coverage: fully covers single vision, lined bifocals, and lined trifocals
Enhancements: add-ons such as anti-glare coating, scratch resistance, transitions, or premium progressives are available at discounted rates

Contact Lenses

Evaluation copay: typically $0–$100
Allowance: often up to $125 for contact lens materials
Some plans restrict coverage to certain brands or lens types

💡 Note: As with most vision plans, you can use your benefits for either glasses or contacts during the same benefit period, not both.

Are Medically Necessary Contacts Covered?

Spectera’s allowance for frames, lenses, or contacts can also be applied toward medically necessary contact lenses such as scleral, hybrid, or rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses.

However, in most cases, this allowance does not fully cover the cost of specialty contact lens evaluations or materials. Your out-of-pocket costs will depend on your plan details and prescription complexity.

Does Spectera Cover Diabetic Eye Exams?

No. Spectera plans are designed for routine vision exams, not medical eye care.

If you have diabetes or another medical eye condition, that visit would be billed to your medical insurance, not Spectera.

At Reflect Vision Care, our doctors perform both routine and medical eye exams and can help determine which insurance applies based on your visit type.

Does Spectera Cover LASIK or PRK?

Spectera does not directly cover LASIK or PRK procedures. However, members receive exclusive discounts on refractive surgery through QualSight, an approved Spectera partner network.

This partnership can help you save up to 35–40% off LASIK procedures at participating providers.

Additional Benefits and Tips

Flexible coverage: Spectera can pair with UnitedHealthcare medical insurance or be purchased on its own.
Comprehensive network: Access thousands of independent and retail eye care providers nationwide.
Preventive care: Regular exams help detect early signs of eye disease, vision changes, and overall health issues.
Convenient access: Reflect Vision Care can verify your Spectera benefits before your appointment and file claims on your behalf.

Why Include Spectera in Your Vision Care Routine?

Even if your vision seems fine, routine eye exams play a crucial role in protecting your eye health and detecting early signs of issues like glaucoma, cataracts, or retinal disease.

Spectera makes it affordable to maintain that consistency, and with Reflect Vision Care, you can experience modern, digital eye exams that combine comfort, accuracy, and convenience.

Schedule Your Spectera Eye Exam Today

Ready to use your Spectera benefits? Our team at Reflect Vision Care is here to help you see clearly and confidently.

Schedule your eye exam at one of our convenient locations:

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