Set sights on vision care

More and more employers are offering their employees the option of directing their healthcare spending with flexible spending account plans, "cafeteria" benefit plans or health savings accounts. And savvy plan participants are directing that spending toward eye care, according to Dr. Marty Schneider, therapeutic optometrist.

"Most participants know they can use their plan dollars for eye examinations, eyeglasses and contact lenses," Schneider said. "But there are many more ways to apply those dollars toward eye care."

For example, plan participants can use their accounts to pay for prescription medications for eye conditions such as dry eye syndrome, contact lens care solution or laser vision surgery.

Schneider added that these plans may be used to extend the benefits of a patient's vision plan.

"A patient who is covered by a separate vision plan can use flex dollars for the co-payment on a covered eye health examination," Schneider said. "Or if their vision plan provides one pair of eyeglasses, the patient can use plan dollars to pay for a second pair or prescription sunglasses."

Some plans have a deadline by which the employee must use the dollars in their account or forfeit them. Contact lens patients who face such a deadline may consider purchasing an annual supply of lenses with their remaining plan dollars, Schneider added.

Marty Schneider, OD, owns and practices at Camarillo Vision Center at 2460 E. Las Posas Road, Ste. B, Camarillo. Call him at (805) 987-2400.