Maury County Prevention Coalition
Vision Care
Why is vision care important? Good vision impacts safety, employment, learning, and overall well-being. Vision care is often not included in standard health insurance—so knowing your options is essential.
Steps to Find a Vision Specialist
–Check if you have vision coverage (may be a separate card or plan).
-Ask: Do I have a routine vision exam benefit?
-If uninsured, search for clinics or optometrists that offer sliding scale services.
Optician: Makes and fits glasses or contact lenses. Does NOT provide eye exams or treat medical issues.
Optometrist: Can examine, diagnose, and treat many common eye conditions. Prescribes glasses and contacts.
Ophthalmologist: A medical doctor who can provide full vision care, treat eye diseases, and perform surgeries.
NOTE: An optometrist is normally the type of provider visited for a routine vision exam.
-Use your insurance provider’s website to search for in-network vision specialists.
-You can also ask a case manager, sober living staff, or local clinic.
–Do you accept my vision insurance? (Say the full name.)
-Are you accepting new patients?
-What are my out-of-pocket costs?
-What is included in a routine eye exam?
-Do you offer a sliding scale if I don’t have insurance?
-Bring your ID, insurance card (or proof of income for sliding scale), and list of medications.
-Be honest if you’ve been using substances or have a history of trauma or mental health. It can affect your eye health.
-Keep copies of any prescription for glasses or contacts; these prescriptions can be used to purchase affordable glasses or contacts online.
-Ask how often you should return for checkups.