Public Employee Press

Know your benefits
Vision Plan offers comprehensive care

This month the wise old owl focuses on the services provided to members by the DC 37 Vision Center.

By BERNARD LIPSKY
Doctor of Optometry

How well do you see today, and how well will you see tomorrow? Our eyes are one of our most precious possessions. They let us read, drive, watch TV, see friends and family, look at the sky, appreciate art or a beautiful face, and on and on. The eyes are affected by conditions of the body, and many problems can be detected early through comprehensive eye exams.

Most DC 37 Health & Security Plan members think of our Vision Plan as an eyeglass plan, but glasses are only part of this comprehensive benefit plan.

The DC 37 Vision Center at 115 Chambers St. provides a comprehensive eye examination that evaluates visual acuity (sharpness), the balance and coordination of the eye muscles, the neurological state of the eyes and how they react to light, their internal pressure, their tissues (inside and outside under high magnification) and their anatomical structure.

Some patients should have their eyes dilated for a better view of the inside of the eye about every two years or more often as the doctor may determine. The doctor may order a separate visual field test, which is administered by a trained technician using special equipment.

All this is provided at the DC 37 Vision Center and is covered under your basic optical voucher. When the doctor determines that these tests are needed, patients should make every attempt to have the tests performed at the time of their appointment rather than scheduling another appointment.

There is a private dispensary at the Center that provides the glasses, which the doctors prescribe. Your basic optical benefit provides basic glasses, single vision or bifocal lenses and a Health & Security Plan frame.

If you choose frames or lenses not covered by the plan, you will incur additional charges. If services not covered by the plan are provided, a fee will be charged based on an approved schedule of fees.

In addition, a Supplemental Vision Benefit is provided only at the DC 37 Vision Center at 115 Chambers St. This benefit is provided one year from the date the basic examination was last used and consists of a comprehensive eye exam and a change of lenses, if prescribed by the Vision Center’s optometrist.

Take care of your eyes and those of your family. Call the DC 37 Vision Center at 212-766-4452 to see if you are eligible
to schedule an appointment for an eye examination.

You can also receive similar services at Vision Screening, Comprehensive Professional Systems and General Vision Services. For information on contacting these providers, please visit www.dc37.net or call the Health & Security Plan Inquiry Unit at 212-815-1531 and request a listing of optical providers.

Dr. Lipsky is vision consultant to the DC 37 Health & Security Plan.