The following text was copied from a January 28 article in "Optometry Times". This will most likely affect optometric billing personnel over the coming months and it would be a good time to start aquainting yourself with these developments. I am sure that many other insurance companies will begin following suit, espescially if it proves to be popular. It will also be a good way for an optometric practice to provide cutting edge technology to its patients and customers and one more reason to get people through your doors.
Begin Article:
San Francisco, CA*VSP and Google have reached a deal to offer subsidized frames anq
prescriptlon lenscs for Google Glass.
"We know our 64 million members are seeing and hearing about Google Glass and how itwill affect
their lives and vision, so we are really focusihg on the eye health management perspective," says
Jim lvlcGrann, president of vsP vision caro, vsp's insurance division, which insures one-fifth of
Americans.
Google plans to sell Glass to the public lator this year, While it did not originally offer traditional
framos or prescription lenses, early Glass owners "hacked" the device to add prescription lenses
an0 sungtasses.
Now, Google has designed 4 styles-curvy, thin, split, and bold, all shown above*made of
lightweight titanium, and plans to offer 2 new styles of sunglasses. The color, frame, and shade
choices will offer 40 style variations for Glass.
Justin lJazan, OD, Optometry flmes Editorial Advisory Board member, speaking exclusively, says
ho hopes VSP's decision to cover Google Glass will bring in new customers looking for prescription
versions of the much-hyped new device.
"Being able to provide €yewear that incorporates revolutjonary technology will make us more
valuable to our patients," says Dr. Bazan.
VSP and Google croated a training program foroptometrists to learn howto mount Glass on frames
and fit thc device on patients. '[he companies have alroady begun training ODs in New york City,
San Francisco, and Los Angeles, although they have not said how many ODs have been tralned.
"VSP providers can prepare online. I got an e-mail directing to me a specifically designed Web site.
I watched a video, took a quiz, signed a non-disclosure document and then was told something like
'Congratulations. Your VSP Glass welcome package will be mailed to you. Expect it in a week or
so,"'says Dr, Bazan.
VSP's lab rn Sacramento, Cn, will cut lenses for Glass frames. Google Glass costs g1,SOO for thosc
invited to buy the current version, but it will retail for several hundred dollars less when it is
introducod to the public later this year. The titanium frames will retail for $225. VSP will reimburse
members based on their plan, with an average reimbursoment of $120, plus the costs of buying
prescription iensos. lt will not subsidize the computer portion of Glass.
"Smart glasses may or may not find their way into our practices. -fhere
are companies out thero that
aro likely to do everything online and skip using an eyecare provider. In fact, I would say it's only a
matter of time before we see smart glasses available direct from the manufacturer
or reseller online," says Dr. Bazan.ODT
opticXpress is an optometric billing company that provides a clearinghouse, billing service and software strictly for optometrists.
