Does Insurance Cover Eye Exams in Nashville?

If you've been putting off scheduling an eye exam because you're not sure what your insurance covers — you're not alone. Insurance benefits for eye care can be confusing, especially when you're trying to figure out whether you need a vision plan, a medical plan, or both.

The short answer: yes, eye exams are often covered — and at Elite Eyecare Nashville, we accept a wide range of both vision and medical insurance plans. Here's everything you need to know.

Vision Insurance vs. Medical Insurance: What's the Difference?

Most people have one or both types of insurance, but they cover different things.

Vision insurance (like VSP or Eyemed) typically covers:

• Routine annual eye exams
• Frames or contact lenses (with an allowance)
• Lens upgrades like anti-reflective coating or progressive lenses

Medical insurance (like BCBS or Aetna) typically covers:

• Eye exams related to a medical condition (diabetes, glaucoma, dry eye, etc.)
• Treatment for eye infections, injuries, or diseases
• Co-pays and deductibles apply as they would for any medical visit

Some patients use both plans in the same visit — vision insurance for the routine exam and glasses, and medical insurance if a condition like dry eye or diabetes is being managed. Our team will help you maximize your benefits.

Insurance Plans Accepted at Elite Eyecare Nashville

Vision Plans We Accept:

• VSP
• Eyemed
• Davis Vision
• Superior Vision
• Spectera
• UHC SHIP (for Vanderbilt students)
• NVA (National Vision Administrators)

Medical Plans We Accept:

• Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
• UnitedHealthcare (UHC)
• Cigna
• Aetna
• Tricare East
• Tricare for Life
• Tennessee Medicaid
• Railroad Medicare (RR Medicare)
• Medicare

Not sure if we take your specific plan? Call us at (615) 249-4926 and we'll verify your benefits before your visit.

What Does a Covered Eye Exam Include?

A comprehensive eye exam at Elite Eyecare Nashville goes well beyond reading an eye chart. Depending on your plan, your covered exam may include:

• Vision acuity testing and an updated glasses or contact lens prescription
• Eye pressure testing (glaucoma screening)
• Retinal imaging to detect early signs of disease
• Dry eye evaluation
• Assessment for conditions like macular degeneration, cataracts, and diabetic eye disease

Most routine exams are covered once per year under vision insurance. Medical exams for specific conditions may be covered more frequently — check with your plan for details.

A Note for Vanderbilt Students

We are proud to accept UHC SHIP, the student health insurance plan offered through Vanderbilt University. If you're a Vanderbilt student looking for an eye doctor in Nashville, Elite Eyecare Nashville is conveniently located just minutes from campus at 5300 Centennial Blvd, Suite 107.

What If I Don't Have Vision Insurance?

No vision insurance? No problem. Elite Eyecare Nashville offers transparent cash pricing for exams and eyewear. You can see exactly what you'll pay before your visit — no surprises. Visit our Cash Pricing page for details.

Ready to Use Your Benefits? Book Your Exam Today.

Many insurance benefits reset at the end of the year — don't let yours go to waste. Elite Eyecare Nashville is currently accepting new patients, and scheduling is fast and easy.

📲 Book your appointment online here.

📞 Or call us at (615) 249-4926

📍 We're located at 5300 Centennial Blvd, Suite 107, Nashville, TN 37209 — with free on-site parking.

We look forward to seeing you.

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