Vision Discount Plan Information By Linda Hillenbrand
Many of you that are on the listserv know at this point that there is a discount plan for frames offered through Metlife. Those of you who are not on the listserv would have received a mailing of your new dental booklet with an insert about the new vision discount. As of December 31, there has been a slight change. The previous provider, Cole Vision, was acquired by Eyemed. The number that we were told to use is still valid but when you access the information about the plan you will see a different one than was previously announced.
I strongly encourage anyone using this benefit to call one of the providers on the list before you make a commitment to get frames. Print out the discount information from the website when you visit one of them. There has been some difficulties with a few providers, one of them being Eyecare Specialties, right here in Amherst on University Drive. Metlife is looking into the provider list based on what I've communicated to them and changes will be reflected on the provider list as they gather information.
And for those of you looking for frames, our own UHS is on that list and my impression from the UHS website is that there are many choices for frames. I called them and they do, indeed, take the discount plan. So, if you have a prescription call Optical Services at 7-5007. Her name is Donna and she is alone over there, so she asks that you make an appointment (no walk-ins). And please identify yourself as a member of USA. If you don't have a prescription there are two doctors on staff.
Follow these steps to access the information about the vision discount plan:
1. Log onto the Metlife website: www.metlife.com/mybenefits. In the box that asks for company name, type in "Board of Higher Education Massachusetts Teachers Association".
Note: your computer will remember that you typed this if you do it just once, so you will not have to remember this again.
2. To see the plan choose either "Vision One Eyecare Program" or "Vision Care" (both go to the same place).
3. You will see a screen that tells you that you are leaving the Metlife site - that's fine - click "proceed."
4. This is the new screen that tells you the site has moved - click on the blue link that should say "eyemedvisioncare.com/Metlife"
5. At this screen you'll find everything you may need. Along the top you'll see links for "discounts", "ID card" and "Find a Provider".
