There are two choices that you have.  The Basic and the Plus plan.  I do not know specifics of your cost, but I have been told that it is only about $4 a month additional, or so.  I think as you look at the differences, however, it would seem that upgrading to the Plus plan makes very good sense.

The following table should illustrate the differences between the plans.  I will highlight in RED the big differences and explain what that means below the table:

The first thing to know about these plans is they allow you what is called the SunCare package.  This allows you to use your frame allowance ($130 or $200) to purchase a nice pair of non-prescription sunglasses.  All you would pay is the $10 copay and tax.  That is it.  You don't even have to get an eye exam to use that benefit, although we would certainly love to be able to help with that.

Second, you notice that the Plus plan has a higher allowance for frame and contact lenses.  That $70 difference is pretty significant and allows you to use it for more contact lenses, a nicer prescription frame, or nicer non-Rx sunglasses. 

Third, the frame frequency is every 12 months with the Plus plan vs the Basic.  If you are a glasses wearer, that means with the Basic, you would get a new frame every 2 years, but eligible for lenses every year, and with Plus, you get a complete pair of glasses every year.  That also carries over into the sunglass realm.  If you have the Basic, it is a sunglass every 2 years.  If you have Plus, every 12 months.

Fourth, and this is the truly big difference, is that the Plus plan gives you the Second Pair Allowance.  This means that you get an extra eligible package of either contact lenses, complete pair of prescription glasses, or sunglasses.  At the same benefit level as the first pair.

For example, if I have the Basic plan, I can come in now and get an exam and a pair of sunglasses (up to $130).  In 12 months, I can get a new exam and new lenses or contact lenses, but I would have to wait 24 to get a new frame or sunglasses.  If I have the Plus plan, I can come in every year and get the exam, and then choose 2 of the following (and even double up on one if you want): $200 towards contact lens services, a complete pair of Rx glasses (with a frame up to $200), or a $200 pair of non-Rx sunglasses.  And that is for everyone in your family.  Spouse, children, all of them.

Again, I do not know the specifics of the financial involvement and can only quote what I have been told by other employees, but it would appear that if you were a family of, say 5 - 2 adults and 3 children - that the additional investment of $50 or so per year for the Plus plan could yield about $1500 more in goods and services.  That is pretty significant.  In my opinion, well worth it, and I will say that VSP is a fantastic plan to work with.  The VSP lab we use is incredibly fast and has top-of-the-line quality.

Now, I have also been asked to detail what sunglasses we have so you might be able to browse sunglasses online, then come in and order them if we do not have them in stock.  So lastly, below are links to the major sunglass companies we deal with.  Feel free to browse their sites and if you find something you like, give us a call or send us an email and we can tell you the specifics and get it going for you.

There are a number of designer sunglasses that we carry that do not have readily accessible online catalogs, such as Juicy Couture, BCBG, Nine West, Jessica McClintock, Gucci, Valentino and more.  We are also currently investigating the possibility of becoming an Oakley retailer.  We will update this list as changes are made.