Typical benefits include:

• One routine comprehensive eye exam per benefit period (often annually)

• Choice of eyeglasses (frames + lenses) or contact lenses: an allowance or discount for eyewear.

• Discounts (or sometimes coverage) for certain elective treatments such as laser vision correction (e.g., LASIK) in some plans.
  However: What’s included varies significantly by plan (what your employer negotiated, standalone plan vs. add-on, network vs out‐of‐network).

• Vision insurance = routine vision care (exams, corrective lenses, contacts) and preventive vision services.

• Medical/major medical insurance = eye health issues, disease or injury (glaucoma, cataracts, retinal disease, infections) and the associated treatments.
  If you visit the eye doctor for a medical eye condition, your medical insurance is likely billed rather than your vision plan.

Yes, many vision plans include contact lenses as an option instead of (or in addition to) glasses.
It’s important to note that the coverage may be limited (e.g., one set per year, only certain types of lenses) and you may still pay extra if you choose more expensive lenses or specialty brands.

Most vision insurance plans have networks of participating providers. If you go in-network, you’ll generally receive full benefit coverage (or lower out-of-pocket).

If you go out-of-network, you may have to pay more (higher copay, less coverage) or submit your own claim for reimbursement, some plans may not cover out-of-network at all.

It’s wise to verify your eye doctor is participating in your vision plan’s network before your appointment.