Vision Care Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to question you may have on the Medi-Cal Vision Care program. If you don't find the answer to your question below, contact either Dr. Cory Vu at cory.vu@dhcs.ca.gov, (916) 552-9539; or Dr. Donny Shiu at donny.shiu@dhcs.ca.gov, (916) 445-4884.
What Are The Vision Care Benefits Under The Medi-Cal Program?
Vision care is one of the health benefits that are covered for most beneficiaries eligible under the Medi-Cal program. Under this program, you are eligible for a comprehensive eye examination every two years to maintain the normal health and function of your eyes. The Medi-Cal program will also provide a pair of glasses for you if your doctor finds it to be medically necessary.
Where Can I Go To Have My Eyes Examined?
Many optometrists and ophthalmologists in your area are providers under the Medi-Cal program. To make an appointment for an eye examination and glasses, if needed, you need to call a participating doctor in your area. Remember to bring your Benefits Identification Card with you to your appointment for treatment.
Where Can I Go To Get My Glasses?
Many doctors have an optical dispensary in their office with a selection of frames for you to choose from. If not, then you can also take your eyeglass prescription to other participating optometrists, ophthalmologists or opticians in your area that have an optical dispensary to have your glasses made.
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Are Contact Lenses Covered Under The Medi-Cal Program?
Contact lenses are only covered for those individuals that have eye diseases like aphakia, keratoconus, or other conditions of the cornea where contact lenses are the best option for improved vision. Contact lenses may also be covered for those individuals with a large prescription difference between the two eyes or for those with chronic pathology or deformity of the nose, skin, or ears that prevent them from wearing conventional glasses. Your doctor will determine whether contact lenses are the best option for you.
What If I Broke My Glasses or Need An Eye Examination Before The Two-Year Period?
You are eligible to have your eyes reexamined within the two-year period if you are experiencing a significant change in your vision at distance or near or if you are experiencing any eye-related symptoms that are causing visual discomfort. Eyeglasses that are lost, stolen, or significantly damaged may be replaced within two years with sufficient justification.
I Am Visually Impaired. Are There Any Services That Are Covered For Me Under The Medi-Cal Program?
Individuals with visual impairment are eligible for Low Vision services and devices under the Medi-Cal program. Your doctor can determine whether low vision devices such as magnifiers, high-powered glasses, or telescopes will be helpful for you. If you qualify, your doctor may also refer you to the California Children Services or Department of Rehabilitation for further services.
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Does Medi-Cal Cover Prosthetic Eye Materials and Services?
Medi-Cal will cover prosthetic eye materials and services for those individuals that have lost an eye to disease or injury. A prescription from your doctor is required for the prosthesis to be covered.
Why Do I Need To Have Regular Eye Exams?
Regular eye exams not only fulfill the important purpose of keeping your eyeglass prescription up-to-date, they also help to ensure that serious eye conditions such as glaucoma and cataracts are detected and treated early. Regular eye exams can also help detect ocular consequences from systemic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, as well as, eye turns and binocular vision problems where early detection is vital in children.
What Are The Differences Between Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, and Opticians?
- Ophthalmologists are medical physicians and surgeons who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of eye disease. They also perform vision examinations and prescribe eyeglass lenses and contact lenses.
- Optometrists are independent primary health care providers who examine, diagnose, treat and manage diseases and disorders of the visual system, the eye, and associated structures, as well as diagnose systemic conditions.
- Dispensing opticians fill eyeglass and contact lens prescriptions
These eye-care practitioners are all providers under the Medi-Cal program.