Two Optician owned opticals in my city, both VSP In Network

[jmchapman]

How is this possible? There are two opticals, both down the street from me, that are considered "In Network" by VSP. And I know for a fact that they're both optician owned. I called VSP and asked about this but their information says that in fact a Dr. does own that practice. But that's just not true. The reason why I'm frustrated is, I want to take over my fathers practice he's an OD and I'm an optician, but I'm worried that I'll lose being a VSP In Network practice. And that is a VERY big part of our business right now.

[mervinek]

Hmmm... all the VSP offices I know are OD owned.

[Randle Tibbs, ABOM]

If you were to check the documents of incorporation, you would probably find that there is an OD who is the majority owner.

[peyes]

Randle,
I know who you are referring to and this was arranged thru the major frame company that was aquired by VSP. There was a minimum annual commitment. I was almost approved before they suspended that program. I know of another optical in Georgia with the same arrangement.

[sharpstick777]

VSP grandfathered in many long time Optician owned practices, they did not always have an OD only restriction. So if they have been around for a while and joined VSP a long time ago, that could be your answer.

As well, VSP has been adding select Optician owned practices over the last few years, but doing it secretly. The owners are not allowed to reveal any information, or make the program public. Johns here on Optiboard was approached by VSP to become in Network a few years ago (but he said no). I know of about 8 Opticians owned VSP practices here on the West Coast, and their may be more.

[mervinek]

Randle,
I know who you are referring to and this was arranged thru the major frame company that was aquired by VSP. There was a minimum annual commitment. I was almost approved before they suspended that program. I know of another optical in Georgia with the same arrangement.

I have a problem with frame manufacturers having their own insurance companies! There is something very wrong with this. (I'm talking to you Luxottica and Marchon!) It hurts when so much of your business relies on these insurances. You are stuck. I was in the situation before where if we wanted to carry a certain insurance, we were required to carry 150 of that manufacturer's frames. Either that or loose a lot of business. UGH. I hate having to make that decision.

[Java99]

I have a problem with frame manufacturers having their own insurance companies! There is something very wrong with this. (I'm talking to you Luxottica and Marchon!) It hurts when so much of your business relies on these insurances. You are stuck. I was in the situation before where if we wanted to carry a certain insurance, we were required to carry 150 of that manufacturer's frames. Either that or loose a lot of business. UGH. I hate having to make that decision.

There's an easy solution: don't accept insurance and buy whatever frames you want.

[mervinek]

There's an easy solution: don't accept insurance and buy whatever frames you want.

I wish. We tried that before and lost soooo much business! Our business is located across the street from a major medical insurance company that has their own vision insurance. It is the WORST insurance ever! If we were to drop that, we would loose a huge amount of business. Sad...

[optimensch]

its striking to me how where i am in canada, land of high taxes, gun control and socialized medicine, insurance for eyewear is such a non issue. few people have any at all and it just doesnt factor in much. seems to be a huge deal in the usa. i think private insurance is way more of a headache to deal with than government insurance ( in some cases medicare in canada stlll pays for an eye exam). just sayin'

[sharpstick777]

its striking to me how where i am in canada, land of high taxes, gun control and socialized medicine, insurance for eyewear is such a non issue. few people have any at all and it just doesnt factor in much. seems to be a huge deal in the usa. i think private insurance is way more of a headache to deal with than government insurance ( in some cases medicare in canada stlll pays for an eye exam). just sayin'

My best guess optimensch is that health care reform will provide more exam, but fewer materials benifits, and we will become more you like you Canuks in that respect.

[Framebender]

Keep your father on the books as a 51% owner and you have solved your problem.

Good luck!

[Johns]

They are all OD "owned"...

[EyeManFla]

The problem I see is in states like Florida, ODs and Opticians can't be "partners". I offered to buy into a practice years ago and was told it violated Florida laws.

[Framebender]

Then I would just leave the Father as the paper owner and go on with your life.

Good luck to you!!

[racethe1320]

interesting how so many claim to "know" this that and the other but are never willing to list out the names of the practices and locations.

[Johns]

interesting how so many claim to "know" this that and the other but are never willing to list out the names of the practices and locations.

For what purpose...to "out" the others so VSP can take them down also?

[racethe1320]

For what purpose...to "out" the others so VSP can take them down also?

If people here "know" and according to them VSP is allowing it, then what's to take down? The others.....if people here know, then everyone knows, thus not a big deal.

[Johns]

interesting how so many claim to "know" this that and the other but are never willing to list out the names of the practices and locations.

The others.....if people here know, then everyone knows, thus not a big deal.

Well, people here know, so following your logic, you also know. So why ask?

[racethe1320]

Well, people here know, so following your logic, you also know. So why ask?

let me clarify....if sharpstick and others know then VSP likely does. So why not just list them for others here who perhaps don't. My guess is people have guesses but don't really know anything for a fact but enjoy drama with no desire to actually post facts.

[drk]

Or you work for VSP.

[racethe1320]

Or you work for VSP.

then I would already know wouldn't I......

[Johns]

then I would already know wouldn't I......

Up to this point, this thread has consisted of private practitioners offering advice and insight to a fellow practitioner.

I find it interesting that as the "Wizard of VSP", your only contribution to the thread is this:

interesting how so many claim to "know" this that and the other but are never willing to list out the names of the practices and locations.

Nobody is claiming to know anymore than what they've dealt with in their own situations. Why is it that YOU, the one that HAS claimed to have the inside answers, usually offers little more than agitation?

(Ignore Mode officially activated)

[Judy Canty]

interesting how so many claim to "know" this that and the other but are never willing to list out the names of the practices and locations.

...said from behind the curtain of a screen name.

[pezfaerie]

Ask your VSP rep about the Marchon preffered provider plan. Optician, in network, reimbursed-ish.