v.s.p. NO-CHOICE plan

**ak47** · 01-07-2014, 08:48 PM

welcome to 2014...where we have NO CHOICE but vsp-owned labs for specs for federal employees with the so-called v.s.p. choiceplan.

for these patients, of which there are many, you can "choose" from v.s.p. sacramento, v.s.p. Columbus, v.s.p. dallas, v.s.p fort Lauderdale, or v.s.p. Olympia. you can no longer choose from any of the hundreds of vsp affiliated labs.

does anybody have any RECENT good experiences with any of these v.s.p. owned labs ???

I don't have any recent experience, but my past experience still exasperates me.

Please weigh in !

**Browman** · 01-07-2014, 11:00 PM

I've had nothing but positive experiences with Hoya-Dallas.

**golfnut** · 01-07-2014, 11:03 PM

Originally Posted by ak47

welcome to 2014...where we have NO CHOICE but vsp-owned labs for specs for federal employees with the so-called v.s.p. choiceplan.

for these patients, of which there are many, you can "choose" from v.s.p. sacramento, v.s.p. Columbus, v.s.p. dallas, v.s.p fort Lauderdale, or v.s.p. Olympia. you can no longer choose from any of the hundreds of vsp affiliated labs.

does anybody have any RECENT good experiences with any of these v.s.p. owned labs ???

I don't have any recent experience, but my past experience still exasperates me.

Please weigh in !

I have personally used the VSP Columbus. Their work is top-notch and their customer service is also top-notch. Work comes in in a timely manner and if you have problems they correct them. If their retail pricing was any good I would probably use them for all my private jobs.

**Tallboy** · 01-08-2014, 12:21 AM

Wait what? I have still been able to use three rivers optical or any other private vsp contract lab for federal employees so far... is this a regional thing for you?

**Tallboy** · 01-08-2014, 01:15 PM

So I learn today that I was totally wrong. We currently cannot order any FED VSP jobs through any lab but Columbus it says.

Not sure, not getting a straight answer from anyone, hearing it may be "fixed" soon...

Does anyone know anything about this?????

**sharpstick777** · 01-08-2014, 04:30 PM

Originally Posted by Tallboy

So I learn today that I was totally wrong. We currently cannot order any FED VSP jobs through any lab but Columbus it says.

Not sure, not getting a straight answer from anyone, hearing it may be "fixed" soon...

Does anyone know anything about this?????

VSP has been moving production in-house for Choice plans for sometime. Expect more VSP labs, and expect to send more exclusive jobs to those labs. If you keep VSP that is.

**racethe1320** · 01-11-2014, 08:37 PM

Originally Posted by golfnut

I have personally used the VSP Columbus. Their work is top-notch and their customer service is also top-notch. Work comes in in a timely manner and if you have problems they correct them. If their retail pricing was any good I would probably use them for all my private jobs.

They've done well for us too. In terms of private pay, just negotiate with their lab rep/manager. They will customize a price list based on your products of choice. XX% off list doesn't mean anything any way really. Worked for us.

Originally Posted by ak47

welcome to 2014...where we have NO CHOICE but vsp-owned labs for specs for federal employees with the so-called v.s.p. choiceplan.

You can use their labs or other contract labs..upwards of 50 or so from what I've heard. Not sure if they are appearing in the drop down menus yet but I heard that was ultimately the plan. They are selecting them based on the labs support of their unity product. Makes sense since that's the product that the Gov't negotiated into the deal for covered AR and why put a lab that doesn't support that product in as an option. Would likely be frustrating for all involved including the most important person...the patient.

All their corporate labs make the product in house and they have a new lab opening in Baltimore next month so for Tallboy here, you should be in a great spot turn time wise. I plan to go check it out soon as it's not a far drive. I plan to check out using it since the volume there will be lower and from what I hear they are well equipped to handle specialty frames.

Originally Posted by sharpstick777

VSP has been moving production in-house for Choice plans for sometime. Expect more VSP labs, and expect to send more exclusive jobs to those labs. If you keep VSP that is.

Moving work in-house just makes sense. Controlling the supply chain and branding is key for them. Took a few years but EM/Big E finally are doing the same. Why pay a contract lab? The time for them is fast growing to a close. Especially when most of them are owned by Essilor and the two are fast becoming strong competitors with one another. My guess is they will partner more closely with a handful of private labs and as I said before, my money is on them growing closer to another manufacturer too.

Don't be shocked if you see them make some strong turns in terms of branding either. They are pretty savvy and will likely begin taking Lux on directly when it comes to that.

**racethe1320** · 01-11-2014, 08:54 PM

Originally Posted by Tallboy

So I learn today that I was totally wrong. We currently cannot order any FED VSP jobs through any lab but Columbus it says.

Not sure, not getting a straight answer from anyone, hearing it may be "fixed" soon... Does anyone know anything about this?????

Again, not sure you'd want to order a FED job through another lab as the unity ar will likely need to be sent to a VSP lab anyway. Sit tight as I hear their lab in Baltimore is set to open in a couple weeks.

**Tallboy** · 01-11-2014, 09:34 PM

^^ Very interesting. I heard rumours of a new Bmore lab, I didn't realize its openiing was so near in the future.

**racethe1320** · 01-11-2014, 10:10 PM

Originally Posted by Tallboy

^^ Very interesting. I heard rumours of a new Bmore lab, I didn't realize its openiing was so near in the future.

Yep. I know the lab Mgr. who came from Three Rivers. Their brand rep did too. Know their stuff pretty well. Looks like they have plans for a number of labs to open this year.

**Stan Tabor** · 01-12-2014, 03:34 PM

Imagine the following:

Once VSP has a lab in every region and the capacity to do all VSP work, they will perform 100% of VSP lab work. It will be VSP labs edging Unity lenses for Marchon/Altair frames. There will be no choice.

VSP buys an edger manufacturer or become a distributor for a manufacturer. That way they can force retailers who want to perform in-office finishing to buy their edger.

VSP will begin requiring independents to hang VSP and Marchon signs and dictate merchandise so their product is preferred, even for non-vsp patients. Why not? They will defacto own your business.

VSP will increase its online presence by either expanding its existing program or buying another online retailers. Member benefits will include buying online and going to any VSP dispenser for adjustments/issues. VSP dispensers will get a credit toward Marchon/Altair frame purchases.

I have no evidence any of the above will occur. My point is that things that seemed far fetched 10 years ago are coming to fruition today as the big dogs fight it out. Independents are the pawns in a high stakes chess match. The competition will only escalate.

I am not saying managed care exercising its control is good or bad. My only observations are that managed car plans are more proactively dictating the industry and the pace of change is escalating.

**Judy Canty** · 01-12-2014, 04:33 PM

Word is that the Baltimore lab will be finish only.

**racethe1320** · 01-12-2014, 09:31 PM

Originally Posted by Judy Canty

Word is that the Baltimore lab will be finish only.

No word really, they are very open about it being a finishing lab only. No need for a full production lab there when their Columbus Lab can shoot the uncut lenses out there in a days time.

**ak47** · 01-13-2014, 12:04 PM

does anyone have anything in writing stating that federal employees can ONLY get UNITY a/r ? please share.

**Sledzinator** · 01-13-2014, 12:10 PM

I believe they are fully cover for Unity Ar, but can pay 20 for another brand.

**racethe1320** · 01-13-2014, 07:57 PM

Originally Posted by Sledzinator

I believe they are fully cover for Unity Ar, but can pay 20 for another brand.

^^ This.

**racethe1320** · 01-13-2014, 08:09 PM

Originally Posted by ak47

does anyone have anything in writing stating that federal employees can ONLY get UNITY a/r ? please share.

As noted, covered patients have choices.

Pgs 14 & 22.

http://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insura...chures/VSP.pdf

**drk** · 01-14-2014, 10:20 AM

Originally Posted by golfnut

I have personally used the VSP Columbus. Their work is top-notch and their customer service is also top-notch. Work comes in in a timely manner and if you have problems they correct them. If their retail pricing was any good I would probably use them for all my private jobs.

We find VSP Columbus to be pretty good.

**rdcoach5** · 01-14-2014, 10:38 AM

I agree VSP Columbus is pretty good, but nowhere near as good or as quick as Toledo Optical. It always takes longer due to shipping delays compared to our twice a day courier service for Toledo. Even though they do tons of jobs a day, their frame database is never a match for Toledo's and lens only jobs that are in their database seldom fit perfectly.Chemistrie Clips are not as perfect,either. PD's are always off and never perfectly straight.

**golfnut** · 01-14-2014, 08:56 PM

Originally Posted by rdcoach5

I agree VSP Columbus is pretty good, but nowhere near as good or as quick as Toledo Optical. It always takes longer due to shipping delays compared to our twice a day courier service for Toledo. Even though they do tons of jobs a day, their frame database is never a match for Toledo's and lens only jobs that are in their database seldom fit perfectly.Chemistrie Clips are not as perfect,either. PD's are always off and never perfectly straight.

Wow! I would talk to your rep?? I have been using them for 4 years and have only had issues with a handful of jobs and I tend to be picky! As far as something like a chem clip, I probably would have sent that somewhere else anyway? We get most jobs in 3 to 5 days, rarely ever much longer. I also get my stock the next day. My eyemed lab is another story!!:(

**Jubilee** · 01-14-2014, 09:25 PM

I had several jobs in 4thQtr 2013 that took 4-6 weeks to get from VSP Columbus. Most averaged 2 weeks. What is even better is when they try to make it up to your patient by doing a freebie, but having that one take even longer to get back! 1 problem job, or even patient.. I get. Ran a lab for a while, you get those problem jobs. However this was several...

Pretty soon you might as well state that VSP decided to change their model to Davis's. Since that is where it seems to be headed.

**golfnut** · 01-14-2014, 11:58 PM

I guess we are the only lucky ones??I will start counting my blessings.. ;) I would have to say the EVERY lab probably struggled a bit during that period due to it being the busiest time of the whole year! Vsp isn't immune to the same issues ALL labs go through though. And I am NOT saying Vsp is the best, just better than average. In twenty two years doing this I have used a few:)

**sharpstick777** · 01-15-2014, 12:30 PM

Originally Posted by Jubilee

Pretty soon you might as well state that VSP decided to change their model to Davis's. Since that is where it seems to be headed.

yup in a strange race to the bottom

**eyes4u** · 01-15-2014, 12:48 PM

That info is in there info that they get. You can go to VSP online and print it out also.

**sharpstick777** · 01-15-2014, 01:09 PM

Why imagine? its been happening for some time... No evidence? (tongue in cheek) There will be a VSP Optical sign up in your neighborhood very soon

Originally Posted by Stan Tabor

Imagine the following:

Once VSP has a lab in every region and the capacity to do all VSP work, they will perform 100% of VSP lab work. It will be VSP labs edging Unity lenses for Marchon/Altair frames. There will be no choice.

VSP buys an edger manufacturer or become a distributor for a manufacturer. That way they can force retailers who want to perform in-office finishing to buy their edger.

VSP will begin requiring independents to hang VSP and Marchon signs and dictate merchandise so their product is preferred, even for non-vsp patients. Why not? They will defacto own your business.

VSP will increase its online presence by either expanding its existing program or buying another online retailers. Member benefits will include buying online and going to any VSP dispenser for adjustments/issues. VSP dispensers will get a credit toward Marchon/Altair frame purchases.

I have no evidence any of the above will occur. My point is that things that seemed far fetched 10 years ago are coming to fruition today as the big dogs fight it out. Independents are the pawns in a high stakes chess match. The competition will only escalate.

I am not saying managed care exercising its control is good or bad. My only observations are that managed car plans are more proactively dictating the industry and the pace of change is escalating.