What stores are covered by VSP?

Editorial team Published on

VSP Vision Care covers major retail chains like Visionworks and Eyemart Express, thousands of private practice doctors, and the official online store Eyeconic.

Major Retail Chains (In-Network)

  • Visionworks: Fully covered nationwide across over 750 locations.
  • Eyemart Express: Fully covered nationwide at all retail storefronts.
  • Select Regional Chains / Outlets: Specific locations like America's Best, MyEyeDr., Shopko Optical, Eye Boutique, and SVS Vision frequently accept VSP, though coverage can depend on your specific corporate or individual plan tier.

Wholesale & Retail Clubs (Plan-Dependent)

  • Walmart Vision Center & Sam's Club Optical: Accepted by many plans, but you must verify specific eligibility through your member account first.
  • Costco Wholesale: Accepted by select specific VSP plans, but coverage is not universal across all tiers.

Online Shopping

  • Eyeconic: The official, fully integrated VSP In-Network Online Store where benefits apply directly at checkout with no claims to file.

What stores accept VSP insurance for glasses?

Major retail chains like Visionworks and Eyemart Express are fully in-network with VSP Vision Care.

In-Network Stores and Options

  • Visionworks4.8(448)OptometristPittsburgh, PA
    All locations accept VSP and often feature extra promotions like second-pair discounts.
  • Eyemart Express4.8(1.6K)OpticianGreensboro, NC
    All family of stores nationwide (including Vision 4 Less and Eyewear Express) are in-network.
  • Private Practices4.9(254)Eye care centerWest Grove, PA
    Thousands of independent local optometrists and private practice eye doctors accept VSP.
  • EyeconicOpticianJamaica, NY
    The official VSP in-network online store where you can connect your benefits directly at checkout.
  • Wholesale Clubs
    Certain specific plans may offer coverage or localized acceptance at Costco or Walmart/Sam's Club, though you must verify your exact tier.

Major Stores That Are Out-of-Network

  • LensCrafters
  • Target Optical
  • Pearle Vision (most locations)
  • Warby Parker

Are Costco glasses covered by VSP?

Yes, Costco Optical accepts VSP insurance as in-network for most members for in-store purchases of prescription glasses and lenses.

Coverage Details

  • In-Network Status: Costco Optical lists VSP as an accepted in-network provider for most plans, though direct billing and acceptance can vary by specific warehouse location and plan type.
  • In-Store Only: Coverage applies strictly to in-store purchases at the optical counter. VSP and Costco do not accept vision insurance for online orders of glasses or contacts.
  • Independent Doctors: The independent optometrists adjacent to Costco operate separately from the Costco Optical Department, so you should confirm if your specific VSP plan is accepted for exams.

Tips Before You Go

  • Call Ahead: Contact your local Costco Optical department beforehand to verify that they accept your exact VSP tier or group plan.
  • Membership: You need an active Costco membership to buy prescription glasses at the counter, though exam-only visits with the independent doctor may not require one depending on state rules.

Is Walmart Vision covered by VSP?

Yes, Walmart Vision Centers accept VSP Vision Care benefits, but coverage depends entirely on the specific plan you have.

Coverage Details

  • Walmart Employees: If you have the Walmart-provided VSP vision plan, your benefits—including exams, frames, and lenses—are fully covered at participating Walmart Vision Centers.
  • Individual/Open Market Plans: If you bought an individual VSP plan directly (like through VSP Direct), standard Walmart Vision locations are often considered out-of-network.

How to Confirm

  • Call First: Contact VSP Member Services or call your local Walmart Vision Center directly to verify whether your specific policy is in-network.
  • Out-of-Network: If your plan is out-of-network, you may still be able to use your benefits, but you will likely need to pay upfront and submit a claim form for partial reimbursement.

Where can I use my VSP vision benefits?

You can use your VSP vision benefits at the VSP Find a Doctor locator tool to find thousands of in-network private practice doctors and approved locations nationwide.

In-Network Locations

  • Private Practices: Thousands of independent eye doctors participate in the VSP network.
  • Retail Chains: All Visionworks and Eyemart Express locations are in-network.
  • Wholesale and Retail Clubs: Depending on your specific plan, you may be able to use benefits at locations like Walmart, Sam's Club, or Costco—contact VSP member services first to confirm.

Online Shopping

  • Eyeconic: You can use your benefits directly online at Eyeconic, the official in-network online store for VSP members, by connecting your benefits at checkout.

Out-of-Network Options

  • Other Retailers: Places like Target Optical, LensCrafters, and Warby Parker are typically out-of-network. If your plan includes out-of-network coverage, you can shop there and submit an itemized receipt for partial reimbursement.

VSP Vision Insurance Full Review - Features, Strengths, Weaknesses

9 related questions found

What glasses brands does VSP cover?

VSP covers a wide range of designer, lifestyle, and brand-name frame manufacturers as long as you purchase them through an in-network doctor or Eyeconic, VSP's official online store.

How VSP Frame Coverage Works

  • Standard Allowance: Your specific VSP plan provides a set annual frame allowance (for example, $150 or $200) that can be applied toward any frame brand carried by an in-network eye doctor.
  • Featured Frame Brands: If you choose certain featured brands at a VSP Premier Edge location or on Eyeconic, VSP gives you an extra $20 to spend on top of your normal plan allowance. Look for frames featuring the VSP heart logo on the demo lens.

Popular Covered Brands (Including Featured Brands)

  • Nike
  • Calvin Klein / Calvin Klein Jeans
  • Cole Haan
  • Lacoste
  • Bebe
  • Dragon
  • Flexon
  • DKNY
  • Salvatore Ferragamo
  • Kendra Scott
  • Longchamp
  • Nautica
  • Nine West
  • Converse
  • Columbia
  • Anne Klein
  • Ray-Ban (available via partner retailers and online)
  • Oakley (available via partner retailers and online)

You can browse the full rotating catalog of supported collections directly through the VSP Frame Brands Guide.

Is VSP a good vision insurance?

VSP (Vision Service Plan) is generally considered a good and reliable vision insurance provider, offering a large national network and affordable individual plans starting around $13 a month, though value depends heavily on how you use it.

The Pros of VSP

  • Large Network: VSP features one of the largest networks of independent private-practice doctors, plus major retailers like Visionworks and Eyemart Express.
  • Low Costs: Monthly premiums are budget-friendly, and routine annual eye exam copays are typically low (around $15 to $25).
  • High Ratings: Major financial and review publications like Forbes Advisor and Consumer Advocate frequently rank VSP at or near the top for overall vision care coverage.
  • No Waiting Periods: Individual plans generally let you use your benefits immediately upon enrolling.

The Cons of VSP

  • Limited Retail Choices: Some popular chains or specific brands (like certain Warby Parker or LensCrafters locations) may not accept VSP.
  • Mixed User Opinions: While a consensus on platforms like Facebook shows members save money on routine care, users on Reddit have mixed opinions, noting that if you rarely need glasses or buy low-cost frames out-of-pocket, the annual cost of premiums might outweigh your actual savings. Customer service and cancellation policies have also drawn complaints on review sites like Trustpilot.

Does VSP cover glasses every year?

Most VSP plans cover eye exams every year, but coverage for glasses (frames and lenses) often renews every 12 or 24 months depending on your specific employer or individual plan.

How VSP Frequencies Work

  • Eye Exams: Typically covered every calendar year after a small copay.
  • Lenses: Frequently covered every calendar year or every two calendar years, depending on your exact plan tier.
  • Frames: Frequently covered every 12 months (every calendar year) or every 24 months, depending on what your employer or purchased policy selected.
  • Contacts (instead of glasses): Usually subject to the same annual or biennial timeline as frames/lenses.

How to Check Your Specific Plan

Because VSP builds custom packages for different employers and individual buyers, benefits vary.

  • Log in to your VSP Member Account and select View Your Benefits to see your exact renewal dates and allowances.
  • Check your specific benefit schedule or call VSP Member Services at 1-800-877-7195.

Are glasses cheaper at Costco or LensCrafters?

Glasses are generally much cheaper at Costco Optical than at LensCrafters.

Price Comparison

  • Costco Optical: A complete pair of glasses typically costs between $100 and $250. Consumer surveys show a median out-of-pocket price around $87 to $160 after insurance. Costco limits its markup to a maximum of 14%.
  • LensCrafters: A complete pair usually ranges from $200 to $400 or more for basic lenses and mid-range frames, with median costs often exceeding $326 after insurance and climbing much higher for designer names and premium progressives.

Specific Cost Differences

  • Progressive Lenses: Costco's HD progressives cost about $150 to $200, while LensCrafters progressives generally range from $250 to $500+.
  • Lens Coatings: Anti-reflective coatings are frequently included or cost around $30 at Costco, compared to $30 to $100 at LensCrafters. Blue light filtering is $20 to $40 at Costco versus $50 to $80 at LensCrafters.

Membership and Insurance

  • Membership: You need a Costco membership to buy glasses, though you usually do not need one to get an eye exam. LensCrafters requires no membership.
  • Insurance: LensCrafters accepts a wider range of major vision insurance plans (like VSP and EyeMed), which can sometimes make them competitive if you have specific network benefits. Costco accepts fewer plans.

How do I maximize my VSP benefits?

To maximize your VSP vision benefits, use VSP Premier Edge network doctors or retail locations like Visionworks and shop for eyewear through Eyeconic to lower out-of-pocket costs.

Key Steps to Maximize Value

  • Log In Online: Create or log into your VSP Member Account to view your specific coverage, copays, allowances, and eligibility before booking an appointment.
  • Choose In-Network & Premier Edge Providers: Visit in-network doctors or Premier Edge locations to access extra rebates, advanced technology, and satisfaction guarantees at no extra cost. You do not need a physical ID card; just provide your name, date of birth, and the last four digits of the member's Social Security number.
  • Select Featured Frame Brands: Look for the VSP heart logo on frames or pick Featured Frame Brands to get an extra allowance added to your standard frame benefit.
  • Save on Lens Enhancements: Take advantage of discounts (up to 40% off) on popular options like anti-reflective coatings, progressives, and light-reactive lenses.
  • Buy Additional Pairs: Save 20% to 50% on extra pairs of glasses when purchased from your VSP network doctor within 12 months of your annual exam.
  • Use Member Extras: Access over $3,000 in additional savings on hearing aids, LASIK, health products, and lifestyle offers.

(Note: Opinions on Reddit regarding standalone individual plans are mixed_opinions: some users suggest evaluating out-of-network claims if you want specific non-network contact lens brands, though in-network care generally offers the most seamless savings.)