Frequently Asked Questions

At Vision Essentials, we believe in giving our members the highest quality and workmanship at a competitive price. Choose from a wide selection of frames, lenses, and contact lenses — for any lifestyle and any budget.

We want you to feel good about how you look. Any glasses you purchase from Vision Essentials come with a price-match guarantee on frames (excluding Internet offers). See your eye care professional for details.

Each individual's prescription is special. Our average turnaround time is five to seven business days. Every prescription has to be precisely custom-made, and certain types of specialized lenses take longer than others. Members can choose from a wide range of optical products, including different lens materials to fulfill individual needs.

Your plan may cover a complete and thorough eye exam, depending on the benefits you or your employer may have purchased. You or your employer may have also purchased a supplemental optical benefit. For your coverage information, log onto KP.org or contact Member Services Contact Center at 503-813-2000 (Portland) or 1-800-813-2000 (Outside Portland, toll free).

Doctor-approved prescription changes can be made at no charge within 90 days from the original date you receive your eyeglasses.

Contact Vision Essentials Northwest at the medical office where you had your eye exam to request a copy. Contact lens prescriptions are released after the fitting process has been completed.

Kaiser Permanente is excited about our newly reduced fee associated with the professional services for the evaluation fitting and follow-up care associated with contact lenses. Our members can take advantage of the best technology to achieve their optimal eye health by having the option of choosing the newest contact lenses to improve their vision, eye health, and comfort at an affordable price.

What to except when checking in for a routine contact lens eye appointment
Members 19 and older will be charged a fee of $30.00 at time of check-in, (in addition to their office copay). The $30 fee will cover the evaluation and fitting of contact lenses and 3 months of follow-up care. For additional information on contact lens fees related to the evaluation, fitting, and follow-up care, please reference your health plan evidence of coverage exclusions.

Vision Essentials by Kaiser Permanente has a new contact lens re-ordering service on kp2020.org that makes ordering contact lenses fast and easy. You can order online from your home or office, any time, any day. A Vision Essentials contact lens professional can set up your online account after your contact lens exam. Exclusions and limitations apply. See your eye care professional for details.

If you are new to Vision Essentials by Kaiser Permanente and have a valid contact lens prescription or are transferring your prescription, please call the Vision Essentials Contact Lens Department for details.

Yes, Kaiser Permanente members with vision coverage through a different insurance carrier may be eligible for reimbursement by their carrier for the amount of their benefit when purchasing glasses or contact lenses at Vision Essentials. Call or visit one of our locations for more details.

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