Insurance & Financing Options

Understanding your insurance shouldn’t feel overwhelming, especially when you’re focused on your vision. We’re here to help make every step of your care easier to navigate.

Your Vision Comes First

Making Expert Eye Care More Accessible

At Chu Eye Institute, we believe expert care should also be accessible care. Whether you’re managing a chronic eye condition or exploring vision correction surgery, our team is committed to helping you understand your benefits and plan for any out-of-pocket costs.

We work with various medical and vision insurance providers and offer guidance on financing options for elective procedures like LASIK or premium lens upgrades. No matter where you are in your care journey, we’re here to make sure costs are clear, questions are answered, and your care feels fully supported from start to finish.

Medical and Vision Plans We Accept

We work with a wide range of insurance plans to help make your care as smooth and accessible as possible. If you’re not sure what type of coverage applies to your visit, don’t worry. Our team will walk you through the details and verify your benefits as soon as possible.

Medical vs. Vision Insurance: What's the Difference?

Medical insurance covers exams, diagnostics, and treatments related to medical conditions like glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, cornea disease, and other eye health concerns.

Vision insurance typically covers routine eye exams, glasses, and contact lenses, but not medical treatments or surgery.

What’s Covered and What’s Not

Understanding what your medical insurance covers can be confusing, but we’re here to help clarify what’s usually included and where out-of-pocket costs may apply.

Typically Covered by Insurance
  • Medical eye exams and diagnostics for issues like glaucoma, dry eye, diabetic eye disease, and cornea conditions.
  • Monitoring and management of chronic conditions, including visual field testing, retinal scans, and intraocular pressure checks.
  • Medically necessary procedures, like SLT for glaucoma or cornea transplants.
  • Cataract surgery with standard monofocal lens implants (Medicare and most insurance plans cover this).

Not Typically Covered by Insurance
  • Elective procedures such as LASIK, PRK, and EVO ICL.
  • Premium lens upgrades during cataract surgery (e.g., PanOptix® or Toric IOLs)—these may be partially covered, with an out-of-pocket upgrade.
  • Routine vision exams, glasses, and contact lenses (unless you have a separate vision insurance plan).


We’ll always explain your coverage, provide a cost breakdown before treatment, and help you avoid billing surprises.

Financing and Payment Options

We offer flexible payment options for services not covered by insurance to help make expert care more accessible. We understand that investing in your vision is a big decision, and we’re here to help you feel confident about every aspect of the process, including cost.

Our team will review your treatment plan with you, explain any out-of-pocket costs, and walk you through payment options. We’ll always provide transparent estimates before you begin treatment—no guesswork, no surprise bills.

Quick CareCredit Application

Applying for financing through CareCredit is quick, secure, and can be done entirely online. With flexible payment options and special financing for healthcare expenses, CareCredit makes it easier to manage the costs of elective procedures, such as LASIK, premium lens upgrades, or other out-of-pocket eye care expenses. You can apply in minutes through their online application portal.

Preparing for Surgery?

Getting ready for surgery? Our pre- and post-op instructions are here to guide you, so you’ll know exactly what to expect before, during, and after your procedure.

FAQs

Are you or someone you care for considering eye surgery? We’ve answered the most common questions we hear from seniors and caregivers to help you feel informed, supported, and confident.

Request an Appointment

Have Insurance Questions?

Our team is happy to assist if you’re unsure about what’s covered, need help understanding your benefits, or want to confirm your eligibility before a visit. If you were referred to us by another provider, we’ll also coordinate with their office to help ensure a smooth, seamless experience.