Make sure to ASK if the doctor performing the eye exam is in network - or just go to an actual optometry practice! On 12/17, I went for an eye exam and to buy glasses. I showed them my insurance ahead of time, got my eye exam done, picked out glasses and was ready to checkout. Everything was smooth sailing. A WP worker started to ring me out and said that my insurance covers my eye exam (which is what my insurer told me, the WP worker who checked me in for my exam said, and it says in my outlined benefits). Then, another WP worker butted in and asked what health insurance plan I have. I said BlueCross BlueShield and she said actually, that since I don't have United HealthCare, I’m not covered for an eye exam and will have to submit for reimbursement.
I reiterated that everything was checked ahead of time and I should be covered. She told me that wasn’t the case, they only cover United HealthCare and that BlueCross BlueShield will reimburse me but I’m required to pay for the exam at time of service. I told her that although I have BCBS, it’s a FEDVIP plan and is carried under Davis Insurance and told her again that her coworker cleared me for the exam AT NO COST TO ME before going into the exam, and had I known I wasn’t covered, I wouldn’t have gotten it done at WP. She continued to argue with me about it and I had to do something… so I figured I’d pay and then submit for reimbursement- AS SHE PERSISTED TO ADVISE.
Well, I called my insurance today, 12/19, to submit for reimbursement and they were super displeased with what happened. I should’ve been covered and since I only have a standard plan, I’m not eligible for reimbursements, only high plans are.
My insurance called Warby Parker with me on the line and WP said that the Doctor they had that day was only in network for United HeathCare, no where else. They also said it depends on which Warby Parker location you go to, and what day your appointment is, if they have a doctor who can accept your insurance. None of this is even mentioned online or in the app when you make the appointment.
NEVER did anyone at this location tell me that the person doing the eye exam was with United HealthCare and that I wouldn’t be covered. In fact, THEY told me I was covered!! Both me and my insurer were shocked and speechless at how careless the Dresher, PA Warby Parker was and the lack of transparency WP has with its insurance policies and differing locations.
Thankfully, I got a very nice call representative who was also displeased with how everything went down. They looked into it and actually confirmed that prior to me checking out, my insurance was authorized to cover the exam in full. The rep also told me that I have TWO eye exams on my record for that day- one paid by me and the other paid by insurance. The call rep was extremely confused as to why any of this happened and submitted a request for reimbursement.
They did tell me to not get my hopes up, it’s just a request, but they’ll do what they can to resolve the matter. I don’t typically post many reviews, or negative ones, but with how the one WP worker spoke to me and how another WP worker told me the wrong info… I felt the need to make others aware. It would’ve been a very pleasant and seamless experience if this didn’t happen. I never would’ve gone this route if they were transparent from the beginning. I was always a fan of WP and trusted them to do my exam. Well, I feel like I was scammed by another brick and mortar store who just wanted to make a sale.
Do your due diligence ahead of time. Since WP locations don’t have individual land lines or phone numbers, you’d have to call customer service to see if they have info on who the optician is that day and what insurance they take. But I’m not sure if they’d even have that info.
I sure as heck hope Warby Parker rights their wrong by reimbursing me, providing additional training to their employees, and setting a standard of customer transparency so in the future- they don’t get lumped into the category of stores with deceptive practices.
Response from Warby Parker
December 20, 2024
Hi Lara,
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. I sincerely apologize for the confusion and frustration you encountered during your visit to our Warby Parker Promenade at Upper Dublin location. It's clear that we fell short in providing the transparent and seamless service you expected and deserved.
We are actively reviewing the situation to understand what went wrong and how we can prevent similar issues in the future. Your feedback is vital in helping us improve our processes and ensure our team is better equipped to handle insurance inquiries accurately.
I understand the inconvenience this has caused, and I appreciate your patience as we work to address the matter. If you have any further questions or need additional assistance, please feel free to reach out to our customer service team.
Thank you for bringing this to our attention, and we hope to have the opportunity to serve you better in the future.
Best,
Jaylin
The Warby Parker Team