FAQs

General Information…

  • Short answer: No. Vision Wellness was created to help people escape the cost and confusion of vision insurance plans. By cutting out the middle-man (insurance companies) we are able to provide lower cost, higher quality care.

  • Yes. If you see an out-of-network provider, you may still be eligible for reimbursement depending on your plan. You’ll need to pay upfront and submit an itemized receipt and claim form to the insurance carrier. Please note that reimbursement requests must be submitted directly by the patient.

  • Absolutely! If you have a vision insurance plan through your employer or family member’s plan, we welcome you to join Vision Wellness as well. Most people find they spend substantially less and receive better care outside of their existing insurance plan. Having insurance of any kind does not exclude you from joining Vision Wellness!

  • Yes! This is the core mission at Vision Wellness, to provide slowed-down, personalized care without the rush of a typical eye appointment. We don’t overbook. We don’t rush. When you’re here, our time is yours!

  • Visit our Membership & Pricing page. You can find answers to tons of membership questions as well as see our honest and transparent pricing!

  • We are a full-scope eye care practice and proud to offer all primary vision and medical eye care services. We also have an in-house optical and finishing lab to manufacture eyeglasses on site. To learn more about our services, visit the Services page.

About Us…

  • Yes! Vision Wellness is the only eye care practice that is 100% owned and operated by someone in Blount County without any outside influence. That’s something we’re extremely proud of, too.

  • Absolutely. Members at Vision Wellness are encouraged to pick the doctor they feel they can relate to best. Schedules fluctuate throughout the year, but we want our members to see who they want during their visit.

  • Life changed for our family and the practice became something we no longer felt was serving well. While it was an honor to build and grow that practice, it no longer aligned with what we wanted in our lives or careers. We are forever grateful to everyone in Blount County who supported us while we owned & operated it!

  • Simply stated: God called us to serve this community. We knew it needed to look completely different this time, so we decided to radically change the way eye care is delivered while removing traditional barriers to care. Vision Wellness is a passion-project for us, and there’s no place we’d rather build it than in Maryville, TN.

About Our Services…

  • Let’s be honest, no one really enjoys dilation at the eye doctor! The truth is, a large majority of patients do not require regular dilation as part of their routine eye care exams. Wide-field retinal photos present a great alternative when appropriate. There are some situations and conditions that do require dilation, but our doctors will always take time to explain that to you beforehand.

  • Yes! We offer complete urgent eye care services at Vision Wellness. If you have an issue with your eyes, we are there for you every step of the way.

  • Short answer: no. As part of our commitment to providing a higher-quality value and experience for our Members, we do not participate in any health insurance plans. However, we find that in most cases our Member exam fees are often similar (and sometimes lower) than what people pay for their co-pays and/or deductibles on their medical plans.

    If you'd like to submit your visit at Vision Wellness to your vision and/or medical insurance carrier for potential reimbursement, we are happy to provide you with exam receipts and exam summaries to assist you in that process.

  • Nope! We’re happy to offer several alternatives to the dreaded air puff test at Vision Wellness.

About Our Prices…

  • Nope! We welcome everyone at Vision Wellness, Members and Non-members. By cutting insurance out of the equation, we are able to see anyone, anytime. While our fees are higher for Non-members, we still feel like those prices align with other eye care providers in our local market.

  • No catch. This is what happens when we take the power back from insurance companies and administration-heavy practices. We can charge fair, transparent prices and still thrive as a local small business in this community! It’s truly a Win-Win!

  • Oh yes, we do! We’re proud to offer an extensive selection of eyewear and lens options. They range from entry level to designer, but our pricing structure keeps your costs low. And if there are products you’d like to see, we will always work our hardest to find it!

  • As a smaller practice, we’re able to get orders back to patients fairly quickly. As a matter of courtesy to our Members, we typically quote two weeks on most standard jobs. However, we work tirelessly to get them to you faster!

  • Nothing lasts forever and we know we can never be all things for all people. If you give Vision Wellness a try and don’t feel like it’s meeting your eye care needs, you are always welcome to cancel or pause your membership as needed. We’re here for you when you need us!

About Your Visit…

  • Great question! Below is a list of things that are often very helpful to bring to your eye exam:

    • Most recent glasses

    • Contact lenses with a case

    • Information about your contacts (boxes, pictures, etc.)

    • List of any medications and/or supplements you take

  • Yes, it is. Our entire facility meets ADA codes and is a space created for all people, including those that may need a little extra space or time.

  • All Members receive an access code prior to their exam to gain access. If you need to stop by any other time, just reach out to the Ai-powered Receptionist and we will send you an access code for entry.

  • If you sign up to be a Member, you will pay your membership fee at that time. On the day of your exam, you won’t owe any additional fees if you are utilizing your Membership benefits. Just come enjoy your visit without the worries of a bill at the end!

    All other visits and/or optical purchases require payment at the time of service and before optical orders can be placed.

  • Unique, fun and extremely caring. Our doctors won’t be wearing ties, scrubs, or white coats. They dress in ways that make both you and them feel comfortable. Our goal is for you to enjoy your visit and to choose to remain a Member at Vision Wellness for a lifetime!

About Eye HOPE…

  • In most cases, no. Some situations may require simple verification, but Eye HOPE was intentionally built to be low-barrier and respectful.

  • These are handled on a case-by-case basis. If contacts or specialty care services are deemed to be medically necessary, Eye HOPE would determine the next appropriate steps.

  • This program is not an unlimited or automatic recurring benefit. It’s provided by the generosity of Vision Wellness Members and is meant to help people meet their essential vision needs when they are in a place of financial hardship.

  • Eye HOPE primarily serves the local Blount County community. Priority is given to those that live and work nearby or those that are referred by local community partners.