Mid and High Index Plastic Lenses

AB, BB, DB, FB, IB, JB, KB, NB, OB, AH, BH, DH, NH, OH, FH, JH, KH, AJ, BJ, DJ, NJ, OJ, FJ, JJ, KJ, II, IJ

All plastic lenses with an index of refraction between 1.53 and 1.74 in both non-aspheric and aspheric designs, not including polycarbonate, use these codes. The price includes front and backside scratch-resistant coating and inherent UV protection.

Glass

AE

Use this lens enhancement code for glass spherical lenses. This code is not applicable with progressive lenses.

High Index Glass—Non-Aspheric

AF

All glass lenses with an index of refraction between 1.60 and 1.80 in non-aspheric designs.

Polycarbonate

AD, BD, DD, FD, ID, ND, OD, JD, KD

These codes cover polycarbonate lenses. The price includes front and backside scratch-resistant coating and inherent UV protection.

Trivex

AB, BB, DB, FB, IB, JB, KB, NB, OB

Lenses manufactured in Trivex fall into the Mid-Index category. These products include progressive, aspheric and non-aspheric designs. The lens enhancement price includes front and backside scratch resistant coating and inherent UV protection. Do not charge for factory scratch coating (category A) or UV protection on Trivex lenses.

Aspheric Lenses

AA, AB, AH, AJ, AD, AF

Aspheric lenses ordered in 1.50 plastic are available using ‘AA’ code. If Aspheric lenses are ordered in high index plastic 1.53 -1.60/Trivex, high index plastic 1.66/1.67, or high index plastic 1.70 and above, use code AA plus the appropriate fee for the material.

Note: Cataract lenses aren’t categorized under aspheric. For cataract lens orders processed through eClaim, choose Lenticular from the pull-down menu under Vision Type. For paper orders processed with Material Invoices, choose the Other box and write Lenticular in the space provided.

Digitally Surfaced Aspheric Lenses

BA, BB, BD, BH, BJ

Digital Aspheric lenses ordered in any plastic material are available using these codes. If Digital Aspheric lenses are ordered in high index plastic 1.53 -1.60/Trivex, high index plastic 1.66/1.67, or high index plastic 1.70 and above, or polycarbonate, use code BA plus the appropriate fee for the material. These additional costs are listed on the lens enhancement charts directly below the main lens charge (e.g., charge codes BA and BB, for 1.60 Digital Aspheric lenses).

Occupational Lenses
There is no charge to the patient for occupational lenses (e.g., double seg/double D, CRT trifocal, 10x35, 12x35, 14x35 and Datalite lenses). Single Vision glass occupational safety lenses are not available for use with VSP benefits. ED and FD trifocals aren’t paid under this category.

Blended Myo-Disc
For standard myo-disc orders on eClaim, choose “Lenticular” from the pull-down menu under Vision Type. For paper orders on a Materials Invoice, write “Lenticular” in the “Other” box. Blended Myo-Disc lenses are not available for use with VSP benefits.

Polarized Lenses

DA, DE, NP, OP, FP, JP, KP

Single vision and lined multifocal plastic polarized lenses are included under code DA. Glass polarized lenses are included under code DE. If polarized lenses are ordered in high index plastic 1.53-1.60/Trivex, high index plastic 1.66/1.67, high index plastic 1.70 and above, or polycarbonate, charge additionally for the appropriate material. These additional costs are listed on the lens enhancement charts directly below the main lens charge. (e.g., charge codes DA and DD for polarized lenses in polycarbonate). Premium polarized lenses are not available for use with VSP benefits.

Plastic polarized lenses with a progressive design are included under progressive codes NP, OP, FP, JP, and KP and must be used with corresponding progressive codes NA, OA, FA, JA, and KA respectively. Do not use codes DA, DE, DB, DD, DH or DJ, for progressive polarized lenses.

Note: Don’t charge for full UV protection on polarized lenses, since this is already included in the price. For backside only UV protection, charge the patient using lens enhancement BV.

Near Variable Focus

IA

If near variable focus lenses are ordered in high index plastic 1.53-1.60/Trivex, high index plastic 1.66/1.67, high index plastic 1.70 and above, or polycarbonate, charge code IA plus IB, IA plus II, IA plus ID, or IA plus IJ. These lenses are only available pre-scratch coated; don’t charge for scratch resistant coating. In eClaim, choose Near Variable Focus from the pull-down menu under Vision Type. On paper, mark the Bifocal box located in the Lens Type section of the Materials Invoice form.

Blended Bifocals

GA

Charge the GA code for blended bifocals in plastic.

Doctor In-Office Lens Enhancements
Doctors can provide the following lens enhancements in their office:
Plastic Dyes—Pink I and II (IM)
Plastic Dyes—Gradients (IP)
Plastic Dyes—Solid Other Colors (IN)
UV Protection - plastic lenses only (IV)

Important! Tell the contract lab when your in-office lab will provide any of the above lens enhancements.

Guidelines:
You’re responsible for lenses to which you apply in-office lens enhancement. You must completely and carefully inspect lenses before beginning work on them. If the lenses become damaged (scratched, etc.), you’re responsible to replace the full cost of the lenses.

You can provide in-office lens enhancements (plastic dyes and UV protection) only if the lens enhancement is the last step in the fabrication process. For example, anti-reflective coating must be applied after a lens has been tinted; so to avoid delay to your patient, the lab will complete the entire job including the tint. If a contract lab must dye or UV-coat the lens, the lab will replace the doctor code(s) with the lab code(s) for payment.

If lab order information isn’t completed correctly to show you’ll provide the lens enhancement in-office, the lab may perform and receive payment for those services. However, if a lab order form is completed correctly to show lens enhancements supplied in-office and the lab inadvertently provides the lens enhancements, we will pay your office for the dispensed lens enhancements.

When a redo is needed, you’ll be required to provide the lens enhancement in-office again, regardless of fault.

You’re required to remit the tax on in-office lens enhancement s as appropriate.

Progressive N/O/F/J/K

NA, OA, FA, FE, JA, JE, KA, KE

The difference between the progressive categories is determined only by the market price of the lenses. Refer to the Product Index for information on which codes to use with specific progressives.

If progressive lenses are ordered in high index plastic 1.53-1.60/Trivex, high index plastic 1.66/1.67, high index plastic 1.70 and above, glass/high index glass, polycarbonate, or polarized, charge additionally for the appropriate material. These additional costs are listed on the lens enhancement charts directly below the main lens charge (e.g., charge codes JA and JD for Progressive J lenses in polycarbonate).

If a progressive design includes asphericity, don’t charge extra. Asphericity is built into the lens enhancement price.

Important! There is no additional charge for factory-applied scratch resistant coating (category A, code QQ) on any progressive lens, as the prices already includes factory scratch-resistant coating. If a progressive is available either uncoated or pre-scratch coated, the lab will always provide the pre-scratch coated version.

Plastic Dyes

MM, MN, MP

Patients are covered for all plastic Pink I and II solid dyes, which can be ordered under a variety of names including Cruxite A, Cruxite AX, Softlite A, Softlite B, Rose I, Rose II, Flesh, Blush, Nutratint Pink, and Lite Pearl.

Charge code MN for all other plastic color solid dyes. Code MP includes single, double, and triple gradients.
You may provide plastic dyes in-office (lens enhancement codes IM, IN, and IP). Please refer to Doctor In-Office Lens Enhancements for instructions on specifying in-office lens enhancements on a lab order form.

Glass Tints

MQ, MR

Patients are covered for all glass Pink I and II tints. Charge code MR for all other tints. Glass yellow tints are not available for use with VSP benefits.

Glass Color Coatings

MS, MT

Charge code MS for solid glass color coatings and MT for gradient glass color coatings.

Photochromics—Glass

PM

Charge this code for photochromic glass lenses.

Photochromics—Plastic

PR

Charge this code for photochromic plastic lenses. These lenses come with UV protection and scratch resistant coating; do not charge separately.

Anti-Reflective Coatings A

QM

All anti-reflective coatings except those specifically listed under Anti-Reflective Coatings C or D, are in this category. Many anti-reflective coatings have scratch-resistant properties. Contract labs must use the same anti-reflective “formula” and coating methods for your VSP patients that they use for private work (e.g., some labs always include scratch-coated base lenses with their anti-reflective coatings). The scratch-resistant coating (codes QQ and QS) can’t be used in conjunction with any anti-reflective coating.

Anti-Reflective Coatings C, and D

QT, QV

These anti-reflective categories are for reviewed and categorized AR coatings that are more durable than other AR coatings. All AR brands under these categories are guaranteed for two years, covering any scratches (normal wear) on the coating and lenses. Please see the Product Index for brands under these categories.
Don’t use the scratch-resistant coating (codes QQ and QS) in conjunction with any anti-reflective coating.

Mirror Coatings

QP

Silver and gold mirror coatings, including solid and single gradient, are captured in this category. This includes base color (excluding yellow glass tint), if any. For any colored or double gradient mirror coatings, charge Ski Type Coating (code QR).

Scratch-Resistant Coating A, Factory Applied

QQ

This applies only to factory applied scratch-resistant coatings on standard plastic (CR-39) lenses.

Note: Dip and spin coatings are effective and required for the backside of polycarbonate, mid-index, and high-index plastic materials and are included in those prices.

Don’t charge for Scratch-Resistant Coating A on anti-reflective, progressive, polycarbonate, photochromic, and high-index plastic lenses. The prices for these materials include front and backside coating.

If a lens has a unique design and is only available with a scratch-resistant coating (e.g., plastic photochromic), don’t charge for the scratch-resistant coating. If a lens is available with or without a factory scratch-resistant coating, and the coated version is chosen, charge for the coating. It is assumed the particular lens was chosen for the coating.

There is no additional charge for scratch-resistant coating on any progressive lens. The prices for progressive lenses in standard plastic include factory scratch-resistant coating. Most progressive brands are only available pre-scratch-coated. If a progressive brand is available either uncoated or pre-scratch-coated, the pre-scratch-coated version must always be provided by the contract lab.

We require contract labs to guarantee scratch-resistant coatings on prescriptions for VSP orders for at least one year under normal wear or the lab’s policy for private orders, whichever is longer.

Ski Type Coating

QR

Use this code for duplications of proprietary coatings (e.g., Revo, Vuarnet, Suncloud, Serengeti, Bolle, and Sportlife), double-mirror gradient, color mirror, and dielectric mirror coatings. This price includes the base tint and color coating (excluding yellow glass tint), if any.

For any solid or single-gradient silver and gold mirror coating, charge Mirror Coating (code QP).

Scratch-Resistant Coating B (Other Reviewed Coatings)

QS

Charge this code for non-factory-applied scratch-resistant coatings reviewed and categorized by VSP. You can charge these scratch coatings with progressive, polycarbonate, photochromic, as well as mid-index or high-index plastic lenses. Scratch-resistant coatings can’t be billed with anti-reflective coatings (codes QM, QT, or QV).

Oversize

RM, RN

Charge code RM for any lenses supplied with a 61 mm eyesize or greater in plastic. Charge code RN for any lenses supplied with a 61 mm eyesize or greater in glass. Use the eyesize stated by the frame manufacturer to see if the oversize applies.

Rimless Drill/Notched Mountings - SW
Charge this code for rimless drilled or notched mountings. Slotted lenses that require the use of a non-VSP contract lab are unavailable on VSP orders. Labs with private policies to only drill and mount certain material types (e.g., polycarbonate, Trivex) may also apply these policies to our prescriptions. If you already include the cost of rimless drill/notched amounts in your frame cost, please deduct that cost to ensure patients are not double billed for this enhancement. Follow the contract lab’s private redo policy to handle doctor redo requests caused by lens breakage on drilled prescriptions.

Anti-Fog Coatings
Any anti-fog coating, spray-on or otherwise, is not available for use with VSP benefits.

Balance Lens
A spectacle lens of undesignated power serving only to balance the weight and the appearance of its mate in front of the other eye. Do not charge your patient for balanced lens services.

Beveling
Rolled edges or special placement of lenses in the frame (e.g., hide-a-bevel, fifty-fifty) are included in the base lens price. Don’t charge your patient separately. Interchangeable lenses for “sport” frames are not available for use with VSP benefits.

Cement Segs (laminating a wafer segment onto the lens)
Cement Segs are not available for use with VSP benefits.

Center Thickness Below 1.5 mm—Polycarbonate Minus Powers Only

Center thicknesses below 1.5 mm on all applicable plastic materials are covered. Don’t charge your patient extra for center thickness below 1.5 mm.

Clip-Ons
If the clip-on is priced with the frame (e.g., a frame’s wholesale cost, including a clip-on, is $69.95), and can only be ordered with the frame, write the cost of the frame and clip-on in the frame cost box.
If the clip-on is priced separately from the frame (e.g., the frame’s wholesale cost is $45.85 and the clip-on’s wholesale cost is $29.95), charge your patient the retail price of the clip-on as a private transaction.

Custom Measurement

Each time you submit a claim for an eligible lens and include the frame wrap, pantoscopic tilt, and vertex distance, the CM code and HCPC v2702 Deluxe Lens Feature will automatically be added to your claim. All three measurements are required to receive the additional reimbursement.

Review the Lens Enhancements Charges Report when authorizing benefits. VSP will reimburse you directly for additional custom measurements when patients are covered for progressive lenses with or without a copay. For other progressives, you’ll collect the patient copay and see a VSP lab allocation on your Explanation of Payment.

Refer to the VSP Signature Plan Lens Enhancements Chart, VSP Choice Plan Len Enhancements Chart, or the Product Index for eligible lenses.

Special Measurement

This is a measurement that provides additional customization and may vary by lens design. 

Diving Mask
If the lenses have an adapter within the mask, charge the lens enhancement codes that apply. Lenses that are glued directly into the mask are not available for use with VSP benefits.

Edge Coating, Painted Groove

SQ

This applies to edge coating or painted groove.

Note: “Painted Groove” refers to cosmetic grooving and painting of the lens edge. It doesn’t refer to grooving needed for rimless mountings. There’s no additional charge to your patient for rolled edges or grooving of rimless mountings.

Edge Polish

SP

Charge lens enhancement code “SP” for a high luster edge polish.  Do not charge for "satin" edge polish.

Engravings
Engravings aren’t available. Handle engravings as a private transaction between you and the lab and charge the patient your U&C fees.

Facetted Lenses

SR

This applies to single and double faceting, and includes polishing.
Specialty sculpturing (e.g., Multi Facet Lenses, Billy Brock Facets, etc.) are a private transaction between you, the lab, and the patient. Charge your patient 80% U&C.

Frosted Lenses
These are included in the base lens price. Don’t charge your patient separately.

Half-Pair Orders
Your patient may need a prescription with a half-pair lens enhancement, such as one plastic progressive lens and one single vision plastic lens. Please refer to the section on Half-Pair Orders for ordering and claim submission information.

High Luster Edge Polish

SP

Charge code SP for high luster edge polish.

Important! If a high luster edge polish is provided at your request, the contract labs must always code for this even if it’s provided privately at no additional charge (e.g., polycarbonate).

When you request a specific lens package that is defined as including high-luster edge polish, the high luster edge polish is to be provided as billed.

Note: Don’t charge your patient for rolled edges or for grooving of rimless mountings.

Lenticular
This applies to aphakic lenses (e.g., hyper-aspheric and Welsh 4-drop lenses), and standard myo-disc lenses. For eClaim orders, choose Lenticular from the pull-down menu under Vision Type. For paper orders on a Materials Invoice, write “Lenticular” in the “Other” box.

Modified Lens Shapes (for any style of frame or mounting)
Modified lens shapes aren’t available and should be handled as a private transaction between you and the lab. Charge your U&C fee for modified lens shape.

No-fault Warranties
No-fault warranties aren’t available and should be handled as a private transaction between you and the lab. Charge your U&C fee for the no-fault warranty.

Nose Pads
Don’t charge your patients for replacement nose pads. The addition of adjustable guard arms and pads and zyl build-ups is a private transaction between you, the lab, and the patient. Charge your patient 80% of U&C.

Prism: Ground-in Prism and Press on Prism
Don’t charge your patients for ground-in prism or press on prism.

Satin Edge Polish

VSP does not define Satin Edge polishes. Please consult your lab regarding their definition of Satin Edge polish. Don’t charge patients extra for providing any type of edge polish except “High Luster Edge Polish.”

Safety Eyewear
Our contract labs must meet ANSI standards for lens production. Certified safety eyewear is defined as lenses and frames that meet the criteria listed below (from “Are you ready for ANSI Z87.1-2003” sponsored by OLA, Titmus, Colts Laboratories; Q7M.06.03.WHA; SAL2246 REV.06.03).
Prescription Lenses
There are two categories of lenses in the standard: basic impact and high impact.

• Basic Impact: Must be 3.00 mm thick, except those lenses having a plus power of 3.00D or greater, which must have a minimum thickness of 2.5 mm.
• High Impact: Must not be less than 2.00 mm thick at their thinnest point.

Lens Marking
All marking is permanent.

• Manufacturer’s logo—complies with Basic Impact test requirements
• +—Complies with High Impact test requirements
• Applicable shade designation
• V—Photochromic lenses
• S—Special purpose lenses

Impact
Basic Impact Prescription Lenses

• Must be capable of resisting impact from a 25.4 mm (1 in) steel ball dropped from a height of 127 mm (50 in). The lens must not fracture.
• Glass lenses must be tested 100 percent.
• Plastic lenses must be statistically sample tested.

High Impact Prescription Lenses

• Must be tested to the high-velocity impact test. The lenses must be mounted on a test holder and must be capable of resisting impact from a 6.35 mm (0.25 in) diameter steel ball traveling at a velocity of 45.7 m/s (150 ft/s). Three lenses must be tested.
• Failure consists of any posterior displacement of the lens completely through the test holder; any fracture of the lens; any detachment of a portion of the lens from its inner surface; or full thickness penetration of a lens.
• If all test lenses pass, any prescription lens of the same or greater thickness at its thinnest point made by the same manufacturer and from the same material with the same coatings may bear the “+” mark.

Frames

• Made so that if impacted from the front, the lens won’t come out of the back of the frame.
• All frames made after August 19, 2003, must be tested with 2.0 mm High Impact lenses.
• Frames meeting the High Impact requirement must bear the mark Z87-2, and may be used for both Basic Impact and High Impact applications.

Important! If the finished product only meets the Basic Impact requirements, the lab must attach a hangtag stating, “This eyewear meets the Basic Impact Requirements of ANSI Z87.1-2003, but should not be relied upon for protection from high-impact exposures.” Only the patient may remove this label.

Side Shields
Add the cost of side shields to the wholesale cost of the frame. Indicate the total cost in the Frame Cost box on eClaim or the Materials Invoice Form.

Slab-Off
Don’t charge your patient for slab-off.

Technical Add-On

TA

For single vision lenses this lens enhancement applies to digital designs that include an extra fixed ADD power in the lower part of the lens. These are also known as anti-fatigue lenses. VSP’s minimum prescription requirements must be met in order to be used with VSP benefits.

For multifocal lenses this lens enhancement applies to designs that require a special measurement that provides additional customization. 

Note: Charge this code in conjunction with qualifying digital single vision lenses and qualifying multifocal lenses.

UV Protection

SV

This lens enhancement includes UV treatment and UV coating. Don’t use this lens enhancement code in conjunction with mid- or high-index plastic, polycarbonate, trivex, plastic photochromic, or polarized lenses. These lenses block 98-100 percent UVA and UVB by nature of the material or color of the lens. You may provide UV protection in-office on plastic lenses only (code IV).See Doctor In-Office Lens Enhancements  for instructions.

Per ANSI Z80 standards, “Manufacturers of lenses who claim specific ultraviolet attenuating properties shall state the average percent transmittance between 290 and 315nm (UVB) and between 315 and 380nm (UVA).” Note that blocking wavelengths above 380nm interferes with the visible spectrum and may impact the color of the lens.

Note: This does not include UV Protection-Backside. Please refer to UV Protection-Backside (BV), when ordering an AR Coating that is inherent with backside UV.

UV Protection-Backside

BV

Charge this code in conjunction with qualifying anti-reflective coatings that include an additional back surface ultra-violet protection.

Light Filter

LF

This lens enhancement will be used for lenses with blue light filtering technology embedded directly into the lens. It will not be applied to blue light filtering Anti-Reflective Coatings.