New York

Warby Parker Will Begin Accepting Vision Insurance in 2018

It's the first time the hip glasses retailer has accepted vision insurance

Warby Parker fans rejoice: you may soon be able to buy the hip, low-priced specs with vision insurance. 

That's because the popular New York City-based glasses company will begin accepting UnitedHealthcare insurance at its stores and online in 2018, the two companies announced on Tuesday. Warby Parker, which was founded in 2010 as an online-only glasses retailer and has grown to include 50 retail stores around the country, hadn't previously accepted insurance for its frames or lenses.  

“Warby Parker is constantly exploring new ways to provide people access to affordable, high-quality and fashionable eyewear,” said Dave Gilboa, co-founder and co-CEO of Warby Parker. “We look forward to working with UnitedHealthcare, nationwide, to enable millions of Americans to purchase their eyewear at a fraction of the price they might pay through traditional channels.”

Under the partnership, people covered by UnitedHealthcare Vision plans will be able to get Warby Parker frames and lenses for the cost of a co-pay, which a spokesman for the company says is between $10 and $40. That's a deep discount from the normal price of the glasses, which typically start at $95. 

“Warby Parker and UnitedHealthcare will help more Americans access designer eyewear at affordable prices to help meet the eye-care needs of the people we serve,” said Tom Wiffler, CEO, UnitedHealthcare Specialty Benefits. “We are grateful Warby Parker selected UnitedHealthcare to be its first in-network vision plan.”

And plenty of tri-state residents should benefit; UnitedHealthcare says that nearly 788,000 New York, New Jersey and Connecticut residents will be able to get Warby Parker glasses under the deal.

Nationwide, nearly 20 million people are covered by UnitedHealthcare Vision under employer or individual insurance plans. 

Editor's Note: This story has been updated to say there are 50 Warby Parker retail stores.

Contact Us