Lab spotlight: Patient-supplied frames and lens differences

February 2025

 

The following outlines how labs handle patient-supplied or non-formulary frames, edged lenses and uncut lenses.

 

Patient-supplied frame/non-formulary frame*: This refers to a frame selected from the provider's collection or the member's own frame, which will be sent to the laboratory.

 

Edged lenses: We will send lenses based on an archived pattern of the original glasses made by UnitedHealthcare | March Vision Care within the past 2 years. The provider will not be shipping a frame to the laboratory.

 

Uncut lenses*: We will send uncut lenses to the office, where the provider will edge, finish and assemble the member's glasses.

 

Please ensure the patient-supplied frame/ non-formulary frame is shipped with tracking information and a copy of the “Patient-supplied frame letter” to the laboratory within 48 hours of submitting the order.

*The submission of a patient-supplied frame or uncut lenses is restricted to the member’s state benefit.