How do I use the Participating Panelist Program?
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Present the validated certificate to any of the Participating Optical Panelists designated on the current list of Welfare Fund Optical Centers before services are rendered and/or an order is placed*. Validated certificates must be presented to the Panelist before the expiration date. If the certificate has not been used within the period, a replacement may be obtained.
*Panelists are not required to accept a validated certificate after an order is placed. - Upon completion of the service at the Participating Optical Panelist, make sure to sign and date Part 6 of the certificate before leaving the store. Payment will be made directly to the Participating Optical Panelist.
What are the advantages of using the Participating Optical Panelist Program?
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There is no cost to you for a covered optical service.
- The Fund has negotiated a discount and surcharge program with the panelists who have agreed to give all members and/or their dependents the following discounts in addition to the one hundred and twenty-five dollar ($125.00) reimbursement schedule:
1. For any frame or lenses (i.e. progressives) that are upgraded, they will receive a minimum 10% discount and a $100.00 frame allowance. The discount will be applied as follows:
Upgraded Service Example:
| Retail Price | |
|---|---|
| Designer Frames: | $220.00 |
| Progressives Lenses: | $225.00 |
| Total Retail Price: | $445.00 |
| 10% Minimum Panelist Discount: | ($ 44.50) |
| Sub-Total: | $400.50 |
| Basic Frame Allowance (if upgraded) | ($100.00) |
| Sub-Total: | $300.50 |
| Welfare Fund Benefit: | ($125.00) |
| Member’s Final Cost: | $175.50 |
Other Service Types:
| TYPE OF SERVICE | MINIMUM 10% DISCOUNT | $100 FRAME ALLOWANCE | $125 WELFARE FUND PAYMENT |
|---|---|---|---|
| LENS - NO FRAME | √ | √ | |
| LENS WITH FRAME | √ | √ | √ |
| FRAME -NO LENSES | √ | √ | √ |
Note: Member’s Final Cost does not take into account the surcharge items in #4 below. These items are not included in the Total Retail Price for calculating the member’s discount.
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For any item purchased not in connection with their covered service, for example, a second pair of glasses, a minimum 10% discount off the retail price.
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If the member/dependent chooses, or the prescription requires, items as listed below, the panelist may charge the member/dependent no more than the following surcharges (per pair):
- Tinting $15.00
- UV Block: $15.00
- Scratch Resistant Coating: $20.00
- Glare Free Coating: $30.00
- Polycarbonate: $35.00
- Photochromic (Transitions): $50.00
- The provider cannot charge more than their usual and customary prices, including sales and special promotions.
- Because of its contractual relationship with the panelist, the Welfare Fund will offer its assistance in helping you resolve any problems with a participating optical panelist that may arise.