Should glasses be considered a prosthesis?
@macdingolinger (10385)
United States
June 23, 2009 7:31pm CST
I have worn glasses since I was small. I cannot function without them. Under insurance guidlines many times insurance does not cver these expenses. If I needed a leg to replace one of mine which doesn't work properly or was lame and needed crutches to walk; these would be covered. I cannot get around or even work or drive without glasses, should they be considered evenly necessary as if they were a prosthesis?
What do you think?
4 responses
@yugasini (12892)
• Secunderabad, India
24 Jun 09
hi macdingolinger,
sorry, donot worry my son also using glasses from his childhood days, now there is operations for eyes,in future you need not where glasses, please inquire for the same, if you need any help, i will do up to my extent, thank you
@macdingolinger (10385)
• United States
24 Jun 09
I have heard of the operation to correct eyesight. It is just so expensive it isn't an option for me. If I had the money though, I would get my son's eyes done first as his eyes are even worse than mine. I also have a cousin who got the operation done to her eyes and she loves it! I cannot imagine what it is like to live without glasses. thanks for your response!
@cher913 (25781)
• Canada
24 Jun 09
well i dont think they are the same thing really but i understand that glasses should be covered as well. in most cases, if you have insurance here in ontario (canada) glasses and dental are included (we however, do not have insurance but got glasses for our daughter for $79.)
1 person likes this
@macdingolinger (10385)
• United States
24 Jun 09
I know that they are not exactly the same. However, a prosthetic limb is necessary for one to enjoy as normal of a life as possible. I could not function without my glasses. I could not drive my vehicle, would not be able to do many things or go many places without them. They are necessary for me to maintain a quality of life that most just take for granted. So in some ways they are at least in the same category!
@spalladino (17891)
• United States
24 Jun 09
I wish they would be because I wear them, too, and they can be pretty expensive! I have always found it unfair that insurance companies look at glasses like a fashion accessory instead of as something folks who need them REALLY need.
1 person likes this
@macdingolinger (10385)
• United States
24 Jun 09
I have worn glasses for so long, but for me they have never been a "fashion accessory." I did spring for an extra set of glasses a few years ago so that I could have sunglasses. It is the first time in my life that I have been able to enjoy wearing sun glasses!! They had to be perscription as well so it was rather expensive! I cannot do anything without glasses!
@clutterbug (1051)
• United States
24 Jun 09
Hi macdingolinger, I wish glasses would be considered a prosthesis, and better yet, I wouldn't mind having a handicapped placard as well for my vehicle; as I can't drive without my glasses either. I'm glad you brought this up, it would be nice to have some of the burden taken off of us, but unfortunately, with so many economic problems our country has right now, this topic will more than likely take a back burner. Thanks for listening.
1 person likes this
@macdingolinger (10385)
• United States
24 Jun 09
I know it is very unlikely that there will be any action at this time; but it's a nice thought anyway! :) I don't know that I need a handicap placard, but a card to carry with me so that if I am in an accident they will know my sight is very poor.
