Table of Contents
4 MIN. READ
Key takeaways:
- Doctor-owned vision plans in Oklahoma offer a transparent, fair alternative for both patients and optometrists.
- Major insurance companies are increasingly focusing on vertical integration, which drives up prices and reduces customer satisfaction.
- Offering a doctor-owned plan like VCD of Oklahoma can set you apart as a broker.
Did you know VCD of Oklahoma is a doctor-owned vision plan?
It’s a key difference that sets VCD apart in an industry where vertical integration is becoming the norm. As a broker, offering doctor-owned vision plans can serve as a differentiator and a great way to provide more value to your customers. Here’s why.
What Does Doctor-Owned Mean?
Who’s really behind the vision plans you offer to your customers? If you’re working with large national insurance companies, you know that:
- Huge corporations now own a growing number of vision plans.
- Their goal is to control the entire benefits process, from the first exam to the prescription lab.
- Companies achieve this by controlling every step of the vision care process. This trend is called vertical integration, and it often leads to higher costs for patients.
Doctor-owned vision plans in Oklahoma, such as VCD, take a very different approach. A group of optometrists own VCD and operate it with objectives that differ from major corporations.:
- We have a strong local focus and work with one of the largest networks of optometrists in Oklahoma.
- We negotiate savings with optometrists. Our priority is to strike the right balance between providing meaningful savings for patients and ensuring fair compensation for optometrists.
- Rather than prioritizing growth at the national level, our focus is on making quality vision care affordable at the local level.
These differences in ownership have a direct impact on the people and businesses who buy plans from you.
Why Does Vision Plan Ownership Matter?
Cost and value are usually the key things customers look at when comparing their options. It’s understandable since it directly affects their wallet, but plan ownership is just as important.
The organization that owns a vision plan ultimately shapes how the plan will evolve. With major insurance companies, the goal is to keep growing and increase profits. This is done through vertical integration and higher prices for patients. As a doctor-owned plan, our mission is to support independent optometrists and keep vision care accessible and affordable.
Now that you know why plan ownership is so important, you should know about the benefits of having vision plans with different ownership models in your portfolio.
The Advantage of Offering Doctor-Owned Vision Plans
As a broker, having a diverse portfolio with several options to choose from is a strong strategy. You need to have some doctor-owned plans in your selection so you have relevant choices for the customers who care about the following:
- Value. Doctor-owned plans offer better value because they eliminate the corporate markup that comes with vertically integrated models. Without the pressure to maximize profits for shareholders, savings can be passed directly to your customers.
- The local economy. These plans also align with the values of local businesses. Supporting independent optometrists with a plan that is fair for everyone involved is good for Oklahoma’s economy.
- Transparency. While major vision insurance companies use confusing terms and hidden clauses to avoid drawing attention to coverage restrictions and rising costs, doctor-owned plans are more upfront and transparent.
- Stable provider relationships. By valuing local optometrists, doctor-owned plans foster stable networks that enable optometrists to thrive. It’s great for customers who want to keep going to the same eye doctor.
- High satisfaction. Patient satisfaction is higher with doctor-owned plans. Independent optometrists build lasting relationships, remember patient histories, and take time to address concerns, something rare in corporate-driven practices.
As many businesses rethink their benefits in light of smaller budgets, doctor-owned plans stand out as a valuable investment.
How to Add Doctor-Owned Vision Plans to Your Portfolio
Are you ready to differentiate your portfolio with doctor-owned plans? VCD of Oklahoma provides your customers with access to one of the state’s largest networks of optometrists, offering transparent pricing and valuing fair treatment for everyone.
Whether you’re looking to expand your portfolio or find a better solution for clients who value transparency and community-focused care, we’re here to help.
Learn more about becoming a VCD of Oklahoma broker.
FAQ
What makes a vision plan “doctor-owned”?
A doctor-owned vision plan is owned and operated by optometrists rather than large insurance corporations. This means decisions are made by eye care professionals who understand patient needs and the realities of running an independent practice.
How does vertical integration affect my clients?
Vertical integration means that one company controls every step of the vision care process, from the examination to the eyewear and the lab. This consolidation typically leads to higher prices, fewer choices, and pressure on optometrists to prioritize corporate products over patient needs.
Will my clients have fewer provider options with a doctor-owned plan?
Not at all. VCD of Oklahoma works with one of the largest networks of optometrists in the state. Because we compensate providers fairly, independent optometrists want to participate in our network.
Are doctor-owned plans more expensive than corporate plans?
No, doctor-owned plans often cost less because they eliminate corporate markups and don’t need to generate returns for shareholders. The savings go directly to members through lower premiums and better coverage.
Can I offer both doctor-owned vision plans in Oklahoma and corporate vision plans?
Absolutely, having both options in your portfolio allows you to meet diverse client needs. Some clients prioritize national networks, while others value local relationships and transparency. Doctor-owned plans give you a solution for the latter.
