On this page14 sections
- Ratings and complaints
- Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield vs. competitors
- Pricing
- Step by step
- Anthem vision insurance legitimacy and licensing
- Anthem vision insurance plans and cost
- How Anthem Blue View Vision works
- How Anthem Vision Insurance Works
- Anthem vision insurance value for the price
- Anthem complaints and what customers report
- Who should look elsewhere
- What customers say
- Alternatives
- FAQ
Anthem vision insurance is legitimate coverage from Elevance Health's Blue Cross Blue Shield licensees, sold as Blue View Vision in 14 states. Benefits are typical for the market: an exam every 12 months or calendar year for a $10 or $20 copay, standard lenses for $10 or $20, and a $130 to $200 frame allowance, with a large network that includes LensCrafters, Pearle Vision and Target Optical. Anthem does not publish premiums, so you have to enter your ZIP code to compare prices. The main downside is Anthem's customer service record, which is poor on the BBB and Trustpilot, though most of those complaints are about medical plans rather than vision.
- Plan name
- Blue View Vision, sold on its own year-round or added to an Anthem health or dental plan; some Marketplace health plans include vision1
- Where it's sold
- California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Virginia and Wisconsin; other states are pointed to bcbs.com1
- Exam and lenses
- Eye exam every 12 months or calendar year with a $10 or $20 copay; standard single, bifocal or trifocal lenses with a $10 or $20 copay2
- Frames and contacts
- Frames every calendar year or 24 months with a $130 to $200 allowance; contacts with an $80 to $200 allowance, depending on the plan2
- Network
- Over 46,000 eye doctors at more than 31,000 locations, including LensCrafters, Pearle Vision and Target Optical2
- Price
- Not published; Anthem quotes premiums by ZIP code2
- Financial strength
- AM Best A (Excellent) affirmed for Elevance Health's core Blue Cross Blue Shield insurers, December 20256
Pros
- Low $10 or $20 copays for exams and standard lenses
- Large network of 46,000+ eye doctors plus major chains and online stores
- Buy on its own any time of year, or add it to Anthem health or dental coverage
- Backed by Elevance Health insurers rated A (Excellent) by AM Best
- Live customer service seven days a week and a highly rated app
Cons
- Only sold in 14 states
- Premiums are not published; you must get a ZIP code quote
- Some plans cover frames only every 24 months
- Poor BBB grades (C and F on regional profiles) and a 1.5 Trustpilot score, mostly from medical plan members
- Out-of-network reimbursement amounts are not listed on Anthem's public pages
Best for: People in Anthem's 14 states who buy glasses or contacts most years and shop at large optical chains or online retailers.
Skip it if: You live outside Anthem's service area, want to compare published prices quickly, or only need an occasional eye exam.
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield vs. competitors
| Company | Starting price | Exam copay | Frame allowance | Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anthem Blue View Vision | Not published, quoted by ZIP code | $10 or $20 | $130 to $200 | 46,000+ eye doctors; LensCrafters, Pearle Vision, Target Optical; 14 states |
| Aetna Vision Preferred Direct | From $11 a month | $10 to $20 | $130 to $200 | Aetna Vision network run through EyeMed; LensCrafters, Pearle Vision, Target Optical |
| VSP Individual Vision Plans | $12 to $35 a month, typical pricing by plan | $15 (no exam on EyewearOnly) | $150, or $230 with the EasyOptions upgrade | VSP, 44,000+ doctors; Walmart in network |
| Humana Vision PLUS | From $12 a month (Maine example) | $0 at PLUS providers, $10 elsewhere in network | $250 at PLUS providers, $200 elsewhere | EyeMed Insight network |
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield pricing at a glance
Anthem Blue View Vision benefit ranges, as listed October 20262
| Benefit | In-network cost or allowance | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Eye exam | $10 or $20 copay | Every 12 months or calendar year |
| Standard eyeglass lenses | $10 or $20 copay | Every 12 months or calendar year |
| Frames | $130 to $200 allowance | Every calendar year or 24 months |
| Contact lenses | $80 to $200 allowance | Every calendar year or 24 months |
| Monthly premium | Not published, quoted by ZIP code | Monthly |
Exact copays, allowances and frequencies depend on the plan and state. Anthem's pages say benefits vary by plan and do not list out-of-network reimbursement amounts.
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, step by step
Check your state
Anthem sells individual vision plans in 14 states. If yours isn't listed, Anthem sends you to bcbs.com for your local Blue plan.
Get a quote by ZIP code
Enter your ZIP code on Anthem's vision page or call a licensed agent to see plans and premiums for your area.
Enroll any time
You can buy Blue View Vision on its own at any point in the year, or add it to any Anthem health or dental plan.
Use a network provider
Book an exam with a network eye doctor or buy eyewear at stores like LensCrafters, Pearle Vision and Target Optical, or online at sites like Glasses.com and 1-800 Contacts.
Track benefits in the app
The Sydney Health app shows your benefits and claims. Customer service has live representatives seven days a week.
Anthem vision insurance legitimacy and licensing
Yes. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Elevance Health insurers that are independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, such as Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. in Indiana and Blue Cross of California, which does business as Anthem Blue Cross. In December 2025 AM Best affirmed an A (Excellent) financial strength rating for Elevance Health’s core Blue-branded insurers, a sign the company can pay claims.
Service ratings are a different story. Anthem’s regional BBB profiles range from C (Los Angeles, 337 complaints in three years) to F (Denver), and Trustpilot reviews average 1.5 out of 5. Those complaints are about medical, dental and pharmacy claims; we found no pattern of vision-specific complaints.
Anthem vision insurance plans and cost
Anthem sells individual vision coverage as Blue View Vision. Its public pages list benefit ranges rather than named tiers:
- Eye exam: every 12 months or calendar year, $10 or $20 copay.
- Standard lenses: single vision, bifocal or trifocal, $10 or $20 copay.
- Frames: every calendar year or 24 months, $130 to $200 allowance.
- Contacts: conventional or disposable, $80 to $200 allowance.
Anthem does not publish premiums. You get a price by entering your ZIP code or calling a licensed agent. Figures you may see elsewhere, such as an average of $19 a month for a plan called Blue View Vision Enhanced, do not appear on Anthem’s current pages, so treat them as estimates and get your own quote.
How Anthem Blue View Vision works
You can buy Blue View Vision on its own at any time of year or add it to any Anthem health or dental plan in your state. In some states, Anthem’s Marketplace health plans also include vision benefits for adults and children.
The network has over 46,000 eye doctors at more than 31,000 locations, including LensCrafters, Pearle Vision and Target Optical. Online, you can use benefits at Glasses.com, ContactsDirect, 1-800 Contacts, Ray-Ban, Oakley, Eyebuydirect, Frames Direct and Costa Del Mar. Members also get SpecialOffers discounts on LASIK and savings on extra pairs of glasses and contacts after covered benefits are used.
If you see an out-of-network doctor, expect to pay up front and file for reimbursement at your plan’s out-of-network amounts, which are in the policy rather than on Anthem’s public pages.
Key Takeaway: Anthem (Expert Score: 4.1/5.0)
Anthem earns a BestGuide Expert Score of 4.1/5.0, excelling in Services with a score of 90%. Its Blue View Vision plans offer strong value with low copays, often $10 for an exam, and annual frame or contact allowances ranging from $130 to $200. However, documented customer service and claims processing issues lower its overall rating.
Anthem earns an Expert Score of 4.1/5.0 from BestGuide, positioning it as a strong contender for individual vision insurance, particularly for consumers who prioritize access to large retail optical chains. This Anthem review finds that the company’s value lies in its competitively priced Blue View Vision plans, which offer low, predictable copayments and generous allowances for frames and contact lenses. As one of the largest vision insurance providers, Anthem leverages its scale to offer an extensive network that includes popular stores like LensCrafters and Target Optical.
Our analysis of Anthem reviews and regulatory data reveals a mixed customer experience. While plan benefits are clear and valuable, a significant volume of consumer complaints points to challenges with customer support and claims processing. These issues prevent Anthem from achieving a top-tier score but do not overshadow the tangible savings available through its plans. For many, the financial benefits will outweigh the potential service frustrations.
Compare Anthem with other top-rated vision insurance companies to see how it stacks up.
How Anthem Vision Insurance Works
Anthem provides vision insurance through its branded Blue View Vision plans. These are stand-alone vision coverage options, meaning they are purchased separately from Anthem’s medical insurance policies. Coverage and plan availability vary by state, so you must confirm options for your specific location on the Anthem website. Most plans are structured to cover services on a 12 or 24-month cycle.
Upon enrolling, you gain access to Anthem’s network of providers. This network includes private practice optometrists and ophthalmologists as well as major retail chains like LensCrafters, Target Optical, and most Pearle Vision locations. When you visit an in-network provider, you pay a fixed copay, such as $10 or $20 for a routine eye exam, and the plan covers the rest up to its limits. No claims paperwork is required for in-network visits.
For benefits like glasses and contacts, Anthem provides an allowance. For example, a plan might offer a $150 allowance for frames every 12 months. If you choose frames that cost more than the allowance, you pay the difference. For out-of-network care, you typically pay the provider in full at the time of service and then submit a claim form to Anthem for reimbursement, which is paid according to a set schedule of benefits.
What customers say about Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
Recurring themes across the review sites and complaint records listed above, not individual quotes.
Common praise
- Large network with major optical chains and online stores
- Sydney Health app is rated 4.8 out of 5 on the App Store
- Year-round enrollment for stand-alone vision coverage
Common complaints
- Long phone holds and unclear answers from customer service
- Claim denials, mostly on medical and drug claims
- Unexpected bills and out-of-pocket costs
- Poor communication between departments
Anthem vision insurance value for the price
Run the numbers once you have a quote. Add up a year of premiums, then subtract what you’d save: the difference between a cash exam and a $10 or $20 copay, plus your frame allowance and lens copay if you buy glasses. If you get new glasses every year, the plan usually pays for itself. If your plan covers frames only every 24 months, or you skip a year, the math gets thinner.
Vision insurance covers routine eye care. Eye injuries, infections and conditions such as glaucoma go through your medical insurance, so see a doctor promptly for sudden vision changes or eye pain.
Anthem complaints and what customers report
Most public complaints about Anthem are about health insurance. On Trustpilot, recurring themes are long phone holds, claim denials, unexpected bills and poor communication between departments. The BBB lists 337 complaints in three years for Anthem Blue Cross in Los Angeles and 33 for the Denver profile.
To avoid problems with vision coverage: confirm your doctor and store are in network before your visit, check whether your plan resets frames every year or every 24 months, and keep receipts for any out-of-network purchase. If a dispute isn’t resolved, you can file a complaint with your state insurance department, or in California with the Department of Managed Health Care or Department of Insurance, depending on your plan type.
Who should look elsewhere
If you live outside Anthem’s 14 states, you can’t buy Blue View Vision directly; Anthem sends you to bcbs.com for your local Blue plan, or you can compare VSP, Aetna and Humana. If you prefer independent eye doctors or Walmart, check VSP’s network. Anthem does not publish cancellation or refund terms on its vision pages, so ask the agent before you enroll.
Alternatives to Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
- VSP Individual Vision Plans Sold in every state with published prices, and a better fit if your eye doctor is a private practice in VSP's network or you shop at Walmart. Read review
- Aetna Vision Preferred Direct Similar copays and allowances with published starting prices from $11 a month, useful if you live outside Anthem's 14 states. Read review
- Humana Vision PLUS Offers a $0 exam copay and a $250 frame allowance at PLUS providers, higher than Anthem's top allowance. Read review
- Paying cash with HSA or FSA money If you only need a yearly exam and rarely buy glasses, paying out of pocket with pre-tax funds can cost less than a year of premiums.
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield reviews
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Frequently asked questions
How much does Anthem vision insurance cost?
Anthem does not publish premiums; you get a price by entering your ZIP code or calling an agent. Copays run $10 or $20 for exams and standard lenses, and frame allowances run $130 to $200.
What does Anthem Blue View Vision cover?
An eye exam every 12 months or calendar year, standard eyeglass lenses, and an allowance for frames or contacts every calendar year or 24 months. Extra discounts apply to LASIK, additional glasses and accessories.
Which states can buy Anthem vision insurance?
California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Virginia and Wisconsin. In other states, Anthem refers you to bcbs.com.
Can I use Anthem vision insurance at LensCrafters or Target Optical?
Yes. LensCrafters, Pearle Vision and Target Optical are in the network, and you can use benefits online at Glasses.com, ContactsDirect, 1-800 Contacts and other sites Anthem lists.
Is Anthem Blue View Vision the same as EyeMed or VSP?
No. Blue View Vision is Anthem's own branded vision plan with its own network of 46,000+ eye doctors. Some chains, like LensCrafters, accept several plans, so check each plan's provider search.
Is there a waiting period for Anthem vision insurance?
Anthem's vision pages do not mention a waiting period, but they don't rule one out either. Confirm in the plan documents before you buy.
Can I buy Anthem vision insurance any time of year?
Yes. Anthem says you can buy stand-alone Blue View Vision year-round, without waiting for open enrollment.
Does Anthem health insurance include vision?
Some Anthem Marketplace plans in certain states include vision benefits for adults and children. Otherwise, Blue View Vision is a separate plan you can buy alone or add to your Anthem health or dental plan.
Is Anthem vision insurance worth the premium?
It usually is if you buy glasses or contacts every year at network stores. If you only need an exam, compare a year of premiums with the cash price of an exam.
Does Anthem vision cover LASIK?
LASIK is not covered as a benefit, but members get discounts through Anthem's SpecialOffers program.
Sources (10)
Facts on this page come from company websites, government agencies and regulators, checked on the dates shown. Editorial standards
- Anthem: Individual vision insurance plans (states, year-round enrollment) (accessed October 12, 2026)
- Anthem: New York individual and family vision insurance (benefits, network) (accessed October 12, 2026)
- BBB: Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield, Los Angeles (accessed October 12, 2026)
- BBB: Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Denver (accessed October 12, 2026)
- Trustpilot: Anthem reviews (accessed October 12, 2026)
- Business Wire: AM Best takes rating actions on Elevance Health and most subsidiaries (December 12, 2025) (accessed October 12, 2026)
- App Store: Sydney Health (accessed October 12, 2026)
- Aetna: Vision insurance plans for individuals and families (accessed October 12, 2026)
- VSP Individual Vision Plans: Compare plans (accessed October 12, 2026)
- Humana: Humana Vision PLUS plan (accessed October 12, 2026)
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