MASON, Ohio—EyeMed Vision Care, Luxottica Group’s (NYSE: LUX) managed-vision operation, has just begun selling a new vision plan called Insight, to be effective Sept. 1.

While the Insight plan has some significant differences compared to EyeMed’s existing (and ongoing) Select program, it will use many of the same eyecare providers, with a heavier emphasis on independent ECPs. The Insight plan’s primary target audience is employers with between 1,000 and 12,000 employees, although it will be available to employer groups of more than 12,000 “when appropriate,” according to the company.

EyeMed Select continues to be available to employer groups of all sizes, with a minimum of 10 eligible employees.

“The EyeMed Insight product was developed in response to market demands—more predictable fixed out-of-pocket pricing for members that choose to upgrade to premium lens products while offering better access to providers,” a Luxottica spokesperson told VMail. “We developed our Insight product to meet employer needs while anticipating more patient traffic for participating Insight providers.”

For plan members, Insight offers fixed, out-of-pocket prices for selected premium progressive lenses, premium AR treatments and Transitions photochromic lenses. Providers will still receive 80 percent of the usual and customary fees from members on these lens technologies, according to Luxottica.

One key difference for providers is the exam reimbursement: $45 for Insight members, versus the $40 offered by the Select plan, according to an EyeMed newsletter sent to practitioners.

The first EyeMed Insight provider network was recruited from among independent providers already contracted with EyeMed; independents make up about 80 percent of the Insight locations. The network also includes both Luxottica and non-Luxottica optical retail locations.

The spokesperson said the full Insight network is projected to include about 16,000 provider locations, similar in size to the EyeMed Select network. “However, EyeMed Insight will offer greater accessibility for members,” he told VMail.

“Like all EyeMed provider networks, there are no mandated frame or lab requirements,” the spokesperson added.

The first groups using EyeMed Insight will have their plans take effect Sept. 1; larger numbers will be effective Jan. 1, based on the normal benefits selling cycle.

“We are confident EyeMed Insight will continue to fuel EyeMed’s growth, while furthering its commitment to building awareness of the importance of vision care as a component of overall health care,” the Luxottica spokesperson commented.