I noticed this last year getting my first pair of glasses in the bay area. My VSP plan doesn't cover high index lenses which is $100 upgrade, which is mandatory for my prescription, and there's non covered add-ons for scratch resistance and glare for ~$70. So my out of pocket cost after my VSP premiums is still $170 IIRC.

I tried to shop around quickly but I was informed that optometrist had put a hold on my insurance preventing me from getting another quote. I asked for my prescription and they were hostile. Turns out I can get a pair of glasses online at zennioptical without using my insurance for less than just my out of pocket cost using my VPS plan. I wonder how much my employer is paying for this 'insurance' plan that requires me to pay more for glasses than online retail.

That's a pretty terrible insurance plan if you ask me.