Lab spotlight: Patient-supplied frames and lens differences

February 2026

The following outlines how labs handle patient-supplied or non-formulary frames, edged lenses and uncut lenses.

Patient-supplied frame/non-formulary frame: This refers to a frame selected from the provider's collection or the member's own frame, which will be sent to the lab.

Please ensure the patient-supplied frame/non-formulary frame is shipped with tracking information and a copy of the patient-supplied frame letter to the lab within 48 hours of order submission.

Edged lenses: We’ll send lenses based on an archived pattern of the original glasses made by UnitedHealthcare | March Vision Care within the past 2 years. The provider does not ship a frame to the lab.

• Formulary frames: If the original lab order is not available, a generic pattern for the frame model will be used
• Non-formulary frames: Edged lenses are only available if March Vision has a record of the original lab order number with that specific frame within the last 2 years
  • Please include this number on the patient-supplied frame letter

Uncut lenses: We’ll send uncut lenses to the office, where the provider will edge, finish and assemble the member's glasses.

Benefit restriction notice

Submission of patient-supplied frames or uncut lenses is subject to the member’s state benefit eligibility.