Hi everyone — Dr. Dave Folkers here from Sunnyvale Optometric Center. I’m grateful for the chance to share a few important updates, including some exciting changes in how we care for your vision and work with insurance.
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1. A Big Milestone: Our Unique Method Is Now Trademarked
Many of you have experienced the unique approach I’ve developed to measure and evaluate your vision. I’m thrilled to share that this method — now officially recognized as THE SILICON VALLEY REFRACTION™ — is protected by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. This marks a major step toward responsibly sharing it with the broader eye care community.
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2. A Shift in Insurance Participation
As I’ve discussed with many of you over the past year, our office will no longer work directly with vision insurance after December 15th, 2025. I’ll explain why we’re making this change, how it affects you, and how we’ll continue to support your care. We’ve also created both concise and expanded FAQs on our website to help answer your questions.
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3. A Fresh Identity: Introducing The Refractionist Optometry
Starting December 16th, 2025, we’ll be doing business as THE REFRACTIONIST OPTOMETRY. This new name reflects our renewed focus and energy — and no, I’m not retiring! I’ll be here for years to come, continuing to provide the depth and attention to detail every vision patient deserves.
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Our Mission Moving Forward
We’re relaunching with a clear three-point mission:
1. Promote excellence in vision measurement and refractive care
2. Advocate for patients across all areas of healthcare
3. Expand global vision education
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Why We’re Moving Away from Insurance Panels
Let’s talk about why this change is necessary — and how it benefits you.
At its core, vision care is a relationship between patient and doctor. But third-party systems — insurance panels and management networks — have increasingly taken control of how care is delivered. These systems often raise costs while reducing the quality of care for both patients and providers. Doctors are asked to do more in less time, with outdated reimbursement models. Patients are left hoping their doctor can still deliver the care they deserve.
Some insurance organizations, once non-profits, have shifted to private equity models. They buy up practices, install their own management and software, and pack schedules with employee doctors following corporate directives. This isn’t the kind of care I believe in — and I know it’s not what you want either.
So instead of initiating a lose-lose-lose scenario involving retirement, selling the practice, or compromising with these systems, I’ve found a better path — a win-win-win solution. This isn’t a step down or even a lateral move. It’s a leap forward and a step up in quality, accessibility, and care.
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What Does This New Model Look Like?
Every eye exam — whether at a private office or a retail chain — includes two main components: eye health and vision.
The health portion is important, but largely objective and checklist-driven. It’s necessary, but not where my passion lies.
The vision portion, however, is where I feel that true care happens. It’s where artistry, planning, education, and connection come together. It requires time, attention, and commitment — and it directly affects your performance, happiness, and quality of life. This is my absolute passion!
With THE SILICON VALLEY REFRACTION™, we’ll optimize every nuance of your vision. This method is unique, necessary, and currently unavailable anywhere else. We’re going to change that — and I couldn’t be more excited.
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How You Can Still Use Your Insurance
Here’s how the win-win-win works:
1. Your vision will be cared for here at our office, with the highest level of detail and attention.
2. Your eye health checkups can still be done elsewhere — at a provider who works with your insurance.
3. Your eyewear and contacts can still be purchased using your insurance benefits.
This hybrid model lets you get the best of both worlds.
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Next Steps
Please take a moment to visit our website and explore the FAQs. They’ll help you navigate this transition with confidence.
Thank you for your trust, your time, and your commitment to your vision. I’m honored to continue serving you — and I look forward to applying this exciting new style of care to every patient we see.
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