The proposed bill S. 402 aims to establish regulations for vision care plans in South Carolina by adding Article 24 to Chapter 71, Title 38 of the South Carolina Code of Laws. It defines key terms such as "vision care provider," "vision care insurance plan," and "insured." The bill mandates that vision care insurance plans allow providers to opt out of exclusive supplier agreements without penalties, and if a required product is unavailable from a contracted supplier, consumers must be allowed to obtain it from out-of-network suppliers at the same coverage level. Additionally, the bill requires that vision care insurance plans provide timely access to information regarding coverage and benefits, disclose all coverage details in plain language, and maintain updated online directories of participating providers.

Furthermore, the bill prohibits vision care insurance plans from restricting providers' ability to disclose healthcare information to patients, discussing total costs, or selling more affordable alternatives. It also allows insured individuals to purchase lenses and frames separately without bundling them under a single coverage limit. The act will take effect upon approval by the Governor.