- Retirees
- Benefits for retirees
- Retiree health & home benefits
-
Retiree vision
Retiree vision
Administered by VSP Vision Care
- Full Full eligibility available
- Mid Mid eligibility available
- Core Core eligibility available
- Retirees Retirees eligibility available
On this page:
Premium costs
Retirees pay the full cost of the vision insurance premium.
| 2026 Monthly Cost | |
|---|---|
| Retiree Only | $12.43 |
| Retiree + Child(ren) | $23.73 |
| Retiree + One Adult | $23.52 |
| Retiree + Family | $29.05 |
How to enroll
Retirees may enroll in vision insurance at retirement or during UC’s annual open enrollment period.
How the plan works
The allowances and copays below apply to providers within the VSP Advantage network. Check out vsp.com to find your VSP network doctor. If you choose to see an out-of-network provider, you’ll likely pay higher out-of-pocket costs and need to submit a claim.
The information below is a summary. See plan documents for details.
- One vision examination per calendar year — including testing and analysis of eye health and any necessary prescriptions for lenses or contact lenses. You pay a $10 copay.
- One set of corrective lenses per calendar year — including single vision, bifocal, trifocal, standard progressive or other complex glass or plastic lenses. Photo-chromatic lenses, tints and polycarbonate lenses are fully covered if you use a provider in the VSP network. You pay a $25 copay.
- One set of frames every other calendar year up to $160.
- Maximum contact lens allowance of $160 for contacts and exam (fitting and evaluation). If you choose elective contact lenses, frames and corrective lenses cannot be covered in the same calendar year. Medically necessary contact lenses may be prescribed by a VSP network provider for certain conditions. A VSP network provider receives prior approval for such cases.
- You may also purchase annual supplies of select contact lenses at a reduced cost. Talk to your VSP provider or visit the VSP website for additional details.
- Discounts on laser corrective vision surgery through VSP-contracted laser centers. Call VSP for more information.
- Eye care services for Type 1 diabetics through the VSP Primary Eyecare Plan. Contact a VSP doctor for more information.
- If you use a VSP network doctor or provider, you pay only the required copays for covered services and the cost of any services or materials beyond the allowance.
- Additional discounts are available for services the plan doesn’t cover, including:
- 20% discount for additional pairs of prescription glasses purchased within 12 months following the last covered eye exam if purchased from the VSP doctor who provided the exam.
- 15% discount for contact lens fittings or adjustments.
Open Enrollment: Big changes for 2026
Thursday, Oct. 30 through Friday, Nov. 21, 2025