- 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
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 can enroll in vision insurance at retirement or during UC’s
annual open enrollment period. For enrollment and changes, visit VSP
at ucretirees.vspforme.com or call 866-240-8344.
How the plan works
The allowances and copays below apply to providers within the VSP Advantage network. Visit vsp.com to find a 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.
Open Enrollment for 2027 benefits begins on Thursday, Oct. 29 at 8 a.m. and ends on Friday, Nov. 20 at 5 p.m. There are no changes to benefits for 2027, but Warby Parker will join the VSP provider network, providing another eyewear option. UC will continue to pay the entire premium cost for eligible employees. Premiums for retirees will increase by 2.5%.
- 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.
- You can receive a maximum allowance of $160 for contact lenses. The eye exam is covered separately, with a copay of up to $60. If you choose elective contact lenses, you cannot receive frames, or corrective lenses 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. Contact 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 choose a VSP network doctor or provider, you will only pay the required copays for covered services and any costs for services or materials that exceed the allowance.
- Additional discounts are available for services the plan doesn’t cover, including:
- 20% discount on additional pairs of prescription glasses purchased within 12 months after the last covered eye exam if purchased from the VSP doctor who provided the exam.
- 15% discount for contact lens fittings or adjustments.