Vision plans
With the largest vision network in California, Blue Shield's Vision plans provide more access, and convenience for a better value to our members
Our vision plan members have access to one of the largest networks* of ophthalmologists, optometrists, and opticians in California and nationwide. Many of these providers are conveniently located at retail locations such as LensCrafters, Target Optical, Walmart, Sam’s Club, and Costco. Multiple locations make it easier and more convenient for members to see an eye doctor of their choice and to purchase frames, lenses, and contacts.
Groups with 101 or more eligible employees can purchase vision coverage with or without Blue Shield medical coverage. For even greater flexibility employers can offer Voluntary Vision coverage – an even more affordable way to offer vision coverage – with no minimum employer contribution.
Bundle and save a bundle with Benefit Solutions
With Benefit Solutions, the more you add, the more you save. Our improved bundling program now applies to groups of 101 up to 1,000.
Your clients can save up to 3% on their medical rate by bundling dental, vision, and life insurance with their medical benefits.
- Choose dental and save 2%
- Add a minimum of $25,000 in life insurance and save an additional .5%
- Add vision, and save another .5%
Learn more about Benefit Solutions (PDF, 378 KB)
The value of vision with Blue Shield of California
All vision plans include standard and premium progressive lenses along with anti-reflective coating, and photochromic lenses.
Contact lens plans
Blue Shield offers vision plans with elective contact lens benefits which allow members to cover both contacts and eyeglasses within the same benefit period.
- In addition to the frame allowance, select vision plans cover up to $150 for elective contact lenses along with a standard contact lens fitting and evaluation.
Custom options
Groups with 101+ eligible employees may work with their Blue Shield representative to customize a vision plan to fit the needs of their employees.
Four-year rate guarantee
All groups receive a four-year rate guarantee on their vision coverage, giving them added financial predictability for budgeting and planning.
Online eyewear
Members have access to a variety of online options including lenscrafters.com, targetoptical.com, ray-ban.com/insurance, glasses.com, and contactsdirect.com.
Coverage for sunglasses
Members who have had PRK, LASIK or custom LASIK vision correction surgery can use their frame allowance toward any pair of sunglasses. All they need to do is see a network provider and provide proof of surgery or substantiate the surgery through an eye exam.
Blue Shield member portal and app
Members can get easy access to benefit and coverage information, claims payment and status updates, and digital ID cards through blueshieldca.com when they register their account. For on-the-go access, members can download the Blue Shield app on their mobile device.
Wellness offers and discounts
Blue Shield offers a wide range of programs that can help members save money and get healthier. In addition to our Discount Vision Program network, which offers a 20% savings on many vision materials and services, members can get discounts on:
- Laser vision correction surgery discounts from 15% to 20% with QualSight and NVision Laser Eye
- Hearing aids (discounts of up to 60% through EPIC, one of the nation’s largest networks of hearing-care professionals)
See the value
Help your clients see the value that vision coverage can bring them in the Look into your health infographic (PDF, 385 KB).
* Vision plan providers are available through a contracted vision plan administrator. Underwritten by Blue Shield of California Life & Health Insurance Company (Blue Shield Life).
