Our vision plans include $0 or $15 eye exam copayments,¹ making it easier than ever for you to offer your employees an affordable wellness solution. Eye exams can play an important role in the early detection of health problems like diabetes and hypertension as well as eye diseases.

Our vision plan benefits include eye exams, lenses, frames and polycarbonate (shatter-proof) lenses for covered dependent children.

Consider this: More than 150 million Americans and 70% of the workforce use corrective eyewear.² Our affordable coverage for routine vision care is a good value for your employees.

See the value

See the value that vision coverage can bring your company: Why you need group vision coverage

Vision plan advantages

• One of the largest nationwide vision provider networks
  Members can choose from more than 29,000 eyecare practitioners nationwide, including more than 6,500 in California³. Search for vision care providers.
• $0 copayment for eye exams on many plans
• Convenience through retail and 24/7 online providers
  Blue Shield vision plan coverage includes major retail chains with convenient evening and weekend hours. Our vision plans are accepted at Costco (warehouse, membership required), Wal-Mart (wholesale), LensCrafters, Site for Sore Eyes, For Eyes Optical, Target Optical and many other popular vision service retail stores, plus access to online contact lens ordering at MESVisionOptics.
• Flexibility
  Frame allowance amounts of $120, $130⁴ or $150
• Additional contact lens benefits
  Rich benefit plan options including frame/lens and contact lens benefits (contact exam and materials)
• Low out-of-pocket expenses
  After the copayment is paid for materials (lenses, frames and low-vision aids), and up to the allowable amount, there are no additional charges for eyewear from a network provider.
• Voluntary vision plans available
  Our voluntary vision plans⁵ are a great way to extend vision coverage to your employees with no minimum contribution from you.

Vision discount programs

All Blue Shield members can save 20% on the following services and materials at participating providers whether or not you have vision care benefits through Blue Shield. Access participating providers with our Find a Doctor tool.

• Routine eye examinations
• Frames and lenses (including photochromic)
• Photochromic lenses
• Tints and coatings
• Extra pair of glasses
• Non-prescription sunglasses
• Hard contact lenses

QualSight LASIK

Save on LASIK surgery at more than 45 surgery centers in California.

• Members in California saved an average of $1,200 per LASIK surgery and more than $800 on procedures such as Custom Bladeless (all laser) LASIK in 2012.
• Services include pre-screening, a pre-operative exam, and postoperative visits.
• Call (877) 437-6110 or visit QualSight LASIK to find out if you are a LASIK candidate.

NVISION Laser Eye Centers

Blue Shield of California members receive a 15% discount from NVISION Laser Eye Centers.

• NVISION Laser Eye Centers has some of the most experienced surgeons in the world, with offices in Southern California and Sacramento.
• Members can use their Flex Spending Account or ask about affordable financing options.
• Call NVISION at (877) 916-8474 or go online to find a provider or to learn more about if LASIK is right for you.

MESVision Optics

MESVisionOptics.com features competitive prices on many contact lens brands as well as other eye care accessories including a selection of sunglasses and reading glasses.

• Discounts on contact lenses, sunglasses, readers, and accessories.
• Blue Shield vision plan members can apply their eligible benefits to reduce their out-of-pocket cost for contact lenses.
• All major brands and types of contact lenses at a reduced price from other online retail sellers.
• Every lens is shipped in sealed containers and is guaranteed to be the exact lens prescribed by the doctor.
• Free shipping is available for all orders over $50.

Discount Vision Program⁶

Members receive a 20% discount off the published retail prices when they use a participating provider in the Discount Vision Program network for non-prescription sunglasses, an extra pair of glasses, and more.

Learn more about the Blue Shield Wellness Discount Program.

Current Blue Shield Vision Groups

• Download claim forms and applications

• Vision Plan Information Card (California members) (PDF, 58KB)

• Vision Plan Information Card Spanish (CA members) (PDF, 59KB)

• Vision Plan Information Card Chinese (CA members) (PDF, 85KB)

• Vision Plan Information Card Vietnamese (CA members) (PDF, 85KB)

• Vision Plan Information Card (Out-of-state members) (PDF, 59KB)

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¹ Except Eye Exam Only, Materials Only and closed vision plans.

² Vision Problems in the US. (2008). National Eye Institute and Prevent Blindness America.

³ Vision providers are available by arrangement with a vision plan administrator.

⁴ $130 frame allowance plans available to groups of 51+ employees.

⁵ Groups of two to 50 must have a minimum of five enrolling employees. Groups of 51 or more must have 10 or more enrolling employees if they purchase Blue Shield medical coverage.

⁶ Discount programs administered by or arranged through the following independent companies:

Discount Vision Program & MESVisionOptics.com – MESVision
LASIK – Laser Eye Care of California, NVision Laser Eye Centers and QualSight Inc.

Note: No genetic information, including family medical history, is gathered, shared, or used from these programs.