Vision Services
The SHIP Vision Plan, provided by the UC Berkeley School of Optometry, covers vision screening and correction services . Injury or illness of the eye will continue to be covered by the medical portion of SHIP, administered by Anthem Blue Cross.
No separate enrollment is necessary, and there is no additional charge for this benefit - if you have SHIP, you have the vision plan! Vision coverage may not be purchased separately from the medical, counseling and dental benefits of SHIP. You do not need a separate member ID card - just bring your Anthem Blue Cross card and your Cal 1 Card.
Benefits
SHIP Vision Plan Benefits Include:
- Eye exam for a $5 copay, once every 12 months
- Frames and lenses OR contact lenses, for a $15 copay, once every 12 months, up to a $120 value
- 20% discount on lens options such as Transitions lenses, anti-reflective or anti-scratch coatings, UV protection, and others
- 50% discount on Lasik or PRK refractive surgeries
- 24/7 access to emergency care
Appointments
Vision services are provided at the School of Optometry's two clinics on campus - in the Tang Center and in Minor Hall - and at 12 satellite locations throughout California. For your convenience, the Minor Hall clinic is open seven days a week. For urgent needs when the clinic is closed, you may call (510) 642-2020, 24 hours a day.
To make an appointment at the Tang Center clinic, call (510) 643-2020.
To make an appointment at the Minor Hall clinic, call (510) 642-2020.
You may submit an appointment request electronically at the School of Optometry web site http://www.caleyecare.org/index.html
You will be expected to pay the copayment and other fees at the time of service. There are no claims to file.
If you are away from Berkeley and urgently need replacement of prescription ophthalmic materials that were originally provided by the School of Optometry, such as glasses or contact lenses, the School will provide overnight shipping at no additional charge.
Please note:
- If lenses and frames or contact lenses are chosen which exceed the $120 allowance, the cost above $120 is the responsibility of the student. Contact lens wearers may be subject to a contact lens evaluation fee or, for first-time users, a fitting fee. Please see below for examples of fees for typical visits.
- Services are covered only if they are provided by the UC Berkeley School of Optometry.
- The following services or supplies are not covered by this vision plan: Orthoptics or vision training, non-prescription glasses or contact lenses, medical or surgical treatment of the eyes other than laser vision correction, non-FDA-approved vision services, treatment and materials, and any other service not listed above as a covered benefit.
Services are available at these UC Berkeley School of Optometry Clinic locations throughout California:
Cal State University (CSU) Student Health Centers:
Locations considered “out of network;” higher fees apply.
San Diego
Los Angeles
Northridge
East Bay (Hayward)
San Francisco
Sacramento
(In development): Fresno
Community Based Clinics:
Castle Family Health Atwater, CA (near Merced)
CommuniCare Clinics Davis, CA
Alameda County Medical Center - multiple sites in the East Bay
Eastmont Wellness Center Oakland, CA
Over 60 Clinic Berkeley and Oakland, CA
La Clinica de la Raza Oakland, CA
Examples of Plan Benefits and Patient Payments:
Student 1: Frame of $120 or less and Single Vision Lenses.
$120 Frame Allowance - patient pays overage.
Service or Material |
Usual/Customary |
Plan Pays |
Patient Pays |
| Exam ($5 Co-Pay) | 88.00 | 83.00 | 5.00 |
| Material ($15 Co-Pay) | -15.00 | 15.00 | |
| Frame - $120 Frame Allowance | 120.00 | 120.00 | |
| SV Lenses (CR-39) | 52.00 | 52.00 | |
| TOTAL | $260.00 | $240.00 | $20.00 |
Student 2: Frame of $175 and Single Vision Lenses.
$120 Frame Allowance - patient pays overage.
| Service or Material | Usual/Customary | Plan Pays | Patient Pays |
| Exam ($5 Co-Pay) | 88.00 | 83.00 | 5.00 |
| Material ($15 Co-Pay) | -15.00 | 15.00 | |
Frame - $120 Frame Allowance $175.00 Frame selected |
$120.00 | 120.00 | |
| Frame Overage Paid by Patient (with 20% discount) | 55.00 | 11.00 | 44.00 |
| SV Lenses (CR-39) | 52.00 | 52.00 | |
| TOTAL | $315.00 | $251.00 | $64.00 |
Student 3: Exam and $120 Contact Lens Allowance , Level I CL Evaluation, Purchase of Contact Lenses
$120 Contact lens allowance for evaluation or fitting fees and purchase of contact lenses.
| Service or Material | Usual/Customary | Plan Pays | Patient Pays |
| Exam ($5 Co-Pay) | 88.00 | 83.00 | 5.00 |
| Material ($15 Co-Pay) | -15.00 | 15.00 | |
| Contact Lens Allowance $120 | 120.00 | -120.00 | |
| Contact Lens Evaluation Fee - Level I | 29.00 | 29.00 | |
| 4 boxes of Contact Lenses @ $25 each) | $100.00 | $100.00 | |
| TOTAL | $217.00 | $188.00 | $29.00 |
Student 4: Exam and $120 Contact Lens Allowance , Level I CL Brand New Fitting, Purchase of Contact Lenses
$120 Contact Lens allowance for evaluation or fitting fees and purchase of contact lenses.
| Service or Material | Usual/Customary | Plan Pays | Patient Pays |
| Exam ($5 Co-Pay) | 88.00 | 83.00 | 5.00 |
| Material ($15 Co-Pay) | -15.00 | 15.00 | |
| Contact Lens Allowance $120 | 120.00 | -120.00 | |
| Contact Lens Evaluation Fee - Low complexity Level I | 116.00 | 116.00 | |
| 4 boxes of Contact Lenses @ $25 each) | $100.00 | $100.00 | |
| TOTAL | $304.00 | $188.00 | $116.00 |
See the Meredith W. Morgan University Eye Center site for more information on services provided by the School of Optometry clinics.
