SHIP Vision Benefits

Vision coverage is included as part of the Berkeley Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP).

All UC Berkeley students enrolled in SHIP automatically will receive benefits covering well vision exam and prescription glasses or contact lenses. VSP is the vision insurance provider and SHIP members can visit the UC Berkeley School of Optometry.

VSP Member Information
Plan Network Choice
Member ID Your VSP member ID is the same as your Wellfleet member ID (nine digits). Follow the instructions on this Wellfleet flyer to obtain your member ID. 
Vision Benefits Summary 
VSP Choice Provider  Non-Network Provider
Plan Year  August 1 to July 31 
Eye exam (Once every plan year. Not including contact lens fitting.) $10 copay  $47 allowance 
Prescription glasses (once every plan year) $45 allowance for frames, $30-$60 allowance for lens1 
Contact lenses (instead of glasses, once every plan year) $150 allowance $100 allowance
Additional glasses or sunglasses, including lens enhancements  20% discount N/A
Lasik or PRK refractive surgeries  15% discount (average) N/A 
1Allowance depends on the type of lens. Please refer to the VSP Benefits Summary for more details.

Please note:

  • Contact lens wearers may be subject to a contact lens evaluation fee or fitting fee.
  • If lenses and frames or contact lenses are chosen that exceed the $150 allowance, the cost above $150 is the responsibility of the student. 
  • You are expected to pay the co-payment and other fees are the time of service. There are no claims to file for in-network providers.
  • 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. 
  • Injury or illness of the eye will continue to be covered by the medical portion of SHIP, administered by Wellfleet Student.  

Out of Network Claims  

  • For out-of-network claims, members must pay for the services and submit a claim for reimbursement.
  • To submit a claim by mail, complete the claim form and attach the itemized receipt. 
  • To submit a claim online, log into your VSP account or create an account using your 9-digit member ID

Appointments

Vision services are available at the UC Berkeley School of Optometry with two clinics on campus: Tang Center Optometry and Meredith W. Morgan University Eye Center.

To make an appointment, contact:

Tang Center Optometry (3rd Floor)
(510) 643-2020
View hours of operation

Meredith W. Morgan University Eye Center
(510) 642-2020

For urgent needs when the clinic is closed, you may call (510) 642-2020, 24 hours a day.

If you are away from Berkeley and need vision care, you may see a VSP provider.