News Briefs

Tips for getting the most from the UFT’s optical plan

Nov 15, 2007 12:53 PM

The UFT Welfare Fund’s Optical Benefit Program can save you money on your next purchase of eyeglasses.

The first thing you should do when you are thinking about buying new eyeglasses or contact lenses for yourself and/or someone in your family is to call the UFT Welfare Fund’s automated forms hotline at 1-212-539-0539 and request an optical certificate. You can also call the Fund at 1-212-539-0500, between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

The certificate and a list of all the optical providers affiliated witdthe Fund’s program will be put in the mail to you the next day. You’ll need this certificate, which is valid for 90 days, when you buy eyeglasses or lenses from any provider. You can’t download this certificate from the UFT Web site because the Fund must verify your eligibility before it can issue the certificate to you. Certificates aren’t transferable: A separate certificate is necessary for each family member.

Remember you can only use your optical benefits once every two years.

Save by buying at participating stores

The best way to save money is to buy eyeglasses from one of the more than 1,500 optical providers that participate in the UFT optical program. (View a directory of participating stores)

Each UFT member is entitled to a free pair of eyeglasses, including bifocals and trifocals, every two years as long as you choose a basic frame that retails for $100 or less from one of the participating stores. The basic eye exam is covered. This no-cost option may be particularly attractive to outfit kids or if you are happy witdyour current eyeglasses and want a spare pair to keep at school or for back-up.

You will probably face out-of-pocket expenses if you choose more expensive frames and special features like progressive lenses (no lines in bifocal or trifocal glasses), but it’s still advisable to shop at a participating store. In addition to the $75 off that the Welfare Fund gives to all members regardless of where they buy their eyeglasses, these participating providers will give you a 10 percent discount on the cost of the frames and the lenses, plus another $100 off if you purchase designer frames. Present your certificate before you place the order.

The eye exam at a participating store will be free unless a dilation is necessary, in which case there is a $30 charge. Store sales can’t be combined witdany of the UFT optical discounts. Participating providers can also charge you the following fixed surcharges for special features: $15 for tinting, $15 for UV block, $20 for scratch-resistant coating, $30 for glare-free coating, $35 for polycarbonate and $50 for photochromic (transitions).

Prescription sunglasses covered, too

Your Savings
	Retail Price
Designer Frames	$220
Progressive Lenses	$225
Total Retail Price	$445
10% Minimal Panelist Discount	($44.50)
Sub-Total	$400.50
Basic Frame Allowance (if upgraded)	($100)
Sub-Total	$300.50
Welfare Fund Benefit	($75)
Member’s Final Cost	$225.50

You can use the optical program to buy prescription sunglasses. (Non-prescription sunglasses, however, are not covered.) Be aware that some participating stores may charge you $30 extra for tinting and UV block.

You can’t split services, so don’t get your eyes examined until you know for sure that you will be buying your eyeglasses from that optical provider.

Participating stores will give you a 10 percent discount on eyeglasses not covered by your optical benefits, for instance if you need to replace your eyeglasses less than two years after you bought your last pair. These stores will also give you a 10 percent discount if you purchase a second pair of eyeglasses at the same time as the first.

If you go to a store not affiliated witdthe Fund’s program, you still need to have an optical certificate witdyou. You’ll have to pay whatever the provider charges. The Welfare Fund will reimburse you $75 (or the price of the eyeglasses if less than $75) when you submit the original paid receipt along witdthe optical certificate, completed and signed by the store, and a copy of your eyeglass prescription. You have 90 days to request reimbursement.

By purchasing eyeglasses from a participating provider, the savings can be considerable. [See “Your savings” on the left for an example.]

In all cases, it makes sense to shop around and compare prices before you buy.

If you are a contact lenses user, you still need to request an optical certificate. You may buy your contact lenses from any provider and the Fund will reimburse you $75 when you submit the paid receipt, the signed and completed certificate, and a copy of your prescription. The fitting fee is not covered.