Both the GVS website and the GVS app (on iOS or Android) allow you to verify eligibility for optical benefits, locate in-network providers, and submit claims.

For years, GVS has served as the third-party administrator for the Welfare Fund’s optical program, providing services such as claim processing. GVS will now also maintain new resources such as the program's website and mobile app. Their dedicated UFT representatives can assist with appointment scheduling, benefit questions, and inquiries about services rendered. On request, GVS can also serve as a liaison for you and/or your covered dependents when obtaining services at participating providers. For more information, visit the GVS website. 

Moving away from paper certificates does not affect benefit levels or eligibility; they only serve to improve speed and ease of access by eliminating the need to wait for a paper certificate before you or your dependents access your benefits. As of March 1, 2022, the optical benefit amount increased to $175, every two years. This additional benefit (as with all other Welfare Fund benefits) is available at no additional cost to our enrolled members and their eligible dependents.

Eligibility information is available electronically via www.gvsuft.com and the GVS mobile app (on iOS or Android), as well as via a dedicated phone line at 212-729-5395. As always, you have the option to access your benefits either in-network, or out-of-network.

In-Network

Information on your eligibility for benefits will be available not only to you and your dependents, but also to participating optical service providers. This will make it easier to schedule appointments and use your benefits for covered services at participating providers. Once you confirm your eligibility, you can contact a participating provider’s office to schedule an appointment, or walk in. Participating providers can be found on the GVS website. Participating providers can verify eligibility for you and/or your covered dependents. These providers will offer you all of the program discounts and benefits to which you are entitled.

Out-Of-Network

Once you confirm your eligibility (either at www.gvsuft.com or on the GVS app), and obtain covered optical services at an out-of-network location (including online providers) you can submit a claim. As is the present case, you must provide a paid, itemized receipt and a copy of your prescription. These can be submitted electronically via www.gvsuft.com or the GVS app. Alternatively, paper claims can be mailed to GVS.

Teachers, school psychologists, guidance counselors, school social workers, librarians, attendance teachers, school secretarial staff and laboratory specialists may be permitted to withdraw a resignation.

Take the following steps:

• Contact the NYC Department of Education Office of Field Services at OFIS@schools.nyc.gov to inform them or your desire to withdraw your resignation/retirement. The Office of Field Services will inform you if you are eligible to withdraw your resignation/retirement. If you are eligible, you may proceed with the remaining steps.
• Submit an online application via teachnyc.net.
• Secure a position at a school. If the DOE is in a state of restricted hiring or the online teacher application is closed, and you are therefore unable to secure a position at a school, you cannot rescind your resignation.
• Obtain a Nomination Letter from the school that wants to hire you.
• Complete a Withdrawal of Resignation Form
• Photocopy the form for your records.
• Submit the Withdrawal of Resignation form with a copy of your nomination letter to Field Services. You must have the Withdrawal form notarized before submitting. Please see "Submitting a Withdrawal of Resignation Retirement Form" for instructions.
• On your first day of employment, complete and submit a “Commencement of Service upon Withdrawal of Resignation or Restoration from Retirement” form (available via DOE HR Connect) to the DOE Office of Field Services.

(You must log in to HR Connect to view DOE materials.)

UFT Educational Paraprofessionals and DC37 Family Paraprofessionals cannot rescind their resignations and must reapply for a new position as a paraprofessional. See more information at Application Process- Full Time UFT Educational Paraprofessional (8266), or Application Process- Family Paraprofessional (8264) (You must log in to HR Connect to view these materials.)

Teachers, school psychologists, guidance counselors, school social workers, librarians, attendance teachers, school secretarial staff and laboratory specialists may be permitted to withdraw a resignation/retirement provided the following conditions exist:

• At the time of your resignation or retirement, you completed at least one year (or two full school terms) of satisfactory, regularly appointed service under the license.
• Your license has not been invalidated and is not subject to such action due to failure to satisfy certification requirements
• You receive proper medical approval, fingerprint clearance/satisfactory application review; and verification of employment (since resigning/retiring from the New York City public schools)
• You have received a written request to fill a vacancy approved by the HR Director which confirms the availability of a clear vacancy into which you can be placed, subject to any existing hiring restrictions.
• You receive a valid NYCDOE security clearance.

Please note, withdrawal of retirement is also subject to approval by the applicable retirement system.

Applications for the Retired Teachers Chapter (RTC) get processed on your date of retirement, however, due to a high volume of applicants, please allow for up to one week to complete the process. 

A deferred pay date is only applicable if you have yet to meet the age of retirement and will be collecting your pension at a later time.