• CareFirst: The insurance company offering the vision plan.
• Blue Vision Plus: The name of the vision plan offered by CareFirst.
• Basic and Enhanced: These are the two AU plan options in Blue Vision Plus.
• Davis Vision: The CareFirst partner who provides access to the Davis Vision network of providers and retailers.
• Provider Search: Use the “Find a Provider” tool on carefirst.com or contact Davis Vision at 800-783-5602.
• In-Network vs. Independent:
  • In-Network: includes providers like Warby Parker, Vision Works, and Costco.
  • Independent: are typically local or smaller locations, not national or international chains.
• Standalone plan: The vision plans are voluntary, standalone benefits separate and unrelated to medical coverage.
• Who can enroll: Full-time faculty or staff and their eligible dependents, regardless of whether an AU medical plan (CareFirst PPO, CareFirst HDHP, or Kaiser HMO) is selected or not.

If I just want an annual eye exam, even if I don’t wear glasses or contacts, do I need to sign up for a Basic or Enhanced vision plan?

If you have CareFirst PPO or CareFirst HDHP, yes. To provide a more comprehensive vision plan, the CareFirst vision discounts that were part of the CareFirst medical plan will no longer be available starting on January 1, 2025.

What’s a "medical-related condition?" I wear glasses to see. Does that qualify?

Vision correction is not considered a medical condition of the eye. A few examples of medical conditions include glaucoma, cataracts, amblyopia, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration.

If you have a medical condition and need to see an ophthalmologist, depending on your condition, your visits may be covered under your medical plan. Please refer to your medical summary of benefits.

What is the coverage for cataract surgery and lens implants?

Cataract surgery is not covered under vision benefits. Cataracts are a medical condition of the eye. Please review your medical policy for coverage details.

If I use both glasses and contact lenses, can I use the benefit for both?

No. The vision benefit covers one pair of eyeglasses OR a supply of contact lenses per benefit period.

Similarly, the plan will only cover one pair of prescription glasses, regardless of their use (e.g., regular, computer, reading, or sunglasses). Discounts are available on a second pair(s) after benefits are exhausted at the time of initial purchase:

• Up to 30% off at independent retailers
• 50% off at Visionworks

How often can I get new eyeglass frames and lenses?

The Basic plan covers an annual exam and lenses every 12 months. Frames are covered every 24 months. If you elect the Basic plan, you can get replacement lenses OR contacts every year.

The Enhanced plan covers an annual exam, lenses, and frames every 12 months. If you elect the Enhanced plan, you can get a full set of glasses OR contacts every year. The Enhanced option is best if you want yearly glasses.

Are non-prescription sunglasses included?

No, non-prescription eyewear is not part of the vision program. If you use an in-network provider, there is a discount on non-prescription sunglasses (up to 30%).

What is the difference between elective and necessary contacts?

Medically necessary contact lenses are prescribed for certain medical conditions that cannot be corrected using traditional contacts. Examples include keratoconus, high ametropia, aphakia, aniridia, and irregular astigmatism (2.00 diopters). Medically necessary contacts are approved through a medical review process.

Elective eyewear (unrelated to medical conditions) is covered under the vision benefits in the summary.

Is the $0 cost for formulary contacts covered under the Basic and Enhanced Plans?

Yes.

Are colored contacts covered?

Prescription contact lenses may have color tint included, which may be covered under the allowance. Colored contact lenses without a prescription are not covered under the benefit.

What’s the difference between Collection, Standard, and Specialty for contact lens fitting and evaluation?

• Collection – Davis Vision Contact Lens Collection – the fit and evaluation are covered at $0 under the Basic or Enhanced plans. Providers who carry the Davis Collection (both glasses and contacts) can provide members with the list of contacts available at no charge.
• Standard – Single vision contact lenses – the fit and evaluation are covered at a $20 copay under the Enhanced plan; under the Basic plan, there is a 15% discount available.
• Specialty – multifocal contact lenses – there is a $60 allowance toward the fit and evaluation under the Enhanced plan; under the Basic plan, a 15% discount is available.

Which plan has a Lasik discount?

The Lasik discount is available with both the Basic and Enhanced plan.