We Help You Take Care of Your Eyes

Vision Coverage

To meet your vision coverage needs, UVA offers two ways to save on eyecare. The first benefit is coverage through Davis Vision, which offers many benefits and provider options. You may also take advantage of the Aetna Vision Discount Program, which is automatically included for participants in the UVA Health Plan.

For most new hires, medical, dental, and/or vision benefits can begin on the first date of employment* (or choose to wait until the first of the month if you have coverage elsewhere).

  • Date of employment: If you need coverage immediately, you have the option to start your medical, dental, and/or vision benefits as of your date of employment. This may be a good option if you are currently not covered elsewhere, or you desire coverage as soon as possible. 
    • *When enrolling in benefits due to a UVA “change job” or “transfer," coverage begins on the first of the month following the event date. If the event date is on the first of the month, coverage begins immediately. 
  • First of the month following your date of employment: You can choose to start your medical, dental, and/or vision benefits on the first of the month after you are hired. This may be a good option if you have coverage from a previous employer or are under a family member’s coverage that is still active through the end of the month. 
  • No medical, dental, and/or vision coverage: You can officially waive your medical, dental, and/or vision benefit options as well as enroll or waive in other benefits during your new hire change benefit event. 

Please review the Coordination of Benefits document regarding your coverage and how it works with your prior employer.

Changes to Davis Vision enrollment can be made during the Open Enrollment period each October, or after a qualified life event like a change in marital status, an addition to the family, or a leave of absence. Review the Qualified Life Events and Required Documentation resource document for a list of life events and required documentation needed to request a change. Qualified life event change requests along with appropriate documentation must be submitted within 60 days of the life event and must be consistent with the life event.

You have 60 days to submit a Qualified Life Event. 

Visit the Life Changes pages for additional information and to learn how to enter these change requests in Workday. 

Plan Highlights

Learn more about the benefits of Aetna Vision Discount program and Davis Vision.

  • Vision Options

    UVA offers two options to save on eyecare: 

    1. Davis Vision offers additional benefits and provider options. These vision plan options cannot be combined, so compare benefits below to help you choose.
    2. Aetna Vision Discount Program - You are automatically enrolled as a UVA Health Plan participant in the Aetna Vision Discount Program, with no premium beyond the Health Plan.

  • Aetna Vision Discount Program

    Aetna Vision Discount program benefits include:

    Prescription and nonprescription savings: You get discounts on:

    • Eye exams
    • Prescription eyewear
    • LASIK laser eye surgery
    • Non-disposable contact lenses
    • Designer frame options

    You can even save on things that don’t need a prescription, like sunglasses, eyeglass chains, lens cases and cleaners.

    Plenty of locations: You can visit many doctors in private practice, plus national chains like America's Best, EyeMart Express, LensCrafters, Target Optical, CVS Optical, and Pearle Vision. To find a location, go to Aetna Vision Provider Directory 

    Great rates on eye exams: You’ll get discounts on routine eye exams. And they aren’t just for clear vision. 

    Contact lenses — delivered to your door. If your prescription is up to date, you can get them mailed right to your home.

    LASIK for less: You get one low package price for laser eye surgery screening, surgery and follow-up care. And the first consultation is free — even if you decide not to have the surgery.

  • Davis Vision

    Frequency: every January 1

    • Exam
    • Lenses & Lense upgrades
    • Frame
    • Contacts, evaluation & fitting

    Eye Exam copay: $0

    Contacts evaluation, fitting & follow-up for Davis Vision collection lens: Covered in Full when ordering Davis Vision collection contacts on the same date of service from the same provider. The Davis Vision collection is available at most participating independent provider locations. 

    Contacts in lieu of glasses: 

    • Allowances: $130 (+additional 15% off any overage) or
    • The Davis Vision Collection of Contact Lenses: covered in full

    Lens copay: $0

    Frame Allowance: 

    • Visionworks: $180 (+ additional 20% off any overage)
    • Other locations: $130 (+ additional 20% off any overage) or
    • The Davis Vision Collection:
      • Fashion and Designer lines: covered in full
      • Premier line: $25

    Free breakage warranty: your glasses are covered with the Davis Vision free one-year breakage warranty. Some limitations apply. 

    The Davis Vision Collection: This collection provides you with entirely free frames within the Fashion and Designer line, and only $25 for the Premier line. The collection is available at nearly 9,000 locations across the US. 

    See specifics for copays on options and upgrades

    Contact Davis Vision to learn more about Davis Vision Exclusive Collection and covered frequency. 

Davis Vision Eligibility

Click below for eligibility requirements for employees, spouses, children, and adult children with disabilities. 

  • Employees

    To be eligible for Davis Vision, you must be a full- or part-time UVA employee, regularly scheduled to work at least 20 hour/week. You must be one of the following employee types:

    • Faculty and Visiting Faculty
    • Classified Staff
    • Housestaff
    • Medical Center Team Member
    • Postdoctoral Research Associate
    • Senior Professional Research Staff
    • University Staff

  • Spouses

    To be added to your Davis Vision plan, your spouse must be legally recognized as a spouse in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

  • Children

    To be added to your Davis Vision plan, children must be your biological, step, adopted, or foster child, or any child declared a dependent on your federal tax return for whom you are the legal guardian with permanent custody. Children are eligible to the end of the birth month in which they turn 26.

  • Adult Children with Disabilities

    If children are incapable of self-support (due to mental or physical disability), they can remain on your Davis Vision plan beyond age 26 as long as the following requirements are met:

    • Required documentation is approved in advance by the benefits claims administrator before the dependent's 26th birthday.
    • They are unmarried.
    • They live with you 100% of the time.
    • They are declared a dependent on your federal tax return.

Davis Vision Costs

Cost is one factor to consider when choosing vision coverage. Davis Vision allows you to use in-network and out-of-network providers. You receive the greatest value and maximize your benefit dollars if you select in-network providers, as only one out-of-network claim is allowed per year. Contact Davis Vision for out-of-network limitation details. 

Review the information below to determine the best option for you.

  • Davis Vision Premiums

    Your premiums are the amount you spend on Davis Vision each paycheck. You pay the premiums, regardless of whether you use the benefits.

    Davis Vision premiums (listed below) are monthly and are the same for eligible full-time and part-time UVA employees. Family coverage includes the employee, spouse, and children. The 2024 rates below remain unchanged from 2023.

    Coverage Level Monthly Rate
    Employee $8.32
    Employee and Child(ren) $14.56
    Employee and Spouse $14.98
    Family $23.30

    Dependent enrollment is not automatic, and must be done through Workday upon hire, with a qualified life event, or during the open enrollment period.

    The table below shows that Housestaff get Davis Vision coverage at no cost per month.

    Coverage Level Monthly Rate
    Employee $0
    Employee and Child(ren) $0
    Employee and Spouse $0
    Family $0

    Davis Vision is available for purchase by active, benefits-eligible employees whose status is listed above. If Davis Vision is not an option for you, review the Aetna Vision Discount Program for details about vision discount benefits.

    COBRA premiums for Davis Vision are listed below. (Rate includes 2%) The 2023 monthly rates below remain unchanged from 2022.

    Coverage Level Monthly Rate
    Employee $8.49
    Employee and Child(ren) $14.85
    Employee and Spouse $15.28
    Family $23.77

  • How do I prepare for out-of-pocket expenses?

    To help you get the most out of your money for vision, medical, pharmacy, dental, and dependent-care expenses, the University offers benefits-related savings and spending accounts. These accounts allow you to put aside money for eligible expenses, by payroll deduction, before taxes.

How do I use Davis Vision?

Use the instructions below to use the Davis Vision website to find providers and get the eyecare you need.

  • Register at www.DavisVision.com

    The first time you use the Davis Vision website, you will need to register. 

    • Go to http://www.davisvision.com/Member.
    • Click on "Member Log In" within the page or "Member Log In" at top of page. 
    • Within the next screen, click on "Register new account" 
    • Follow the prompts to register your account. You will need your Davis Vision identification number (found on your Davis Vision card), so have that information handy.
    • Begin using the Davis Vision website

    Davis Vision Account Steps 

    Davis Vision mobile app 

  • Get a Davis Vision card

    When you first sign up for Davis Vision, you will receive a membership card by mail. Replacement cards can be ordered through your online member account or by calling Davis Vision at 800.804.6115. 

  • Find a provider

    Use Davis Vision tools to find in-network providers.

    For routine eyecare (eye exams, glasses, and contacts), follow these steps:

    • Go to www.davisvision.com/Member.
    • Enter your Username and Password and click “Submit”.
    • Select “Find a Provider.”
    • Enter the requested information to find an in-network vision provider.

    For laser vision correction, follow these steps:

    • Go to www.davisvision.com/Member.
    • Enter your username and password and click “Submit.”
    • Select “Laser Vision Correction.”
    • Follow the steps to learn more or start the process.

    For online vendors Davis Vision review the following flyer:

    Online Retailers

Aetna Vision Discount Program

The Aetna Vision Discount Program is included in the benefits provided by the UVA Health Plan. Additional information and resources are available through the Aetna Navigator at www.Aetna.com.

  • Register at www.Aetna.com

    The first time you use Aetna Navigator, you will need to register.

    • Go to www.aetna.com and click “Login.”
    • Click on “Register.”
    • Follow the prompts to register your account. You will need your Member ID (found on your Aetna card) or social security number, so have that information handy.
    • Begin using Aetna Navigator.

  • Find a provider

    Use Aetna tools to find in-network providers.

    For routine eyecare (eye exams, glasses, and contacts), use the following steps to find a provider:

    • Go to the Aetna Vision Provider Directory
    • Enter Zip Code or select "Use My Location" to begin your search
    • Click "Get Results"
    • Scroll through to find a provider. 

    To find a vision specialist, use the following steps:

    • Go to Aetna Vision Provider Directory 
    • Select "Advanced Search"
    • Enter Zip Code or Select "Use My Location"
    • Scroll to review criteria options and adjust to your needs.
    • Under Specialty you can choose 
      • OD Optometrist
      • MD Ophthalmologist
      • DO Doctor of Osteopathy
    • Once you have selected your criteria click on "Get Results"
    • Scroll through to find a provider. 

  • Eligibility

    Participants in the UVA Health Plan (including retirees) have access to benefits through the Aetna Vision Discount Program. More about the UVA Health Plan eligibility

  • What are the costs?

    Cost is one factor to consider when choosing vision coverage. Vision discounts from Aetna require no additional premiums or co-payments beyond the UVA Health Plan. 

    If you participate in the UVA Health Plan, assess whether the Aetna Vision Discount Program provides adequate discounts for you and your covered dependents.