The 2026 Open Enrollment period began on Monday, October 6, 2025 and ended on Friday, October 24, 2025 at 8 p.m. ET.
Vision Coverage Options
All retirees are eligible to choose from two voluntary vision plan options.
The GW vision plans are "stand-alone" plans, so you can enroll in vision coverage whether or not you have medical coverage through GW.
Take a look at the table to evaluate which of the options may be right for you.
UHC Voluntary Vision Plan Options: Basic Plan vs. Enhanced Plan
GW offers a choice of two voluntary vision plans through UnitedHealthcare: Basic and Enhanced.
| Basic | Enhanced | |
| Co-pays for In-Network Services | ||
| Exam | $0 | $0 |
| Materials | $20 | $20 |
| Benefit Frequency | ||
| Comprehensive Exam | Once every 12 months | Once every 12 months |
| Spectacle Lenses | Once every 12 months | Once every 12 months |
| Frames | Once every 24 months | Once every 12 months |
| Contact Lenses in Lieu of Eye Glasses | Once every 12 months | Once every 12 months |
| Frame Benefit | ||
| Private Practice Provider | $130 | $150 |
| Retail Chain Provider | $130 | $150 |
| Lens Options | ||
| For both the Basic and Enhanced plans, standard scratch-resistant coating lenses are covered in full. (Discount varies by provider.) The Enhanced Plan covers the following additional lens options in full: standard progressive lenses, standard anti-reflective coating, polycarbonate lenses, ultraviolet coating, glass coating and tints. | ||
| Contact Lens Benefit | ||
| Elective contact lenses: fitting/evaluation fees, contact lenses and up to two follow-up visits are covered in full (after copay). If you choose disposable contacts: under the Basic plan, up to four boxes are covered when obtained from a network provider; under the Enhanced plan, up to six boxes are covered. | ||
| Laser Vision Benefit | ||
| UnitedHealthcare Vision has partnered with the QualSight LASIK to provide members with access to discounted laser vision correction procedures. Members receive up to 35% off national pricing. To learn more about laser vision correction, and to find a network surgeon, visit uhc.qualsight.com uhc.qualsight.com or call 1-855-321-2020. | ||
In-network, covered-in-full benefits (after applicable copay) include:
- a comprehensive exam
- eye glasses with standard single vision
- lined bifocal or lined trifocal lenses
- standard scratch-resistant coating and frame or contact lenses in lieu of eye glasses
Refer to the chart above, which provides a summary of some of the in-network services and costs.
Please visit hr.gwu.edu/benefits for additional details.
Out-of-network benefits are available with fixed reimbursement directly to you after submission of a legible, detailed, paid-in-full receipt. (Please be sure to include your ID number, name, home address and patient’s name and date of birth with claim submission.)
Note: You will incur less out-of-pocket expense if you see an in-network vision provider. To find an in-network vision provider, please visit myuhcvision.com.