Union members enrolled in the UFT Welfare Fund and their eligible dependents can now get eyeglasses or contact lenses more frequently, for less money out of pocket and from more optical stores than ever.

“Our members asked for greater access to and frequency for the optical benefit, and we heard you,” UFT President Michael Mulgrew said.

Effective Jan. 1, the UFT Welfare Fund’s optical benefit is available yearly, rather than every two years. With an annual benefit, children whose prescriptions may change rapidly can stay up-to-date without added expense. Or members can choose regular glasses one year, then contact lenses, prescription sunglasses, or another pair of regular glasses the next.

The benefit is available to each member and their eligible dependents every 12 months. If you last purchased eyeglasses in July 2024, for example, you can access the improved benefits in July 2025. If you last purchased eyeglasses prior to Jan. 1, 2024, the benefit is available now.

The benefit credit has increased by $75, from $175 to $250. The annual credit can be applied to a pair of eyeglasses (bifocal or trifocal if needed) or contact lenses (fitting not included), or to the replacement of frames or lenses. It also covers an eye exam at the same time and store where the glasses are purchased if the optical provider is in network. Alternatively, the $250 can be claimed as a reimbursement against a purchase from an out-of-network provider (including online retailers). Of the $250, $20 can be set against the cost of an exam conducted at the same time at the store where the glasses or contact lenses are purchased.

The number of providers in the General Vision Services network has also expanded, from more than 1,500 to more than 3,000. When members use their optical benefit with an in-network provider, they don’t have to file any paperwork.

For more information, visit the General Vision Services website for UFT members or call 212‑729‑5395. Alternatively, you can contact the UFT Welfare Fund at 212‑539‑0500.

For more information, go to the optical benefit section.