Vision Care

ServicesStudent Health Fee at HUHSStudent Health Insurance Plan*
Routine vision examNot coveredOne exam per plan year
Vision eyewear: lenses, frames, and contact lenses.
Pediatric (until the end of the calendar month member turns age 19)
Not coveredIn-network:
35% coinsurance
Out-of-network:
55% coinsurance (after deductible is met)
Vision eyewear: lenses, frames, and contact lenses.
Adult (19 years and older)
Not coveredNot covered
Non-routine vision examCovered in fullSubject to clinic and physician office visit limit (12 visits* per plan year combined in-network and out-of-network)
Lasik surgeryNot coveredNot covered
*Effective February 1, 2024, visit limits will no longer apply to this benefit. Applicable cost-sharing still applies.

*Copayments, deductibles, and coinsurance may apply to covered services.

Harvard University Health Services (HUHS) offers a range of vision care services, including eye examinations (refraction, dilation, and pressure-checking), prescriptions for eyeglasses, sunglasses, contact lenses, and non-routine ophthalmology care.

All non-routine appointments require a referral from your HUHS primary care physician.

  1. Visit the Blue Cross Blue Shield website
  2. Search for a provider by name, specialty, or location
  3. Select PPO/EPO from the network dropdown (for in-network benefits)
  • When searching for a provider in Massachusetts, select “PPO Network with Hospital Choice Cost Sharing Feature” from the “My Health Plan” drop-down menu to ensure the lowest out-of-pocket costs if you are receiving inpatient care, outpatient day surgery, or outpatient diagnostic high-tech radiology (CT scans, MRI, PET scans, or nuclear cardiac imaging).
  • You will have higher out-of-pocket costs if you choose to see an out-of-network provider. Contact HUSHP Member Services at (617) 495-2008 or Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts at (800) 257-8141 if you need assistance.

Limitations and exclusions apply, so it is important to familiarize yourself with the Student Health Insurance Plan benefits before seeking care.