How do I take advantage of
my benefits?

The Prefer Optic Vision Care (POVC) Team encourages all AFSCME members to schedule an annual eye examination to take advantage of their benefits. Through our network of providers, the plan benefits cover costs associated with your annual vision care examination, and eyeglass lenses and frames, or contact lenses.
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Open Enrollment Period

If you need vision care coverage for your family, it is very important that you select “Family Coverage” for the Prefer Optic Vision Care (POVC) Benefit Program, during the Open Enrollment period, using your Employee Portal.  Please be aware that the default coverage is for “Single or Individual Member Care.”

After selecting the coverage needed for yourself or for your family, your next step is to call the POVC Customer Service Center.  The Customer Service Representative can quickly give you all your benefit plan details and schedule authorized services for you with the provider you select from our Prefer Optic Vision Care Network of Providers.

Who is eligible and What are my benefits?

For your convenience, participants must call our Prefer Optic Vision Care (POVC) Customer Center to determine eligibility for yourself and family members. (202-561-0000; ext. 1)

Your benefits are available to you once a year or every 12 months while you are enrolled in the benefit program.  Once you call to verify your eligibility, you can select a provider to confirm your examination appointment.

Members of selected locals of the AFSCME, their spouses and dependent children through the age of 19, and 23 if the dependent is a student, are eligible to receive coverage.  Benefit coverage also includes an unmarried child, who prior to age 19, is incapable of self-sustaining employment by reason of a mental or physical handicap.

Comprehensive Examinations – Eyeglasses – Contact Lenses

Yearly comprehensive examinations are important to maintaining healthy eyes and proper vision. A complete eyeglass examination is covered for each eligible participant and family member. If you prefer, program participants can use their benefit to cover the cost of the contact lens examination, which is a different examination. The co-pay in both is the same.

Eyeglasses – Lenses – Frames

Your benefits include the cost of Single Vision, Line-Bifocal, and Line-Trifocal lenses made of CR39 plastic, regardless of the prescription or size of lens.  You will receive a 20% discount on other options or upgrades, such as Transitional lenses.  The cost of the remaining balance is the sole responsibility of the member.

Your coverage includes the cost of any frame you select within the POVC program frame options.  When you chose to select frames costing more than the plan benefit, a benefit credit is applied to this cost.  A 20% discount is applied to the remaining balance and the rest of the cost is the sole responsibility of the member.

When you select the option to get contact lenses instead of glasses, your plan covers a benefit allowance, which is applied to the cost of the contact lens exam and actual purchase of contact lenses.  A 20% discount is applied to the remaining balance and the rest of the cost is the sole responsibility of the member.

There are no additional charges or co-pay fee, for an office visit to have frames adjusted when using providers in the Prefer Optic Vision Care Network of Providers.

Remember, call the POVC Customer Service Center to get started.  Your POVC Customer Service Representative can help you take advantage of all the benefits the plan has to offer.

Areas Not Covered By The Plan (Exclusions)

1) Medical treatments are not covered by the program. It is recommended you turn to your medical benefits for this kind of coverage.

2) Service or materials covered under the Worker’s Compensation Law or other similar employer’s liability law are not covered in this benefit program.

3) Cost of vision care services which are already covered by federal, state, county, or any other government entity, are not covered.

4) Cost of prescription sunglasses or regular sunglasses are not covered.

5) Prefer Optic Vision Care is not responsible for the replacement of broken, lost, or stolen eyeglasses or contact lenses. Participants can check with the provider for warranties associated with eyeglass manufacturers, which may be an option.