Vision

Unit 1 members are eligible for a maximum of  $250 every two years towards vision-related expenses. This includes eye-exams, glasses, contacts, prescription sunglasses, etc…

This benefit is available to all Unit 1 members. You are eligible to file a claim if you are currently working as a TA, or if you have worked as a TA in one of the last two semesters.

To file a claim you need to fill out the form available on our website or at the Union office. Original receipts must be attached, and the form needs to be dropped off at the Union office in Wentworth House B108. The cheque will normally be mailed to the address provided on the claim form in 4-6 weeks.

Vision Care claims are processed on a first come first serve basis during the Fall and Winter terms (or until aggregate vision expenditures reach the $90,000 fall/winter term cap). During this period, the amount of money applied for is the amount members will receive.

During the Summer terms (or after fall/winter term cap is reached), vision care claims are held until the August 31st.  The maximum amount members receive depends on how much money is left in the Vision care fund.   If yearly vision care expenditures total $120,000 or less, members will be entitled to claim the maximum. In other years, members may be entitled to less than $250. Vision care expenditures have been capped at $120,000 per year.

Please note that your vision care claim must be received within 60 days of the date of purchase or within 30 days of the termination of your membership in CUPE 3906 Unit 1.

If you have any questions please contact the union office.

Click here to download the Unit 1 Vision Care Claim Form (This form is a PDF that can be filled out on screen. You will need to print out the completed version and sign it before submitting the claim)

Note on “capped” Vision Care Benefits:

Aggregate vision care benefits have been capped at $90,000 for the fall/winter term and $120,000 for the year since the 2010-11 academic year.   For more information on how the capped model works and why the membership voted to adopt it, read this archived post: Your Unit 1 benefits Are Changing

As the above post explains, the capped model was instituted to contain benefits spending after the Employer refused to increase our funding in the 2009 round of Unit 1 bargaining (despite repeated benefits deficits).  If we are successful in negotiating an increase to the benefits fund during Unit 1 bargaining this fall,  the spending caps on Vision care and UHIP are likely to be removed.