The optical credit of each member is CHF 525.- per year, cumulative over 2 years (i.e., a total of maximum CHF 1,050.-) and renewed yearly on 1 January. However, for new members, in the first calendar year, credit calculation is done pro rata, on a monthly basis, and the credits of upcoming months may not be used in advance.

In the case of a previous affiliation of at least 2 years with another health insurance plan of the United Nations system, the full annual credit given will be available from the first day of affiliation.

Optical care is reimbursed at 80%, up to the number of credits available at the time of the purchase. Cross-border internet purchases are also reimbursable. If the diopter is indicated in the invoice, there is no need for a prescription.

Expenses will always be deducted from the credit of the ongoing year first (the year when the expenses were incurred). Should this be insufficient, any carryover credits from the previous year will be further eroded.  This basically means that if you have expenses of CHF 1,050.- or more in any given year, you will not carry over any credits to the next year. 

The optical credit balance is only eroded by the reimbursement of purchases of eyeglasses and lenses. Optical examinations and surgeries fall under different regulations.  

Cataract surgery is reimbursable at a rate of 90%, up to CHF 2,500.- per eye. Any supplement for a special lens is reimbursed from your available optical credit balance.

Femtosecond laser cataract surgery is also included in this category; however, with an additional reimbursable amount of CHF 1,500.-. Prior authorization of the Medical Adviser is required.

Refractive laser surgery of the cornea is also reimbursed at a rate of 90%, and a lifetime ceiling of CHF 2,000.- per eye is applicable. For this type of surgery, prior authorization is not required. Refractive surgery for presbyopia is not reimbursable.

Intravitreal injection is reimbursed at a rate of 80%, up to CHF 500.- for the doctor’s fees, and without the application of any ceiling to the medication.

The Supplementary Plan is not applicable for eye surgeries. 

Canes, smart canes, Braille printers, screen readers, and any other technology-based device that assists in the reading and mobility of a legally recognized blind or visually impaired individual, are reimbursed at a rate of 80%, with a balance of CHF 3,500.- for a five-year period, which may also be used to cover repair costs.

The Supplementary Plan is not applicable.

While prior authorization of the Medical Adviser is not necessary for the purchase of canes and smart canes, it is required for Braille printers and other technology-based devices. To obtain prior authorization, proof must be submitted that the insured member is legally recognized as blind or visually impaired.