UCI Student Health Center does not provide vision care services onsite. However, SHC is pleased to refer students to UC Irvine’s Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, Orange County's premier eye care provider. GHEI offers state-of-the-art ophthalmic services, ranging from routine ophthalmic evaluations to complex medical management and surgical care. Its faculty of internationally recognized physicians, surgeons and scientists provide highly specialized training to future ophthalmologists, access to leading-edge clinical trials as well as sight-saving treatments and therapies for virtually any eye disorder.
Gavin Herbert Eye Institute is a participating provider within the Anthem-UC SHIP network. Students enrolled in UC SHIP are reminded that a referral from Student Health Center is not required for optometric services. Optometrists are healthcare professionals who provide primary vision care ranging from sight testing and correction to the diagnosis, treatment, and management of vision changes. An optometrist is not a medical doctor. Optometry services are covered under the UC SHIP vision care benefits component of the plan which are administered by Anthem Blue View Vision.
However, a referral is required for any medical services that would be performed by an ophthalmologist. An ophthalmologist is a licensed physician who specializes in diseases and disorders of the eye. Medical services are covered under the medical benefits component of the UC SHIP plan which are administered by Anthem. To obtain a referral, please contact the SHC Insurance Services department at shc-insurance@uci.edu or 949-824-2388.