Vision Care: Your Most Popular Specialty Benefit
Here are Ten Good Reasons Why
By Bob Elsas
Vice President of Business Development, Davis Vision
Vision Care is one of the most desired specialty benefits. Surveys
indicate that 69% of the working population would actually trade
some vacation time for a vision care plan. Impossible, you say.
Not when you consider these 10 key reasons . . .
- The Fear of Blindness. Preservation of sight
is a major concern for all, and loss of vision is more feared
than any other physical impairment.
- Increasing Demographic Demand. The Baby Boom generation
-- now being referred to as the "Elder Boom"generation
-- is well into their 40's. Presbyopia occurs in persons 40 and
over, leading to a growing universal need for corrective reading
glasses. With 60% of the overall population and 72% of the workforce
requiring corrective eyewear, this constitutes a vocal majority
requesting vision care coverage.
- The Cost Factor. The cost of eyewear alone (frames and
lenses average over $193.00 nationally). Factor in a comprehensive
eye examination of $40 to $80, and the average comprehensive eyecare
benefit costs over $250.
- A Medical Diagnostic Tool. Eye examinations diagnose
much more than the need for corrective lenses. An eye exam can
uncover more than 30 systemic diseases including hypertension,
arteriosclerosis, diabetes, Graves disease, etc. Inclusion of
an eyecare plan can be a cost effective intervention into an overall
health plan.
- The Importance For Children. One out of four children,
ages five to 12, has a vision problem that can affect their educational
performance. Since 80% of all learning in the first 12 years is
through the visual system, a visual impairment can be a significant
handicap.
- Protection Against Injury. As part of risk management,
employers are seeking to reduce the incidence of accidental injury.
The possibility of tragic and expensive eye injuries can be avoided
by wearing safety glasses. In work environments where there is
a reasonable probability of eye injury, suitable eye protection
is mandated by OSHA.
- A Reduction in Eye Fatigue. Increased use of the ever
present VDT screen (Computer Monitor) has resulted in increased
complaints of blurred vision, eye discomfort and fatigue. Special
eyewear has been developed to alleviate eye fatigue and eye strain
for visually intense, close up work on the computer.
- A Major Fashion Accessory. Eyewear today is a popular
fashion item that allows the wearer to make an individual fashion
statement. People are seeking the most cost effective approach
to acquire both high fashion frames, together with a comprehensive
eye examination.
- Innovative Funding Strategies. Concurrent with the tremendous
increase in demand for vision care coverage, there has been an
evolution of innovative funding strategies for the provision of
employee benefits. Section 125 Cafeteria Plans is designed to
offer an extensive array of benefits for employees to select from.
Employees can then make their own individual choices to meet the
needs of their families.
- A Feel Good Benefit. Vision care is a wellness benefit,
meaning one does not have to be sick to use it. Eye examinations
are painless and most people do not have any fears about visiting
an eye doctor. Vision is a health benefit that people actually
enjoy using.
As healthcare benefits become more intelligently managed, the
opportunity to enhance value is part of that process. Healthcare
purchasers realize that for a small percentage (1/2 to 1 1/2%) of
a typical healthcare dollar, a vision program can be provided. Options
such as voluntary, partial, and fully funded benefit designs enable
sponsors to accurately predict expenditures, while significantly
enhancing appreciation by beneficiaries. A vision care program affords
the ability to enhance morale and productivity by contributing to
overall health through eye examination and improved quality of life
through vision correction. It is a wellness benefit that pays for
itself in no time!
"Nothing
on this web site is intended, nor should it be construed, as professional advice.
Those reviewing the information should consult with a qualified professional."
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