Vital Medical Data: Why Vision Care
Vision Care is one of the most desired specialty benefits. Surveys
in optical publications 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 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 $204.00 nationally. Factor in an 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 examination
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 5 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, an 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 lenses
have 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 a comprehensive eye examination together with
high fashion frames.
- 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. A Section 125 Cafeteria Plan is designed to
offer employees an extensive array of benefits from which to choose.
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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