VISION
NEW YEAR, NEW BENEFITS…
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STRATEGIES FOR EFFECTIVELY COMMUNICATING THE VALUE OF PREMIUM VISION PLANS TO EMPLOYEES
mployees recognize the value of vision benefits—and they want access to the best possible plans that cover both routine eye exams and the latest in eyewear fashion and technologies. Offering premium vision benefits is a great way for employers to boost satisfaction while standing out as a company that cares about its employees. In fact, the 2017 Transitions Optical Employee Perceptions of Vision Benefits survey (comprising 1,002 U.S. adults, ages 18+, employed full- or part-time, whose employers offer vision benefits) found that almost all employees (98 percent) believe that including vision coverage as part of an overall benefits package
10 | CALIFORNIA BROKER
reinforces that a company cares about its employees’ well-being. But while employees want access to premium vision benefits, research has also shown that many who do have access may not be taking full advantage of all they have to offer— putting them, and their employers, at risk for increased medical costs and decreased employee productivity. According to Transitions Optical research, while the vast majority (83 percent) of employees used their vision benefits to pay for all or part of an eye exam within the past year, this also means that nearly one in five did not—meaning they are not getting the routine eye care that they need.
- CalBrokerMag.com -
By LILY LAM
TAPPING INTO THE POWER OF VISION CARE Why aren’t some employees using their vision benefits? It could be because while virtually everyone wants access to premium vision care, many mistakenly believe that routine eye exams are only necessary for those who need corrective eyewear, such as eyeglasses or contact lenses. Quite the opposite is true. Comprehensive eye exams go far beyond identifying vision problems and correction needs—allowing eye doctors to look for early signs of eye diseases that can become an incredible cost burden and lead to vision loss if not detected early. For example, glau-
JANUARY 2018