Vision trends make it clear: vision benefits are a must-have
For more detailed information and statistics about recent vision trends and benefits, click the link at the end of this article to read our whitepaper.
Not long ago, vision care was an optional nice-to-have for companies and job seekers. But recent trends in health and vision all point the same way: vision benefits have too much value and are too in-demand to ignore.6 With factors like an aging workforce and increasing screen time, companies who don’t offer vision benefits to employees risk losing out on a competitive advantage.6
People are aging—and so are their eyes
As people get older, the need for eye exams, eye care and eyeglasses increases dramatically. And since the number of Americans in the workforce over age 40 is on the rise, the need for vision care is rising, too.5
As eyes age, they lose flexibility, have more trouble focusing and develop more vision-altering diseases or conditions.1 Age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, presbyopia (difficulty seeing up close) become more of a risk the older we get.
But older Americans aren’t the only ones at risk for eye issues.
Screen time is on the rise
Digital devices are capturing more of our attention than ever. The COVID-19 pandemic has only increased screen time among both children and adults. One study found that when the coronavirus lockdowns started in March 2020, screen time was up 50%.2 Nearly a year later, that percentage hasn’t budged. With many jobs requiring extended time in front of a screen, it’s a no-brainer for companies to offer vision care.
Whether or not their vision is worsening, access to vision care can impact much more than employees’ eyes.
Vision health is linked to overall health and productivity
Employers are discovering that vision care can make a real difference to their employees’ overall health—and health care expenses. How? Comprehensive eye exams can help spot early signs of chronic conditions like hypertension, heart disease, diabetes and high cholesterol.3 Even minor vision problems can decrease productivity by as much as 20% — the equivalent of a full day’s work each week.4
Seeing an opportunity
While 83% of large companies already offer much-needed vision benefits, 56% of small companies still don’t.5 With so much value for their employees and their bottom line, there’s never been a better time for companies to start offering vision care.
For more information and statistics on vision trends affecting the workforce, download our whitepaper:
Whitepaper for Employers and Brokers
Whitepaper for Health and Ancillary Partners
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1 - Kentucky Eye Institute, “Eyesight Getting Worse? How Vision Changes as We Age,” August, 2019.
2 - Axios, "Kids' screen time up 50% during pandemic," January, 2021.
3 - MedCity News, “Comprehensive Managed Vision Care is More Than Mere ‘Medical Management’," September 2019.
4 - All About Vision, “Worker Productivity and Computer Vision Syndrome," March, 2021.
5 - Kaiser Family Foundation, "2019 Employer Health Benefits Survey,” September, 2019.
6 - Review of Optometric Business, "How Many U.S. Adults Have Vision Insurance or Managed Vision Care?" July, 2020.
