Years ago, while navigating Chicago’s tense downtown rush-hour traffic, I noticed that a blurry spot in the vision in my left eye had worsened into a smear-like stain. What had been a minor inconvenience now made reading road signs dangerously difficult. It’s easy to take clear vision for granted—until it interferes with daily life. Fortunately, I made it to my destination, and I quickly scheduled an appointment with my optometrist.

New diagnostic tools and interventions to treat eye conditions and complications of chronic disease offer the possibility that early detection and treatment for vision issues will provide healthier outcomes. Experts point to vision care benefits as an investment that can have significant returns for employees and employers.

The Benefits of Vision Care

Dr. Martin Spiro, president of the Canadian Association of Optometrists, highlighted in a recent Benefits and Pensions Monitor op-ed the crucial role optometrists play in preventive health care. “Up to 25% of diabetes cases can first be detected by optometrists in a comprehensive eye examination.” He noted that manifestations of several diseases, including some cancers, are also detected by optometrists during comprehensive eye examinations. “This makes the comprehensive eye examination one of the most effective preventative tools for keeping the workforce healthy.”

Generally, vision plans may include:

• Routine eye exams
• Prescription eyeglasses/sunglasses
• Contact lenses
• Laser eye surgery
• Visual aids.

Improved Productivity

In a workplace where staring at digital screens and scrutinizing details fill our days, good vision is vital to productivity and quality of life. From social activities and hobbies to reading recipes, medication labels, cleaning products or road signs, clear vision helps us stay focused and efficient in our daily tasks.

Research at the University of Texas at Austin highlights that the connection between vision and productivity goes beyond clarity to encompass visual comfort, task efficiency and job satisfaction. A vision-friendly workplace, achieved through offering regular eye exams, optimal lighting and healthy habits, can boost productivity and well-being. For employees who spend long hours on digital devices, corrective eyewear like blue-light-blocking lenses helps reduce eye strain, minimizing mistakes and improving job performance.

Good vision also boosts mood and motivation, alleviating frustration and fostering positivity. Conversely, visual strain from prolonged screen use can impair focus and performance. Addressing these issues improves efficiency, accuracy and overall workplace satisfaction.

Reduced Health Care Costs

Investing in employee vision care can also reduce health care costs. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, of the 93 million U.S. adults at high risk for vision loss, only half visit an eye doctor annually—often due to cost barriers. Meanwhile, the Canadian Council of the Blind estimates that vision loss–related productivity costs amount to $4.3 billion, including reduced workforce participation, reduced productivity at work, additional time off work, loss of future earnings due to premature mortality and loss of caregivers’ income.

These factors make a strong business case for plan sponsors to review their vision care benefits and consider adopting plan designs that reflect what modern standards of practice have to offer their members.

For example, the Canadian Association of Optometrists (CAO) recommended a vision care benefits plan that encourages members to do the following:

• Complete comprehensive routine eye examinations at the frequency consistent with CAO recommendations for their age and risk factors in provinces without public coverage (this means both allowing exams at the appropriate frequencies and funding exams at the reasonable and customary fee levels in each province to eliminate or substantially reduce out-of-pocket costs for plan members)
• Access additional diagnostics and interventions at reasonable and customary amounts at least every 24 months.

The CAO also recommends plan sponsors to perform the following:

• Modify plans to include coverage for additional exam, diagnostics, interventions and vision care benefits for frames and lenses within 24 months when medically indicated based on clearly identifiable criteria
• Provide frames and lenses benefits while considering implementing coinsurance so that members pay a portion of the cost from the first dollar. In this way, those who need the benefit the most receive a higher overall percentage or reimbursement.¹

In my case, having access to modern diagnostics and imaging procedures, along with regular comprehensive exams, helped ensure my vision issue was caught early and managed effectively. Employers and plan sponsors that prioritize implementing and promoting good eye health can create healthier outcomes for their beneficiaries and contribute to a more productive and engaged workforce.

1. The Canadian Association of Optometrists. Don’t Lose Sight: Vision Care Benefits in Canada & The Case For Reform. ↩︎