Vision Benefits

Don't Overlook Vision Care When Evaluating Benefit Options

by Andre Turnage
Seeing clearly is important in more ways than one. Good vision is vital to daily living. It can also contribute to effectiveness at work. A 2007 report by the Vision Council of America (VCA) reveals that vision problems cost U.S. businesses $8 billion each year in lost productivity. In fact, having vision problems is the third leading chronic condition inhibiting productivity, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. A 2004 study in the Journal of the American -Medical Association estimates that 11 million Americans have uncorrected vision problems ranging from refractive errors, such as near-sightedness and far-sightedness, to sight-threatening diseases.
The following are some of the most common vision problems:
• Refractive errors, which are the result of an abnormally shaped eye, are the cause of many common vision problems. Eyeglasses or contact lenses can correct most refractive errors to provide sharper vision.
• Diabetic retinopathy occurs when diabetes weakens or causes changes to the blood vessels in the retina.
• Aging is the primary cause of macular degeneration, which can lead to decreased vision or blindness.
• Glaucoma, which damages the optic nerve, can lead to vision loss if left untreated.
• Cataract is a clouding of the eye’s lens.
More than 60% of chief financial officers see a strong link between health, productivity, and the bottom line, according to a 2006 survey by the Integrated Benefits Institute. This finding gives brokers good cause to demonstrate the value vision care for employers and employees. After all, potentially 11 million employees go to work every day with vision problems.
Addressing a Clear Need

Employers are always looking for ways to add value to the employee benefits package in today’s competitive market. Vision coverage is just one example of a valuable ancillary benefit that brokers can encourage employers to consider. The 2006 Jobson U.S. Optical Retailer Report estimates that 67% of all U.S. adults use some type of vision correction. This statistic reveals a clear need for vision care and coverage from an employee perspective, but the return on investment may be even more compelling for the employer. The VCA’s 2007 Vision in Business report reveals that employers gain as much as $7 for every $1 spent on vision coverage.
There are several options to consider when talking with employers about vision plans. Vision plans can be offered on a standalone basis; they can be integrated with an existing medical or dental benefits package; or they can be offered on a voluntary basis. Pure voluntary vision plans account for 49% of all vision plans through employers, according to a 2007 study by Hay Group. Employers can choose from plans that range from exam-only to comprehensive plans that cover exams, lenses, and frames.
Employers that integrate their vision offering with medical coverage get one monthly bill for medical and vision costs. More importantly, employees benefit from the continuity of care from routine services to medical eye care services.
Brokers should encourage employers to consider carriers that offer online access to vital information for administrative ease. Some carriers offer online access to the following:
• Plan benefits
• Claims history
• Claim forms
• Provider directories with maps and driving directions
Low Cost, Big Return

There are several advantages to providing coverage for regular eye exams. Regular exams can detect common vision disorders. Eye care professionals can also help identify other serious medical conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, and serious vision problems, many of which have no warning signs, according to the Vision Council. Detecting these conditions early allows treatment to begin sooner, which curbs the progression of the condition and can help mitigate associated costs down the line. For example, diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of vision loss and blindness among working-age Americans. The annual cost of blindness related to this disease is about $500 million. Fortunately, this disease can be detected through regular eye exams.
Moreover, the VCA report reveals that direct medical costs associated with vision disorders exceed similar expenditures for breast cancer, lung cancer, and HIV. Even so, few Americans get regular eye exams or have vision coverage through their health plans.

Keep an Eye Out

Brokers and consultants play a vital role in helping employers offer comprehensive benefits to employees. Being attentive to industry trends and offering employers ways to respond to these trends will put you ahead of the curve. Vision coverage is a benefit that is often overlooked, but is in high demand. More importantly, it’s a low-cost option that proves beneficial for employees’ health and for the employer’s bottom line. q
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Andre Turnage is a sales manager for CIGNA Dental & Vision of California Inc. He is located in San Francisco, Calif. and can be reached at andre.turnage@cigna.com or 415-374-2584.