Vision Benefits Have Become a Preventive Health Strategy

TRANSITIONS

By Natasha D’sa

When employers think about preventive healthcare, vision care is often left out of the conversation. That is a missed opportunity. Eye exams can provide insights into overall health, help identify signs of chronic disease, and support employee well-being. As organizations look for effective ways to manage rising healthcare costs and support their workforce, vision benefits are becoming an increasingly important part of a comprehensive health strategy.

For brokers, that creates an opportunity to position vision benefits as more than an ancillary offering, but as a tool for prevention, workforce wellness, and employee engagement.

Looking Beyond Vision Correction

One of the most compelling aspects of vision care is its connection to overall health. Unlike other healthcare appointments, a comprehensive eye exam gives eye care professionals a direct view of blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. As a result, routine eye exams can help identify early signs of serious health conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

That preventive value becomes even more important when considering current healthcare trends. According to research highlighted in EyeMed’s recent Focused on Overall Health white paper, 90% of Americans have delayed important health screenings or checkups, and one in five does not have a regular primary care provider. For many individuals, an annual eye exam may be their most consistent healthcare touchpoint.

Employees also recognize this value. According to the 2025 Transitions Workplace Wellness Survey, 67% of employees cite early identification of eye diseases as a reason to get an annual eye exam, while 42% understand that eye exams can help identify broader health concerns such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or even brain tumors.

The challenge is that many employees still are not prioritizing eye care. In fact, 60% say they are more likely to take time off work for a dental appointment than to visit an eye doctor.

Vision Health is Affecting Workplace Performance

Employees are facing growing vision-related challenges in today’s digital work environment. More than half of employees spend over six hours each workday looking at screens.

The effects are widespread. Ninety-two percent of employees report experiencing symptoms such as light sensitivity, tired or dry eyes, headaches, or blurry vision by the end of the workday.

These issues persist when employees push through them. The 2025 Transitions Workplace Wellness Survey also found that 71% of employees say eye fatigue or light sensitivity prevents them from performing their best at work. Nearly half report struggling to focus, while 42% say vision-related issues make them feel less productive.

The business impact extends beyond day-to-day productivity. U.S. employers pay an estimated $226 billion annually in absenteeism costs, driven by chronic health conditions that may be mitigated through preventive care. By treating vision care as part of a broader preventive health strategy, employers can help identify potential health concerns earlier while supporting employees’ long-term well-being.

Vision benefits can also help employees address common workplace challenges related to light sensitivity. For example, premium options such as Transitions® GEN S™ lenses, available through EyeMed vision benefits plans, automatically adapt to changing light, darkening when outdoors and returning to clear when indoors, offering ultimate light protection by blocking 100% UVA and UVB rays and filtering blue-violet light indoors and outdoors. (Block 100% UVA & UVB rays, darken outdoors & filters up to 32% of blue-violet light indoors & up to 85% outdoors. Blue-violet light is measured between 400nm and 455 nm (ISOTR20772:2018) across colors on polycarbonate & CR39 lenses).

Perhaps most concerning, 70% of employees say they simply tell themselves that light sensitivity and eye fatigue are “part of the job.” That mindset creates an opportunity for employers to help normalize proactive vision care and make eye health a more visible part of workplace wellness efforts.

Employees Want More Support Than They Are Receiving

Despite the prevalence of vision-related concerns, eye health remains a relatively overlooked topic in many organizations. Only 34% of employees report that eye health is discussed regularly in their workplace. Yet employees are asking for more support.

More than half say they would value educational resources about digital eye strain and prevention, while an equal percentage would appreciate reminders to step away from screens throughout the day. (2025 Transitions Workplace Wellness Survey)

These findings suggest employees want more than coverage. They want education, awareness, and support in navigating their eye health.

An Opportunity for Brokers to Lead

For brokers, the implications are clear. As employers continue to invest in preventive health and employee well-being, vision benefits can serve as a powerful but often underutilized resource. Beyond evaluating plan design, brokers can help clients drive greater value from their vision benefits by promoting regular eye exams, improving employee education, and integrating eye health into broader wellness initiatives. Doing so can help employers address a range of priorities, from early detection of chronic disease to workforce productivity and engagement.

The conversation about vision care is evolving. It is no longer just about seeing better. It is about helping employees stay healthier, identifying potential health issues earlier, and supporting better performance both inside and outside the workplace.

For brokers looking to bring additional value to their clients, that makes vision care an opportunity worth keeping in focus.