The benefits of investing in vision insurance for your employees

How offering vision insurance can benefit an employee’s overall wellness and productivity
Author: Dr. Noah Eger
Offering your employees vision insurance is a simple but important way to show that you care about their overall health and well-being. In the United States, about 40 million people over age 40 are visually impaired.1 Providing vision benefits will allow your employees to receive the care they need at a cost that isn’t prohibitive. It might also improve the quality of their life and work. In addition, it will allow you to attract and retain top talent, and it may boost your bottom line.
Why now is the time to offer vision insurance as a benefit
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced millions of Americans to spend hours in front of digital devices, which can lead to a condition called digital eyestrain. Symptoms like blurred vision; headaches; burning, itching eyes; neck and back soreness; and light sensitivity can make taskwork and concentration challenging and contribute to productivity loss.1 Offering your employees vision benefits will allow them to receive routine care, enjoy clear vision, and have sustained productivity.
In addition to resolving employees’ eyestrain concerns, vision care providers can perform a dilated eye exam which can spot conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes.2 By offering vision care coverage, you will be providing a means for these conditions to be detected early, when they may be more treatable. You may also boost your organization’s bottom line, as studies have shown that employers who offered vision benefit plans for their employees had lower health care costs and turnover rates, among other benefits.3 This exemplifies how providing access to preventive care can lead to substantial savings for both employees (fewer out-of-pocket care costs) and employers (lower health care premiums and turnover and higher productivity).
Investing in your employees’ vision care will facilitate their overall good health and well-being. That’s a surefire way to keep them as productive members of your team!
UPMC Health Plan can help find a fit
UPMC Health Plan is known for offering high-quality benefit plans with robust provider networks and outstanding customer service. We are excited to continue that trend with UPMC Vision Care. We make it easy for you to help your employees see clearly. To learn more about our vision insurance benefits, employer group coverage, contact your producer or call 1-833-825-2696.
Sources
1Fast facts of common eye disorders. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Updated June 9, 2020. Retrieved Sept. 27, 2021. cdc.gov/visionhealth/basics/ced/fastfacts.htm
2Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, May 15). Why eye exams are important. May 15, 2024. Accessed April 3, 2026. cdc.gov/vision-health/about-eye-disorders/why-eye-exams-are-important.html
3Schaneman J, Kagey A, Soltesz S, Stone J. The role of comprehensive eye exams in the early detection of diabetes and other chronic diseases in an employed population. Popul Health Manag. 2010;13(4):195-199. doi:10.1089/pop.2009.0050