The vast majority of employees (88 percent) think choice between levels of coverage is important when selecting a vision plan, and more than half say it’s very important, according to results from the 2015 annual Employee Perceptions of Vision Benefits survey, supported by Transitions Optical, Inc.
The survey revealed that employees were particularly interested in having access to lens options that offer more protection for their eyes from light and glare.
Almost half (48 percent) of survey respondents said they want more protection from harsh artificial light and glare from devices indoors, and 70 percent want more protection from sunlight and ultraviolet light outdoors. Unfortunately, most employees do not have access to coverage of or discounts on lens options that offer this type of protection through their vision plans.
“Vision benefits remain a popular election among employees, with eight in 10 who are offered the benefit, enrolling,” said Jonathan Ormsby, strategic account manager, Transitions Optical.
“However, the research suggests that employers could improve the appeal of their vision benefit offerings by providing the option of a higher tier of vision coverage with discounted access to premium lens options.”
Currently, only 37 percent of employees report that their vision plans offer discounts on or coverage of anti-reflective treatments, and only 31 percent report the same for photochromic lenses (like Transitions lenses), which automatically adjust from clear indoors to sunglass dark outdoors.
“Providing the option for employees to have access to higher-performing lens options has dual advantages for employers,” said Ormsby. “It can increase satisfaction with the benefit package, and also help employees see better on the job, which can have positive implications for employee productivity.”
Research from Transitions Optical released earlier this year showed that 9 out of ten employees say that the quality of their work has been negatively impacted by problems with their vision – and half admit that this is a regular occurrence.
To educate and help elevate the importance of eye exams and quality eyewear available through a vision benefit, Transitions Optical offers a variety of employee and employer focused materials. These can be accessed free of charge through the Transitions Healthy Sight Working for You public education program.