Table of Contents
Key Takeaways:
- Pre-paid vision care plans offer real savings. They cut out unnecessary middlemen and provide transparent, upfront pricing that’s often more cost-effective for employers and individuals.
- They improve employee well-being and productivity. Accessible eye care supports overall health, reduces absenteeism, and boosts job satisfaction.
- Brokers can lead smarter conversations. By shifting focus from just premiums to overall value, brokers can position pre-paid plans as a strategic, budget-friendly solution.
Vision Plan Brokers are often asked the same question: “How much is the premium?” It makes sense. People want to make sure that their purchases and needs match the budget they feel comfortable working with, and it is a good way for brokers to gauge interest. But the truth is that focusing only on the premium is a shortcut, leaving a lot of value on the table.
Most buyers—businesses or individuals—don’t have the whole picture.
And that’s where you come in. Your job isn’t just to sell a plan; it’s to guide people toward smart, long-term decisions about their eye health plan summary. That means helping them see past the monthly cost and understand what they buy.
What Drives the Cost of a Vision Plan?
Several things can influence how much a buyer pays:
The plan itself: Basic coverage versus comprehensive benefits. Network size. Extras like lens upgrades.
Copays and deductibles: Lower premiums often mean higher out-of-pocket costs.
The size and demographics of the workforce: A younger team might have different needs (and costs) compared to a team with more mature employees.
So, yes—premium matters. But it’s not the whole story. It’s your role to help buyers weigh what they’re getting in return.
A Different Approach: Pre-paid Vision Plans
One way to make that conversation easier? Introduce the concept of pre-paid vision plans.
Pre-paid plans turn the typical model upside down. Instead of navigating deductibles or filing claims, members pay upfront for a defined package of services. It’s more straightforward, more transparent, and often more affordable.
Employers love it because it helps them plan costs better. Individual buyers like it because it cuts down on surprise bills. Everyone knows what’s included.
This model shifts mindsets. Instead of thinking about coverage as a gamble (“Will I need this? Will I use it?”), people see it as a guaranteed health investment, which changes everything.
Where the Value Comes From
Let’s be honest—vision care doesn’t always feel essential. It often takes a backseat to medical or dental. But when access is easy, people use it. They go for checkups. They get the right lenses. They avoid more serious health problems down the line.
That’s value. And it shows up in a few ways:
Better health outcomes: Eye exams can catch more than just vision changes. Diabetes, high blood pressure, and other chronic issues often show up in the eyes first.
Workforce performance: Employees who can see are more comfortable and productive. Less strain, fewer headaches, more focus.
Reduced absenteeism: Preventative care means fewer days off for appointments or untreated vision issues.
Employee satisfaction: Good benefits matter—especially when they’re easy to use. A plan that works gets people talking.
Even if the monthly cost is slightly higher than a barebones plan, the return on that investment often outweighs the difference.
Transparency Makes a Difference
One of the major pain points with traditional plans is confusion. People don’t always know what’s covered and get hit with unexpected costs. They walk into the optometrist thinking they’re set and wonder why they paid $250 for glasses.
Pre-paid vision plans eliminate much of that friction. Pricing is upfront, and there are fewer gray areas. Members know what services they get and what they cost.
For brokers, this means fewer complaints and follow-up calls. For HR teams, it means a smoother onboarding process. For members, it means peace of mind.
Local Networks and Real Needs
Another overlooked benefit of pre-paid plans is how they’re built. Many are locally focused, partnering with optometrists in the area instead of nationwide retail chains. That means better access for employees, less travel time, and often a better standard of care.
These plans also cover the services people use. Instead of offering a long list of rarely needed add-ons, they focus on the basics: exams, lenses, frames, and contact lenses. It’s streamlined, practical, and easier to explain.
And that matters. Because if people don’t understand the benefits, they’re less likely to use it. And if they don’t use it, there’s no value.
What VCD Brings to the Table
For brokers, we offer vision plans with a 10% commission rate that doesn’t decrease based on volume. Plus, our No Cost Lead Program is here to help you grow fast, and with high-quality plans designed to help your clients save money, we’re confident you’ll achieve a great satisfaction rate.
Schedule a free consultation today to learn more about joining the VCD family as a broker.
How to Talk About Pre-Paid Vision Care Plans
This isn’t about reinventing the wheel. It’s about making a shift in how you frame the conversation. Instead of starting with a premium, begin with what the buyer wants to accomplish:
- Do they want to offer meaningful benefits without breaking the bank?
- Are they frustrated by how hard it is for employees to use their current vision health plan summary?
- Are they trying to support employee wellness tangibly?
That’s where pre-paid vision plans shine. They solve real problems and make the benefits feel real.
