Vision Care Direct Is a Smart Choice for Aging Eyes

Picture of a older man's eye
January 7, 2021
James Ashford

3 MIN. READ

As people get older, their eyesight often changes. What used to be easy to read up close now requires holding it at arms’ length in order to see it clearly. People who are already nearsighted get hit with a double whammy – they can’t see close up or far away.

As a broker, you can help your clients by knowing the lens options available for aging eyes, and informing your clients about the plan options that will help to defray the cost of lenses. Since most people will need some sort of eyewear as they age, it is important for you to help your clients understand the great cost savings available for glasses with Vision Care Direct plans.

Presbyopia: A technical name for a common problem

Presbyopia is the technical name for the problem that many older people know all too well – the loss of the ability to read things close up. It is a normal part of aging (it usually starts around 40) and is the result of the hardening of the eye’s lens. This hardening prevents the eye from flexing as well to focus on things close to the eye. For those who have normal vision, it is pretty easy to remedy this by buying an inexpensive pair of reading glasses, or “cheaters,” at the drug store. But what about your clients who are already nearsighted?

The dreaded bifocal (or trifocal)

Historically, nearsighted people who are beginning to experience symptoms of presbyopia have had to purchase bifocals or trifocals. These are the glasses that have definitive lines on the lenses. In the case of bifocals, the line separates the part of the lens that you would use to see things at a distance from the part that you would use to read things up close. In the case of trifocals, there is even another part of the lens for middle-distance use.

Bifocals and trifocals are somewhat unsightly and can change the appearance of the eye. Even worse, they can be difficult to learn how to use, as there is almost a “jump” from the distance vision to the closer vision part(s) of the eyeglasses. Fortunately, there is another option you can offer your clients.

A progressive solution

Progressive lenses are a vast improvement on bifocal and trifocal lenses. They have a gradual shift in terms of lens strength so there isn’t a “jump” in vision between the near and far vision parts of the lens. Cosmetically, they are more attractive, as there is no telltale line between the near and far vision parts of the lenses.

Plus, progressive lenses can work with smaller lenses than traditional bifocals or trifocals (thus giving the wearer more options in terms of frame choice as well). Because they work for both far and near vision, the wearer would also only need one pair of glasses, not one for distance and another for reading.

However, progressive lenses can be expensive, even with a vision plan. As a broker, you know that many vision care plans only pay a portion of the cost of these lenses, so many people cannot afford to buy them. However, you can inform your clients about vision plans that offer more comprehensive coverage for progressive lenses. This is where Vision Care Direct of Oklahoma can help.

Vision Care Direct offers a solution

Vision Care Direct isn’t an insurance company. We are a pre-paid vision care plan that supplies many people want most. Vision Care Direct is owned by doctors who know what most members need, and we aim to provide these services and supplies at a great price.

Routine eye exams are covered, and glasses come with unique offer For example, no-line progressive glasses, which can cost hundreds of dollars with or without vision coverage, may come at $20 with Vision Care Direct’s plans. Having this rich coverage can be very attractive to your clients, who want to offer their employees great coverage at a great cost.

Progressive lenses don’t have to be an unattainable option when your customers have Vision Care Direct. We can help your customers purchase premium lenses at an affordable price. To learn more about our offerings, contact us today.

Not sure where to get started with recommending self-funded plans? Vision Care Direct of Oklahoma is pre-paid plan provider with and extensive of specialists who deliver eye care in Tulsa and nationwide with excellent value for employers and plan recipients.

Find out more about our self-funded plans and other flexible options.

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