Vision FAQ: Your guide to choosing the right plan for your business

a doctor holding eye chart
May 1, 2023
James Ashford

From monthly premiums to specific provider networks, shopping for a vision plan can seem intimidating. But it doesn’t have to be.

Choosing the vision care plan best suited for your workers involves a delicate balance of benefits and costs. Ultimately, though, a vision care plan should be chosen because it is comprehensive, rather than based solely on price.

But it’s also essential to consider the needs of your workers. Employees should not only be able to easily determine what benefits are available to them, but they should also be able to understand how to use those benefits to maintain good eye health and prevent ocular disease.

To help make the task less daunting, in this article, we’re looking at some of the most frequently asked questions related to choosing a vision plan for your workers.

Vision FAQs

When it comes to choosing a vision plan, some of the most common vision FAQs include ones that pertain to the following:

  • Plan Benefits
  • Plan Support
  • Plan Choices

To find the right plan for your business, let’s take a closer look at these areas.

Why Should I Offer Vision Plan Benefits?

It should come as no surprise that, particularly in a post-pandemic era of remote work with increased use of screens and devices, workers are interested in their vision health now more than ever.

Indeed, a recent research study revealed that 87% of the polled workers indicated a higher likelihood of remaining with an organization providing superior vision benefits, including premium frame and lens coverage, compared to one that did not offer such perks.

Employee retention is one significant benefit of having a vision plan for your workers.

Secondly, many employees benefit from the plan provisions. As per the National Eye Institute, approximately two-thirds of U.S. adults aged 18 and older state that they use eyeglasses, contact lenses, or a combination of both.

Vision care policies, which cover regular eye check-ups, prescription glasses, contact lenses, and other related healthcare services, provide significant savings for these employees. Specific vision plans also extend discounts for laser vision correction procedures like LASIK and PRK.

Finally, and most importantly, by taking advantage of routine eye exams, eye care providers can detect other medical conditions like diabetes and hypertension. So, even if prescription glasses and/or corrective lenses aren’t needed, having a vision plan is still a good idea.

One thing to keep in mind, though, is that vision plans are supplemental to health insurance. Therefore, most vision plans aren’t going to cover anything medical (i.e., dry eyes, glaucoma, macular degeneration). However, by having a vision plan and utilizing routine eye exams, an appropriate referral can be made if a medical condition is found.

Without a vision plan, not only could a person possibly stay undiagnosed, but they also wouldn’t have the information and resources needed to get to the doctor they need.

What Support is Available for Vision Plans?

Vision plans offer support in the form of customer service and educational resources. In addition, some vision plans offer employee assistance programs, which provide mental health services such as phone counseling.

When considering the support available from a vision plan, be sure to find a plan that offers reliable and efficient customer service while also providing you with resources and tools that promote vision health for your workers. Looking for one with local support can be a big plus.

How Do I Pick the Right Plan?

With so much to consider, you may be asking, “How do I choose the right vision plan for my business?” Some essential features to keep in mind when looking for a vision plan provider for employees include the provider network, coverages, and the required waiting period.

First, ensure the plan is offered in your area and check for provider participation. Then, be sure you’re getting coverage that matches the needs of your workers. Lastly, some plans have waiting periods, so it’s essential to find one that starts immediately if there are pressing needs.

To choose the right vision insurance plan for your business, thoroughly research the various available options. Be sure to consider how many employees you have and the benefits they need. You should also read the plan details carefully.

VCD and Vision FAQ

Doctors recommend having routine, plan-covered eye exams, even if you have perfect vision, as they can often diagnose other medical problems. Furthermore, suppose you have a family history of eye disease, such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, or a chronic illness. In that case, you may need to increase the frequency you follow up with your eye care professional.

At Vision Care Direct, we understand the importance of vision health. If you want more information on choosing a cost-effective, high-quality vision plan for your workers, contact us today!

50 Word email summary: Vision plans protect vision health. This article discusses some of the most common FAQs relating to workers’ vision plans, including questions about plan benefits, plan support, and plan choices.

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.

PROVIDE A VISION PLAN THAT OFFERS TRUE VALUE FOR YOUR EMPLOYEES IN OKLAHOMA

Enhance your employee’s benefit package by providing a vision plan that expands their benefits not their out-of-pocket expenses.

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