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Did you know that eyewear prescriptions are typically only good for a year or two? After that, the prescription can become outdated and fail to correct refractive errors and other vision problems.
Outdated eyewear prescriptions can lead to blurry vision, headaches, and digital eye strain, significantly impacting employee performance and increasing absenteeism.
For employers, facilitating access to regular eye exams and a new glasses prescription is not just about compliance—it’s about enhancing productivity, reducing errors, and ensuring a healthier, more satisfied workforce. Learn how proactive eye health management can save your company thousands and create a safer, more efficient workplace.
Can a New Glasses Prescription Enhance Work Performance?
What happens when an eyewear prescription no longer meets an employee’s needs? Symptoms like blurry vision and headaches are common. Focusing can also become difficult, and employees can become more sensitive to digital eye strain.
These symptoms affect productivity. Employees with outdated prescriptions are more likely to make mistakes. Over time, vision problems can lead to employees missing work days due to stress and fatigue.
With an average annual cost of $3,600 per employee, absenteeism can hurt your bottom line. However, employers who invest in benefits that support employee satisfaction often see increased attendance and better productivity.
The Importance of Eye Exams
Routine eye exams are the best way to keep up with new glasses prescriptions and other eye health needs.
An optometrist will monitor how refractive errors and other vision issues have progressed since the last exam. If needed, they will issue a new eyewear or contact prescription. It’s also an opportunity to report new symptoms and check for other potential health issues.
Moreover, employees can explore the latest eye health products such as blue light glasses, replace damaged lenses, and look into new ways of managing their eye health condition as new treatments become available.
Eye Safety in the Workplace and Risk Management
Better access to eye exams and updated prescriptions have several benefits for employers.
Better Health Outcomes
Wearing eyeglasses or contacts with the right strength is crucial for managing eye health. An outdated prescription can fail to correct vision problems and cause vision to decline.
Proactively managing eye health leads to better employee health outcomes and can prevent complications like partial vision loss.
Satisfaction and Productivity
Did you know that only 27% of private industry workers have access to vision benefits? Offering employee vision plans can highlight your desirability as an employer, improve employee satisfaction, and reduce turnover.
Supporting eye health with regular exams and new prescriptions also ensures employees can focus on their jobs without distraction from headaches or blurry vision.
Workplace Hazards
Poor vision makes employees more likely to cause accidents or overlook hazards. Since worker’s comp claims can cost over $40,000 on average, being proactive about reducing workplace hazards is a sound financial decision and creates a better work environment.
Compliance and Liability
Does your industry have OSHA safety eyewear requirements? If it does, your employees should wear protective eyewear over their prescription lenses or have access to safety glasses with prescription lenses.
These employees need to update their prescriptions once a year for safety reasons. Besides, an optometrist can ensure that prescription safety glasses meet the latest compliance requirements.
Update Vision Benefits for Productivity and Workplace Safety
An annual eye exam and new glasses prescriptions support eye health management, reduce fatigue, and can prevent workplace accidents. These benefits also improve employee satisfaction and contribute to a workplace where people feel valued.
If your employees don’t have access to this benefit, it’s time to offer a vision care plan that puts patients first.
Vision Care Direct of Oklahoma can help you create a competitive benefits package with affordable group vision plans. Learn more about our locally-owned and operated benefits solution.
Summary
Eye care needs can change over time. For employees, getting an updated eyewear prescription has several benefits, from improved productivity to reduced workplace risks. Learn more about the importance of vision benefits and regular eye exams.
