The events of 2020 catalyzed a digital shift for employers unlike any we've seen before. Businesses had to adapt quickly to maintain company-wide productivity as local government COVID-19 mandates redefined the workplace, which had non-essential workers tackling their jobs from home for months on end. Zoom meetings and at-home offices replaced daily commutes and in-person huddles. Many workers found ways to adapt to, or cope with, this changing environment. However, an "always-on" sense emerged, resulting in a boost in screen time with no more train rides, coffee runs or casual conversations to pull employees away from their computers.

As a result, adults are now spending over 13 hours per day in front of screens, which has led to digital eye strain that has negatively impacted productivity, disrupted sleep, and decreased overall wellness. In addition, COVID-19 has caused many employees to delay annual eye exams, leading to the emergence of other vision challenges.

The shift to a remote working environment has changed the way workers view their vision health, with many now seeing its importance as part of their overall wellness. Additionally, two major trends developed in 2020 that are likely to shape the vision benefits landscape well into 2021; employers must take note of the following trends and expectations to ensure they are prepared to meet an emerging demand for better vision solutions and benefits from their employees – whether the work continues from home or back in the office.