The impact of the work from home era on vision care

In today’s work-from-home era, it feels like screens constantly surround us. For many, staring at a computer all day can end in headaches and fatigue. However, is it the employee’s responsibility to seek relief, or should the employer provide vision care? Despite being often overlooked in health care benefits, vision care is pivotal in identifying and addressing key medical issues early on. With the new year underway and January marking National Eye Care Month, now is the ideal time for benefits advisors to start conversations about ancillary products like vision. 

As a benefits broker, you possess valuable insights, trends, and solutions your clients may not know they need. These discussions can empower employers by providing a deeper understanding of their employees’ needs and expectations while identifying cost-effective solutions to meet those needs. Employers equipped to offer comprehensive benefits options are also better positioned to succeed in the talent market, making them more likely to turn to you year after year to keep their benefits offerings competitive.

The link between vision and general health

Vision care is often considered an “extra” when it comes to health care benefits; however, both employers and employees should view it as an essential part of their overall health. Costly medical issues, such as diabetes, hypertension and osteoporosis, can be identified through regular vision exams. Identifying and treating these medical issues early can help control long-term costs, making it less likely for an employee to need to take extended time off for invasive treatments and recovery.

Uncorrected vision problems in the workplace can also lead to safety hazards when operating machinery or driving. In children, untreated vision can have long-term consequences, impacting their ability to learn and develop. One way to reduce these issues is for employers to offer vision plans that motivate employees and their families to see vision care as a key part of their overall health and wellbeing. 

Digital eye strain in the work-from-home era 

The modern workplace relies heavily on screens, leading to eye discomfort and strain. In a recent Harris Poll study, half of the surveyed individuals reported an uptick in screen time over the past three years, largely attributed to the rise in remote work. On average, employees working from home spend 13 hours looking at screens daily. Additionally, nearly 20% more remote workers need to take breaks during the day to rest their eyes than their in-person counterparts. 

Studies show that increased screen usage and reduced breaks can have a negative effect on employees’ productivity due to eye problems. In a study evaluating the impact of remote work on employees’ eyesight, 88% of respondents went to the eye doctor in the last two years, and almost half reported worsening eyesight to the point of needing a new eyeglass prescription. While most remote workers recognize the importance of caring for their vision, many feel there’s room for more support from employers, especially considering the extended screen time during remote work.

There are also some simple practices remote employees can use to help care for their eyes during extended screen usage. Taking regular breaks when working on a computer or staring at screens up close, following the 20-20-20 rule, and limiting screen time by incorporating non-screen tasks into your schedule are effective strategies. Using blue-light-blocking glasses and activating night mode on devices can also contribute to eye health. Personally, I have had to add blue screen protection to all of my devices to avoid significant eye strain and watering. These straightforward practices collectively contribute to maintaining eye health in the digital age. 

Adapting vision care across generations

Perhaps fueled by their reputation for extensive screen time, Gen Z employees are more likely to enroll in a vision benefits plan than previous generations. As they become a substantial part of the workplace, adapting and tailoring vision benefit programs to their specific needs is essential. This generation looks for plans that include full coverage of yearly eye exams and premium lens options to address issues like light sensitivity and digital eye strain. 

According to Versant’s annual vision wellness study, nearly two-thirds of workers under 40 say they would be more likely to schedule a routine eye exam if they could do so virtually. Eye care needs vary across generations, but the convenience and cost-effectiveness of virtual exams can benefit individuals of all ages. The rise of telehealth during the pandemic forced many providers to adopt virtual consultations. In the first half of 2020, only 1% of all eye visits were virtual, but this number skyrocketed to almost 80% during the pandemic. According to the Review of Optometric Business, nearly three-quarters of all optometrists provided their first-ever telehealth visit in 2020. 

John Wiesler, Senior Vice President of Sales, joined BenefitMall in 2020, bringing with him more than 35 years of experience in sales and sales leadership roles. As the head of general agency sales, Wiesler is responsible for the sales strategy and growth of BenefitMall’s General Agency business.