Vision health is a valued yet often under-protected aspect of overall well-being. Nearly 8 in 10 US adults say they consider eye exams to be important, but only half have visited an eye doctor in the past year.1 Unfortunately, this can have a negative impact on the workforce via lost productivity and absences.

In 2023, unmanaged vision issues in the United States cost an estimated total of $151 billion between associated healthcare costs and lost productivity.²

Vision services are the second most common form of healthcare that adults avoid or delay due to cost, after dental services.3 However, only 52% of organizations offer vision benefits to their employees. When workers have access to vision care benefits, they are more likely to receive regular eye exams and corrective measures, as the insurance helps reduce the cost barrier — and they report better eye and overall health as a result. Providing comprehensive and accessible vision care options can play a significant role in supporting employee wellness and the overall productivity of the organization.

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Sources:

  1. Global Trends and Statistics in Eye Health Awareness and Education, Vision Center, 2024. 

  2. New report estimates $151 billion in health system, productivity costs due to unmanaged screen time in 2023, Optometry Times, 2024. 

  3. Health Insurance Facts And Statistics 2024, Forbes, 2024. 

Unless otherwise noted, all data is sourced from Guardian’s 13th Annual Workplace Benefits Study, 2024.

Material discussed is meant for general informational purposes only and is not to be construed as tax, legal, or investment advice. Although the information has been gathered from sources believed to be reliable, please note that individual situations can vary. Therefore, the information should be relied upon only when coordinated with individual professional advice. The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America (Guardian), New York, NY. Guardian, its subsidiaries, agents, and employees do not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. Consult your tax, legal, or accounting professional regarding your individual situation.