As a small business owner, you understand how important comprehensive health care coverage can be towards fostering a work environment that gives employees a sense of physical, mental and financial security. Vision care, an integral part of that comprehensive coverage that is often overlooked, should be top of mind for employers looking to round out their benefits package and give their employees further peace of mind.
Vision insurance helps safeguard sight in the face of age-related visual deterioration or other unexpected conditions. Together with health, dental, disability and life coverage, vision insurance can give your employees the holistic, all-encompassing coverage that keeps their well-being top of mind no matter what comes their way.
Vision insurance covers any eye care services that are not already a part of your health insurance plan. Services provided as part of vision insurance include:
Visual impairments are a common condition that the National Eye Institute expects us to see more of in the near future, with impairments and blindness expected to double by 2050 
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As such, it’s important for your employees to have the tools to proactively protect their vision and seek treatment with ease. Conditions such as age-related macular degeneration or cataracts can be caught early through regular checkups and exams, providing the chance to treat these conditions before they get worse and help proactively maintain visual acuity.
As we’ve previously discussed, insurance can provide small business employees with a sense of financial security and promote wellness inside and out of the workplace. Vision care insurance extends that security.
Before committing to a specific vision care plan, consider the following factors and determine how they may impact your small business:
How does vision insurance differ from standard health insurance coverage?
Vision insurance is considered a supplemental policy and is separate from health insurance. Standard health insurance does not include coverage for eye exams, eyeglasses, contact lenses and other vision-related products or services.
Is vision insurance mandatory for small businesses to offer?
No, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) does not make adult vision insurance mandatory for small businesses in the U.S.; however, vision care coverage is mandatory for child dependents.
What are the costs associated with offering vision insurance?
For small business owners, the costs associated with a chosen plan will depend on the policy they select. For employees, costs will include premiums, copays and deductibles similar to what you would see in any other type of insurance plan.
Are there any limitations or exclusions in most vision insurance plans?
Certain plans may or may not cover services such as insurance for glasses or contact lenses, low vision aids or laser vision correction, among others.
Vision insurance coverage is a vital part of equipping your small business employees with the resources to stay happy and healthy. By covering the costs of services that ensure your employees can maintain their vision and proactively treat any related conditions, vision coverage gives your small business yet another way to stand out among a crowded field of competitors. That may make your company more enticing to prospective employees and more holistic in its approach to employee care.
To start looking for the right vision insurance for your small business, visit our vision coverage page or contact your sales representative to learn more.
