When it comes to benefits, vision plans are often an afterthought. Medical coverage takes center stage, while vision benefits typically get renewed every 4 years with little scrutiny. The selection process often comes down to a single number: the monthly premium.
But this shortcut overlooks a crucial truth. Employees don’t measure the value of their benefits by what comes out of their paycheck each month. They measure it when they pay for an eye exam, order new glasses, or replace their contact lenses. If out-of-pocket costs are high, even the cheapest premium can feel like a bad deal.
Why premiums don’t tell the whole story
Premiums only capture one part of the value equation. That leaves employees with sticker shock at the point of service—and makes them less likely to use their vision benefits at all.
That’s a problem, because utilization is where the return on investment really lives. Comprehensive eye exams don’t just catch vision problems; they can detect more than 270 health conditions, from diabetes to high blood pressure. Early detection leads to earlier treatment and improves health-related quality of life.1
The real ROI drivers
For members: A strong vision plan can reduce out-of-pocket costs, encourages preventive care,2 and creates an experience that employees actually want to use . Sometimes, a plan with a slightly higher monthly premium can deliver significantly greater value by eliminating exam copays, boosting allowances or offering stackable special offers and discounts.
For employers: Those enhancements aren’t just perks—they’re ROI drivers. Offering comprehensive vision benefits typically produces positive results for employer health strategies and improves the overall employee productivity.3 Vision care is simply good business.
What to look for
Evaluating vision benefits with ROI in mind means asking the questions a spreadsheet won’t answer:
- How many members use their in-network benefits?
- How broad and convenient is the provider network?
- Are digital tools and resources available to simplify the experience?
- How quickly and effectively does customer service resolve issues?
These are the factors that shape the day-to-day member experience and determine whether a plan is truly delivering on its promise.
The bottom line
Vision benefits may not get the same attention as medical coverage, but they shouldn’t be an afterthought. Plans that look identical on paper can produce very different outcomes in practice. By looking beyond premiums and focusing on member experience, organizations can unlock the true ROI of vision benefits—lowering out-of-pocket costs, improving satisfaction and ultimately creating healthier workplaces.
Want to learn more about EyeMed vision benefits or request a quote? Speak with your EyeMed rep. Or visit, eyemed.com.
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1 “Eye Exams Are Now Recommended Every Year–But Do You Really Need One?” Verywell Health; verywellhealth.com; March 29, 2023.
2 “See the full picture of your health with an annual eye exam”; American Optometric Association; aoa.org; Accessed October 2025.
3 “See the benefits: Why employers should offer vision benefits”; Corridor Business Journal; corridorbusiness; May 2023.
