Technology is reshaping nearly every part of the employee experience, including how people think about vision care. As today’s workforce becomes increasingly digital and wearable technology becomes more mainstream, employees are beginning to expect their benefits to evolve alongside the tools they use every day.
It may be surprising to learn how quickly this shift is occurring. The wearable technology market is projected to grow from $61 billion in 2022 to $231 billion by 20321, signaling a major change in how consumers interact with this technology.
From smart glasses to hearing assistive eyewear, innovation is expanding the role vision benefits can play in supporting employee wellbeing and productivity. For employers, keeping pace with these advancements may become an increasingly important part of building a future-ready benefits strategy.
Technology is changing expectations of vision benefits
As wearable technology continues to grow in popularity and functionality, employees are looking for vision benefits that not only support vision correction but also make smart frames more accessible. This represents a broader change in how benefits are perceived. Vision benefits are no longer just about annual exams and prescription updates; they’re becoming part of how employees access technology.
Smart frames are becoming more mainstream
With AI glasses shipments expected to exceed 10 million units as adoption continues to accelerate, products like Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses are helping redefine what glasses can do, integrating hands-free communication and AI functionality directly into stylish frames.2
At the same time, new categories like hearing assistive glasses are expanding accessibility options for employees. The FDA recently approved Nuance Audio hearing assistive glasses for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss. The technology is built directly into the frame, using discreet microphones and open-ear speakers to amplify conversations and reduce background noise.
According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, approximately 15% of American adults report some trouble hearing.3 Yet many people avoid traditional hearing aids due to factors like cost, discomfort or stigma. Hearing assistive glasses can offer a more natural and approachable solution for employees already accustomed to wearing eyewear.
As these technologies become more visible in everyday life, employees will increasingly expect their benefits to help support access to them.
Vision benefits can help remove barriers to adoption
While smart glasses offer exciting possibilities, technology-enabled frames often come with higher price tags than traditional eyewear. This can create affordability barriers for employees interested in exploring new technology.
Vision benefits can play an important role in helping make these products more accessible. Similar to how lens tiers evolved to support premium lens enhancements, benefits need to expand to accommodate emerging wearable categories.
EyeMed recently introduced Sight and Sound™ frame tiers to help support smart frames and hearing frames with increased allowances. With additional value from an EyeMed plan, savings on eligible smart glasses can reach up to 77%.4
For employees, that kind of support can make innovative technology feel more attainable. For employers, it demonstrates an understanding of how workforce needs and expectations are evolving.
Future-ready benefits can help employers stand out
While organizations compete for talent, benefits continue to play a major role in how employees evaluate employers. Younger and tech-forward workers in particular, notice when companies invest in modern, experience-driven benefits.
Offering vision benefits that support wearable technology demonstrates employers understand how people live and work today. Ultimately, modern vision benefits are no longer just about helping employees see clearly. They’re becoming part of how employees connect, communicate and experience life. Employers who adapt to these changes can be better positioned to support employees in a workplace that continues to become more connected and technology driven.
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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- Pangarkar.; T "Wearable Technology Statistics"; Market.us Scoop; scoop.market.us; March 6, 2024.
- “AI Glasses Market Poised to Hit 10 Million Units in 2026”; Omdia; omdia.tech.informa.com; September 16, 2025.
- “Quick Statistics about Hearing, Balance, & Dizziness”; National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders; nidcd.nih.gov; September 20, 2024.
- Based on sample transaction with single vision lens base plus polycarbonate add-on.
