Big Returns from an Unexpected Health Benefit
Amid rising healthcare costs, vision benefits offer value for both employers and employees.
From groceries to gas to a night at the movies, everything seems to cost more these days.
Unfortunately, that includes healthcare. Employer-sponsored health plan costs are projected to rise by an average of 6.5% in 2026, according to a Mercer survey last year, assuming implementation of additional cost-reduction provisions—or by an average of 9% if employers make no changes to their health plans. Many organizations are feeling the pressure to manage expenses without cutting valuable benefits.
One area that is delivering particularly meaningful value in this environment is vision coverage, according to Jason Rome, chief commercial officer at EyeMed Vision Care. “Vision benefits are a small investment that pays big dividends,” he says. “They support early detection of health issues, reduce long-term costs, and show employees that their well-being truly matters.”
Early Detection Provides Long-Term Savings
The value of routine eye exams is often underestimated, Rome explains. Though often believed to be just for providing a new prescription, eye exams also catch serious vision issues including glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration. Early detection can save the employee from needing more complex and costly treatments, while preserving their sight.
Early detection doesn’t stop with eye conditions. Ophthalmologists can identify signs of more than 270 health issues—from diabetes and hypertension to autoimmune diseases and even certain cancers. “We like to say the eye is a window to overall health,” Rome notes. “Catching these conditions early can make a significant difference in outcomes and cost.”
A Measurable Return on Investment
Offering vision benefits makes financial sense for both employees and employers. More than 80% of U.S. adults use some form of vision correction, according to The Vision Council’s Consumer inSights Q4 2025 survey. Vision insurance helps reduce out-of-pocket expenses on exams, glasses, and contact lenses. But the return extends further.
“For every dollar employers invest in vision benefits, they can see an ROI of up to $7,” Rome says. “That’s because healthier vision translates into lower medical claims, fewer sick days, and higher productivity.”
Supporting Productivity and Well-Being
Uncorrected vision problems can significantly impact workplace performance, Rome emphasizes. “Nearly eight in 10 employees report that vision issues affect their productivity,” he says. “By helping employees see clearly and feel better, vision benefits directly contribute to engagement and output.”
Easy access to in-network providers through a vision benefit makes employees more likely to stay on top of their eye health, according to Rome. That proactive care then helps head off much more costly complications later.
A Talent Advantage
Vision coverage has also become a differentiator in a competitive talent market. Offering vision benefits is a way for employers to signal they care not just about the work an employee does, but about the whole person.
As healthcare costs climb, Rome believes vision benefits will only grow in importance: “It’s one of those rare benefits that truly checks every box—affordable, preventive, and impactful.”
