Technology Is Fundamentally Changing Vision Benefits

Innovation is accelerating change across healthcare. How is it changing employee expectations around vision care and vision benefits?

Technology is fundamentally reshaping how employees think about their health, and vision care sits at the center of that shift. Most employees spend their days bouncing between screens, staring at devices for hours, and increasingly trying out new wearables as they come along.

Employees want benefits that reflect modern reality. They’re looking for benefits that improve their quality of life and provide access to the latest advancements in eyewear and exams. With the rapid rise of smart glasses, they’re starting to see vision benefits as more than just vision correction, but as a gateway to new technology.

For employers, this creates a powerful opportunity. For brokers, it creates a clear point of differentiation. Brokers who lead this conversation position themselves not just as benefit sellers, but as advisors helping clients attract, retain, and empower today’s digitally driven employee.

Smart frames are a great example of how vision benefits are moving beyond just vision correction. What role can benefits play with these new technologies?

Smart frames are a clear sign that expectations are shifting. They’re starting to show up in everyday life— at work, in wellness routines, and in how people stay connected. As they become more common, it’s only natural for employees to look to their vision benefits to help make them affordable.

This new generation of frames also comes with a higher price tag than traditional eyewear. That’s where vision benefits can make a difference. When a vision plan helps offset the cost, it makes employees more comfortable trying new technology.

One new category of smart frames is hearing frames. Can you describe what they are and who they’re for?

Hearing frames are one of the most interesting developments in eyewear right now. About 15% of American adults have some level of hearing loss, but most never move forward with a traditional hearing aid. Cost, comfort, and stigma all play a role. The result is a large group of employees who need hearing assistance but aren’t getting it.

That’s where hearing frames come in. Products like Nuance Audio offer an FDA-approved option for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. The hearing technology lives in the frame itself, using discreet microphones and open ear speakers to amplify conversations and reduce background noise. People can hear more clearly without feeling like they’re wearing a medical device.

And for employees who already wear glasses, this can be a game changer. It’s a more natural, more comfortable way to get help, fitting seamlessly into everyday life. For brokers, it’s another example of how vision benefits are expanding beyond eyesight and becoming a more meaningful part of overall employee well-being.

How can vision benefits make advanced wearable technology accessible and affordable?

The simplest way to think about wearable technology is to handle it the same way vision benefits have handled new lens technology—by creating product tiers.

That’s the approach we’ve taken at EyeMed. This year, we introduced Sight and Sound benefits as part of our standard offering. For smart frames, members receive an extra $50 on top of their standard frame allowance— or $100 when they visit a PLUS Provider. For hearing frames, members get a dedicated allowance of $350 in-network, or $400 at PLUS Providers.

On top of that, members can still use EyeMed’s 20% discount on any remaining frame balance. When you add it all up, total savings can reach up to 77% on a pair of smart frames. For brokers and employers, it’s straightforward, easy to understand, and it makes emerging technology feel attainable.

Why must employers’ vision benefits keep pace with these wearable innovations?

They’re quickly becoming part of everyday life. Smart frames, hearing frames, and other wearables help employees move through their day more comfortably and with more confidence. When vision benefits keep pace with how people are using these technologies, it sends a clear message: this employer understands their employees and wants to help them do their best work.

There’s also a talent story here. Today’s workers notice when an employer invests in future-ready benefits. Offering plans that support wearables signals that the organization is progressive and committed to offering a best in class benefits packages. In a competitive job market, that kind of commitment can make a real difference.

What qualities should brokers prioritize when selecting a vision benefits partner?

Brokers should look for partners that stay ahead of the curve instead of scrambling to catch up. That means partners that have a clear view of where eyewear and vision care are headed. This includes designing benefits that make these wearable technologies easy for employees to use. Ultimately, staying current with innovation is about supporting employees where they are today and being ready for what comes next.