Why vision coverage is important even when you have good eyesight
The need for vision care is probably more common than you think. Across the U.S., 75% of adults need some form of vision correction.1 An estimated 1 in 4 school-aged children has an undetected and untreated vision disorder that can interfere with their ability to develop properly and perform well in school.
For those that need vision correction, the importance of having dependable coverage is pretty clear. But what about those who have strong eyesight? Your vision still needs care.
Frequent use of devices, like phones, tablets, computers and TVs, may take a toll on our vision health. Over 80% of adults and 70% of children in the U.S. use digital devices for more than two hours per day. And nearly 60% of U.S. adults report digital eye strain symptoms such as headaches, eye strain, blurred vision and dry eyes.3
Vision care exams
Vision care is about more than just your vision. Did you know that vision care exams can diagnose at least 25 health conditions? That includes some that you might not think of as ‘eye conditions,’ like diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease.
That’s why routine, comprehensive vision care exams are so important, regardless of your eyesight. It’s generally recommended you get one annually, but everyone’s health is different. Talk to your vision care provider about a schedule that makes sense for you.
As a plan that’s part of the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP), Blue Cross Blue Shield FEP Vision is trusted by federal employees, federal retirees and their families for quality coverage.
Benefits that help you save
With BCBS FEP Vision, vision care exams are covered in full for all members when visiting in-network providers.
Plus, members enjoy access to a network with over 125,000 independent providers and national retailers, including Walmart, America’s Best, Warby Parker, LensCrafters, Visionworks, MyEyeDr. and more. If you prefer to shop online, you can use your benefits at online retailers too, including 1800contacts.com, warbyparker.com, visionworks.com, glasses.com and befitting.com.
BCBS FEP Vision can help you get the look you want for less. Members can access an extensive, fully-covered Exclusive Collection of frames, each valued up to $195. If you want frames that are not part of the Exclusive Collection, we offer a frame allowance to use at independent providers and national retailers.
We’re here to help
Now is the time to think about your vision coverage—Open Season ends at midnight, December 12, ET.
Keep in mind that if you already have BCBS FEP Vision and you’re happy with your coverage, you don’t need to do anything. Your coverage will automatically roll over to next year.
If you do need to update your coverage, consider your vision needs for the future, including those of your family and any dependents. If you’re not sure which plan you and your family need, check out our AskBlue℠ BCBS FEP Vision Plan Finder. Just answer some simple questions and it can recommend the right plan for you. Plans start as low as $12 a month.
See what BCBS FEP Vision can do for your eyes at bcbsfepvision.com.
Source: The Vision Council. (2021). Organizational Overview. https://thevisioncouncil.org/sites/default/files/assets/media/TVC_OrgOverview_sheet_2021.pdf
National Center for Children’s Vision and Eye Health, Retrieved August 2022
Source: The Vision Council. (2019). The Vision Council Shines Light on Protecting Sight – And Health – In A Multi-screen ERA. https://thevisioncouncil.org/blog/vision-council-shines-light-protecting-sight-and-health-multi-screen-era#:~:text=Americans%20are%20spending%20more%20time,two%20or%20more%20devices%20simultaneously.