Understanding employee needs is the first step to effective corporate eyecare. Picture two teams in the same office: one spends most of their day on laptops and video calls, the other moves around a shared workspace or interacts with clients frequently. Even in the same workplace, employees’ eye care requirements can differ significantly.
Nearly half of UK employees believe their job puts their eye health at risk. Ignoring these differences can lead to discomfort, mistakes, and loss of productivity.
A corporate eyecare plan that aligns with employees’ daily tasks ensures meaningful support while avoiding wasted resources. Office-based staff may benefit from regular eye exams or blue-light protection, while others may need prescription glasses for everyday wear. By offering targeted eyecare solutions, businesses can maintain comfort, boost efficiency, and demonstrate that they value employee wellbeing.
What to Look for in a Corporate Eyecare Plan
A strong corporate eyecare plan should cover three core areas:
- Regular Eye Examinations
Eye exams allow early detection of issues such as glaucoma, dry eye, or digital eye strain. Approximately 65% of office staff experience symptoms like dryness, headaches, or blurred vision due to prolonged screen use. Offering annual or biannual exams ensures employees remain comfortable and productive. - Eyewear Coverage
A plan should contribute towards prescription glasses, and, if needed, DSE or safety lenses. Flexible coverage ensures staff across different roles benefit equally. - Ease of Access
Even the most generous plan fails if it’s hard to use. Providers with online booking, wide network coverage, and simple claims processes see higher engagement. Survey data shows that employees value accessible benefits, without them, uptake can be limited.
Balancing Cost and Benefits
Some employers worry about the cost of corporate eyecare. However, investing in employee vision is an investment in productivity. British office workers lose around 40 minutes of productivity daily due to eye strain, and untreated eye issues can lead to longer-term absences.
Flexible plans allow companies to select which elements are fully covered and which are partial contributions, helping manage budgets while still supporting staff. According to a survey, 69% of employers believe eyecare delivers a good return on investment.
Communication Is Key
Even the best plan is ineffective if employees don’t understand it. Clear communication ensures uptake and engagement. Consider:
- Welcome packs outlining benefits
- Reminders for annual exams
- Simple instructions for claiming glasses or lenses
- Stories highlighting real employee benefits
This approach positions the company as genuinely supportive, encouraging staff to use the plan effectively.
The Broader Business Impact
Beyond individual wellbeing, corporate eyecare has financial and operational benefits. In 2022/23, 709 eye injuries were reported in UK workplaces, with 87% severe enough to cause over seven days off work. Workplace injuries and eye-related ill-health cost an estimated £20.7 billion annually.
Providing tailored eyecare reduces risk, protects employees, and supports smoother operations. It also enhances the company’s reputation as a responsible employer, aiding recruitment and retention.
Choosing the right corporate eyecare plan is about more than picking a package. It’s about understanding employee needs, providing meaningful coverage, and communicating it effectively.
A well-implemented plan protects vision, reduces discomfort, prevents injuries, and boosts productivity. By prioritising eyecare, companies show they value their employees, gain measurable ROI, and foster a healthier, happier workforce.
If you are looking for corporate eyecare, get in touch with our team today for more information.