This article appeared in the May/Jun 2024 issue of MiMfg Magazine. Read the full issue and find past issues online.

Seventy-nine percent of adults in the U.S. depend on vision-correcting lenses to see clearly.1 For the vast majority of the country, prescription glasses and contacts are not only essential elements of daily life — they also keep vision sharp on the job.

But the costs of these corrective lenses and annual appointments can add up, especially for families. As a result, some employees may not seek out the vision care they need.

Manufacturers can ensure their employees have access to the essential vision services necessary to thrive at home and on the job — while providing a much sought-after benefit2 — by offering vision insurance.

What is Vision Insurance?

A vision insurance plan makes annual eye exams and prescription eyewear, such as contacts and glasses, more affordable than you may think for your employees and their families.

Vision insurance works similarly to other types of insurance: your company pays a monthly premium to the insurance provider in exchange for coverage. Monthly premiums can vary, but the cost per employee is typically less than the average price of a regular cappuccino.3

What Does Vision Insurance Cover?

Most vision insurance plans cover annual eye exams and reduce the costs4 of prescription glasses and contacts. Depending on your plan, employees may pay a copay for certain services but this amount will typically be far less than the cost of an out-of-pocket service. Some plans offer additional discounts on services like scratch-resistant and anti-reflective lens coatings5 and even laser corrective surgery.6

Most plans will not cover treatments for certain eye diseases, like glaucoma, that are considered medical issues — these are under the jurisdiction of your employee’s medical insurance plan.

Why Invest in Vision Insurance?

Offering vision insurance is a simple way to improve the overall health of your business and boost employee satisfaction.

For one thing, it can help your employees make important health decisions. Regular eye exams not only detect vision changes — they can also help detect conditions like glaucoma, heart disease and diabetes.7 Detecting these health conditions early can help employees avoid serious side effects, missed work days and more costly treatments later.

Vision insurance can also help your business attract and retain high-quality talent. According to MetLife’s 2023 Annual Employee Benefits Trends Study, 93 percent of employees want vision insurance. Including vision insurance in your benefits package makes your company more attractive to current and potential employees.

MMA members can offer vision insurance to their employees through our 28-year partnership with MetLife. Choose between two robust plan options that give your employees access to a strong vision provider network with over 90,000 access points, including both private practice and retail center locations. No ID cards or in-network claim forms are needed to access benefits.

See MMA Employee Benefits or contact MMA’s Brenda Nalett, at 517-487-8512 or nalett@mimfg.org, to learn more.

Benefits are underwritten by Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, New York, NY (MetLife). Certain claim and network administration services are provided through Vision Service Plan, Rancho Cordova, CA (VSP). VSP is not affiliated with MetLife or its affiliates. Like most group benefit programs, benefit programs offered by MetLife and its affiliates contain certain exclusions, exceptions, reductions, limitations, waiting periods, and terms for keeping them in force. Please contact MetLife or your plan administrator for costs and complete details.

1. The Consumer inSights Q1 2022 Report, The Visions Council. Accessed 2/2/24.
2. 2023 Annual Employee Benefits Trends Study, MetLife. Accessed 4/5/24.
3. Cost of Living in the United States, Numbeo, updated Feb 2024. Accessed 2/2/24.
4. Your actual savings from enrolling in the MetLife Vision Plan will depend on various factors, including plan premiums, number of visits to an eye care professional by your family per year and the cost of services and materials received. Be sure to review the Schedule of Benefits for your plan’s specific benefits and other important details.
5. All lens enhancements are available at participating private practices. Maximum copays and pricing are subject to change without notice. Please check with your provider for details and copays applicable to your lens choice. Please contact your local Costco to confirm the availability of lens enhancements and pricing prior to receiving services. Additional discounts may not be available in certain states.
6. Custom LASIK coverage only available using wavefront technology with the microkeratome surgical device. Other LASIK procedures may be performed at an additional cost to the member. Additional savings on laser vision care is only available at participating locations.
7. “Systemic Conditions with Ocular and Visual Manifestations,” American Optometric Association. Accessed April 5, 2024.