These enhanced diagnostic capabilities are reshaping vision benefit strategies and how benefits advisors position them, with optimization driven by three key factors: early detection of costly chronic diseases, improved diagnostic precision and enhanced plan designs that boost access and engagement.

Eye exams as frontline health screening

Comprehensive eye exams go far beyond vision correction, serving as valuable eye and overall health disease identification tools. Comprehensive exams follow established medical standards and include tests that examine the eye from front to back.

“It’s critical to check how eye exams are defined within a vision plan,” says Dr. John Lahr, O.D., Senior Medical Director at EyeMed. “A comprehensive eye exam, defined by the American Medical Association’s current procedural terminology – or CPT – provides the standard of care.”

Early detection serves both employees and employers. For individuals, exams can detect cardiovascular risks, including hypertension and high cholesterol, or diabetes – often before symptoms appear.

For employers, the financial implications of early detection are significant. Cardiovascular diseases represent the highest health care spending category in the U.S., while Type 2 diabetes is the most expensive single condition. Identifying at-risk employees enables targeted care management programs that can improve health outcomes and reduce spending.

Technology accelerates diagnostic precision

The combination of advanced imaging technology and AI represents the next evolution in diagnostic capabilities through comprehensive eye exams.

Retinal imaging is a high-resolution image of the inside of the eye. Included in the image is a detailed view of the retina, optic nerve and retinal blood vessels—all of which can show signs of underlying eye and general health issues such as cardiovascular and chronic kidney diseases. “The retina is the only place on the body where blood vessels can be seen without a more invasive procedure,” Lahr says.

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging offers an enhanced view of the optic nerve through the retina, providing three-dimensional views of the retinal layers. AI models can analyze these retinal images in seconds with remarkable precision, enhancing diagnostic capabilities. Lahr says. “This accessibility paired with rapidly advancing AI predictive models will greatly expand detection possibilities to include neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and dementia.”

These technological innovations expand the role eye exams play within overall health, enhancing eye care providers’ diagnostic capabilities rather than automating or replacing them.

Designing vision plans for maximum impact

“Reducing barriers to eye care is critical, starting with access to vision benefits,” Rome says. “We’re seeing employers funding the cost of eye exams or providing vision plan designs with $0 copays for exams to make it easier for employees to access care.”

When recommending vision benefit providers, benefits advisors should emphasize the value of large networks with a blend of independent providers and retail chains, as another way to reduce barriers and enable convenient access to the advanced diagnostic technology.

Employee education is also key to maximizing the advantages of early detection. “Most employees still view the need for vision benefits as vision correction rather than a comprehensive eye and health assessment ,” Lahr explains. “Clear communication about the health benefits, combined with plan designs offering discounts and incentives for regular eye exams, helps engage employees and increase utilization.”

As comprehensive eye exams evolve into powerful diagnostic tools through technological innovation, benefits advisors are well-positioned to add value with vision plans that help employers and employees optimize early detection, improve health outcomes, and reduce costs for clients.

Discover how EyeMed helps you and your clients see what’s possible: eyemed.com/focusforward

Ann Clifford is a freelance writer who translates her background in financial services marketing into specialized content focused on employee benefits and small business topics.