In the news

The health care industry has been revolutionized by COVID-19, accelerating telemedicine’s adoption and changing the fundamental way people access care. While many people have already started to adapt to care in the time of a pandemic, workplace open enrollment season during COVID-19 is new ground, with many unsure how they could be impacted by changes in reimbursement policies and health coverage stemming from the pandemic.

As open enrollment gets underway, HR leaders are likely to inform employees of their dental and vision benefits. This year, it’s also an opportunity to encourage workers to speak with their dentist and eye care provider about the safety measures that care providers have put in place for office visits, or the virtual care they may be offering.

The paper explores scenarios in which ocular telemedicine can appropriately aid ongoing eyecare and augment in-person visits, and it also “makes clear that ocular telemedicine is not a replacement for in-office visits with eyecare professionals,” a recent announcement noted.

Wearing glasses may give you more protection against COVID-19 according to a new study published in JAMA Ophthalmology.

Versant Health plans to debut the first on-site optical clinic in 2021 and host 20 to 40 clinics within the first 12 to 18 months of launch.

The new business relationship provides Versant Health clients with convenient access to comprehensive in-network eyecare and an advanced eyewear shopping experience through fully equipped pop-up centers in their workplaces.

Versant Health announced that it will collaborate with Befitting, an innovative eyewear provider, to bring vision care to workplaces through on-site optical clinics.

More time in front of screens, whether for school or for fun and connection, can result in eye strain, fatigue, and headaches. Experts offer simple ways for parents to protect their kids’ eyes during a time when screens are a bigger part of everyday life.

The AOA encourages parents to begin the school year on a healthy note by making a comprehensive eye exam a priority.