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Young adults, in particular, are more likely to seek out and place high value on telemedicine for eye care and those in vulnerable populations are benefitting most, according to an annual vision wellness study by Versant Health.

The study surveyed more than 500 consumers above the age of 18 and 17 health plan executives between Oct. 30 and Nov. 17, 2020. Sixty-seven percent of respondents said having access to technology for virtual visits would make them more likely to make an eye appointment.

The Vision Wellness Study surveyed consumers and health plan executives on their perceptions of eyecare in a pandemic environment, including the value they place on eyecare services and their beliefs about the impact of eyecare on overall health.

Advances in eye health technology are redefining how beneficiaries will access eye care in 2021, and benefit managers can play an important role in supporting the emerging vision technologies.

More than ever, seniors need to be vigilant about their vision. Not only is it an essential sense, but poor vision presents another risk: preventable falls. Unfortunately, we live in the age of COVID which makes it harder for older adults to maintain their health, including their eye health.

Falls are the leading cause of injuries for older Americans. More, the risk of a fall doubles for older adults with conditions that impair vision. Fortunately, preventative measures can significantly reduce this risk – keeping seniors at home and out of the hospital.

Falls are the current leading cause of injuries for older Americans, and many of them result in permanent disability and fatalities. The risk of falling for older adults doubles if they have impaired vision from a degenerative eye disease like diabetic retinopathy. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, more older adults are living independently. This makes it even more crucial to focus on vision care and diabetic retinopathy.

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.