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The growing value of vision care in preventive health care
When it comes to overall wellness, eye exams should always be in focus. Vision care plays a critical (and often overlooked) role in preventive health, offering insights that extend far beyond eyesight. In fact, eye care providers are increasingly becoming a key entry point into the broader healthcare system.
In our latest whitepaper, we are focusing on vision care’s critical connection to overall health. Here’s a look at what’s inside.
The importance of eye care providers grows
Those annual checkups with a primary care provider help monitor existing health conditions and catch problems early.1 However, a recent survey found that 90% of Americans have put off important health checkups and screenings.2 For the 61% of Americans who had an eye exam in the last year,3 eye care professionals are becoming the first line of defense for serious health conditions. For some individuals, an eye exam may be their most consistent interaction with the healthcare system, creating an important opportunity for early detection and intervention.
Eye exams can spot signs of chronic conditions
For many patients, chronic health problems identified during an eye exam may be the first sign of trouble. The eye is the only place in the body where providers have an unobstructed view of blood vessels, offering a unique, non-invasive window into overall health.
More than simply “spotting” potential concerns, research shows that eye doctors are often the first to detect early signs of chronic conditions like:4
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- High cholesterol
This early detection is critical. Identifying issues sooner can support earlier intervention and help prevent more serious complications down the road. When warning signs are missed, however, more severe (and more costly) health problems may develop over time.
Impaired vision can lead to larger health problems
Eye exams also play an important role in monitoring changes in vision that, if left untreated, can contribute to broader health risks. Poor vision has been linked to: 5
- Falls
- Stroke
- Hearing impairment
- Difficulty driving
- Cognitive decline
For employers, these risks can translate into increased safety concerns, reduced productivity, and higher healthcare costs—making preventive vision care an important part of a comprehensive benefits strategy.
"Optometrists play a crucial role in safeguarding patients' vision and overall health. A comprehensive eye exam goes beyond assessing eyesight—it can reveal underlying health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and more. This makes annual eye exams essential not just for maintaining clear vision but for monitoring overall well-being. Building a strong, ongoing relationship with an eye doctor is one of the most valuable steps a patient can take in prioritizing their long-term health and wellness."
— Dr. Rashad Haddad, LensCrafters OD
An eye exam and a vision screening are not the same thing
A comprehensive eye exam is performed by a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist with the equipment and training to identify and diagnose potential health problems or diseases. Although eye exams are key to diagnosing vision problems, they can also uncover signs of wider health conditions.
A vision screening like employees might get at their state’s motor vehicle agency or health fair, or children might get at school, is a simple test for acuity, distance vision and possibly eye coordination. But it can't diagnose systemic health conditions. This requires a comprehensive vision exam that tests not only vision acuity but includes eye health and a retinal exam.
Vision benefits are a valuable investment
The inseparable link between eye exams and overall health is no surprise to eye care and health care providers. But employees need to hear these messages too–and regularly. Offering vision benefits makes vision care more accessible for your employees and shows a commitment to their overall health.
Ready to learn more? Download our latest whitepaper or speak with your EyeMed representative.
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- “Are You Up to Date on Your Preventive Care?”; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; cdc.gov; May 15, 2024.
- “The 2025 Wellness Matters Survey”; Aflac; aflac.com; April, 2025.
- "The Vision Council Releases New Research Revealing Q4 Consumer Trends Across Optical Products and Services"; The Vision Council; thevisioncouncil.org; January 20, 2025
- Reena Mukamal; “20 Surprising Health Problems an Eye Exam Can Catch”; www.aao.org; April 17, 2025.
- “Why Vision Loss Is a Public Health Problem”; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; cdc.gov; May 15, 2024.