PINELLAS PARK, Fla.—Employers have long assumed that offering a generous frame selection as part of a vision benefit package is important to their style-conscious employees. However, new research suggests that employees’ definition of stylish eyewear extends to lens choice as well.

According to the 2016 annual Employee Perceptions of Vision Benefits survey conducted by Wakefield Research for Transitions Optical, 58 percent of employees said brand name frames define “stylish” eyewear, but lenses were not far behind; with 39 percent identifying lens color and tint, and 30 percent citing lens technology. Further, 90 percent of employees agree that a vision plan offering coverage of premium brands and lens materials helps them select stylish eyewear, and an equal percentage agreed that a vision plan is more competitive if it covers premium lens brands.

Despite the overwhelming majority who look for plans that deliver premium benefits, more than a quarter (26 percent) say they are uninformed about the lens materials covered by their employer-sponsored vision plan.

"The optical industry continues to meet consumer demand and move toward a more fashion-focused offering," said Drew Smith, associate director, North America channels, Transitions Optical. "However, if consumers are unaware of their full range of eyewear options available to fit their style, they won't see the value in their vision plans—and ultimately will be left unsatisfied."

To help elevate the importance of eye exams and quality eyewear available through a vision benefit, Transitions Optical offers a variety of employee and employer focused tools and education. These can be accessed free of charge through the Transitions Healthy Sight Working for You public education program.

The program is a public education initiative established by Transitions Optical to raise awareness of the value of quality vision benefits. Reaching employers, benefits brokers and employees, the program outreach focuses on ways that comprehensive vision care and the right eyewear options can help to manage health care costs and increase productivity. Complimentary vision savings calculators and other employee education materials are available through HealthySightWorkingforYou.org.