ORLANDO, Fla., August 17, 2010 – Transitions Optical, Inc. is encouraging HR managers to take the “See the Savings Challenge” by using the Healthy Sight Calculator (HealthySightWorkingforYou.org/calculator) to determine the cost savings possible through a premium vision benefit for their specific workforces, and then entering for a chance to win $500 cash prizes. Transitions Optical is also working with partners such as Prevent Blindness America (PBA) and the National Association of Vision Care Plans, to increase visibility for the Healthy Sight Calculator – and the value of vision care and vision wear – at HR and benefits industry events.
The Healthy Sight Calculator helps employers understand how many of their employees are likely to have systemic- and eye-related diseases and vision conditions – and what medical costs and productivity losses associated with each condition could be avoided by offering these employees quality vision care and vision wear options through a comprehensive vision plan.
The tool also provides further education about each disease or condition to explain how a vision benefit can make a positive impact. For instance, comprehensive eye exams can provide early detection and treatment of diabetes, while premium eyewear options, such as glare- and UV-blocking photochromic lenses, can help diabetic employees combat issues with light sensitivity, and also protect their eyes from further damage.
The Healthy Sight Calculator will be discussed during a presentation by benefits broker Tracy Dieterich, to be held at the 23rd Annual Benefits Forum & Expo in Boca Raton, Florida, on Sept. 27, 2010. Hosted by the National Association for Vision Care Plans, “Championing the Vision Benefit: A True Value-Add for Your Customers” will focus on the importance of vision care and vision wear for employee health and productivity. The Healthy Sight Calculator was also recently featured at PBA’s booth at the 2010 National Health Underwriters Conference in Chicago. Attendees had a chance to try the calculator and demo SightSaved.org, PBA’s site dedicated to the importance of vision benefits for employees.
Development of the Healthy Sight Calculator
The Healthy Sight Calculator was developed by Transitions Optical, Inc. in collaboration with several industry consultants in the eye care and benefits arenas, as part of the Transitions Healthy Sight Working for You initiative. This program provides education on the value of regular eye exams and sight enhancing lens options for reducing health care costs and boosting employee productivity.
The culmination of more than nine months of research, the results reported in the calculator were developed by analyzing existing data on the incidence of various eye diseases and conditions among specific populations, as well as published research on cost avoidance. A paper detailing the methodology and sources used in the calculator is available by clicking the “sources” button in the calculator itself.
A Link to Employee Education
The calculator includes links to resources available through the Transitions Healthy Sight Working for You program related to many of the diseases and conditions explored. These include a Web-based vision loss simulation, multiple educational videocasts, employer and employee newsletters and a customizable vision education kit. These tools, along with the calculator, are available free-of-charge in the tools section of HealthySightWorkingforYou.org.
About Transitions
As the leading provider of photochromics to optical manufacturers, Transitions Optical, headquartered in Pinellas Park, Fla., offers the most advanced photochromic technology in the widest selection of lens designs and materials. Transitions Optical is driven by innovation to support the advancement of healthy sight and adaptive eyewear, and to providing its partners the tools and programs their businesses need to thrive. Transitions® lenses are the #1-recommended photochromic lenses worldwide.
Transitions Optical’s family of products includes everyday lenses, designed to be worn indoors and darken outdoors, and performance lenses, designed to be worn outdoors in place of sun lenses. Transitions everyday lenses adapt to light to provide more comfortable vision while protecting eyes from UV. Transitions performance lenses include the company’s sunwear line, Transitions® SOLFX™ sun lenses, which enhance visual performance in specific outdoor activities by adapting to optimize color and darkness in changing light conditions.
For more information, visit Transitions.com or TransitionsSOLFX.com, or contact Transitions Optical Customer Service at (800) 848-1506 (United States) or (877) 254-2590 (Canada).