Here’s another little tidbit about me: I may be one of the only people who prefers going to the dentist to getting an eye exam. Weird, I know, but I have my reasons.

For one, my teeth are pretty healthy, so I don’t sweat opening up and saying ahh. And, as a busy working mom, being at the dentist is one of the few sanctioned times I get to recline during the day.

On the other hand, I dislike eye exams because unlike my teeth, my eyesight is pretty awful and reading eye charts can be quite strenuous. Also, the glaucoma test (the puff of air into your eye) scares me a little.

I still get my eye exams, but grudgingly. For other reluctant eye care patients, VSP Vison Care has launched the Diabetic Eyecare Plus Program, an extension of VSP’s current coverage for members with diabetes. The program offers specialized services for members with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, including diabetic eye exams, diagnostic tests, and digital retinal imaging.

No, I don’t have diabetes. However, the disease does run in my family, so it’s something I want to keep a close eye on (no pun intended). Also, statistics from the American Diabetes Association show that more than 5 million people have diabetes and don’t know it.

VSP points out that the services included in Diabetic Eyecare Plus can not only help manage diabetes, but also help prevent the disease and detect it early. 

And by now, we all know the connection between eye health and overall health like the back of our hands. So, scary air-puff test and all, I’ll have even more reason to get my eye exams.

How do you communicate vision benefits to employees to help them get over their fears, or more likely just plain inertia, about getting regular vision checkups? Share your stories in the comments.