The Human Capital Management Services Group, a health care coalition, found that early detection of diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol through eye examinations saved five large U.S. employers about $1 million annually on health care costs and productivity.
For example, when diabetes is detected early, the companies saved about $2,900 annually on medical expenses for each worker with the condition, $1,510 for employees with hypertension, and $755 for individuals suffering from high cholesterol. Early detection of the chronic diseases through eye exams means the conditions can be treated sooner rather than later.
The HCMS Group conducted the study on behalf of VSP Vision Care, an eyecare benefits provider. The five employers covered 90,000 members through VSP eye health management program.
The study also examined VSP members living with diabetes and hypertension who had an eye exam last year, over 25% received early treatment for the disease as a result of the examination.
“Vision benefits are often seen as a non-core healthcare service, but the HCMS data shows vision care benefits help lower corporate providers’ long-term health care liabilities, with early detection of chronic diseases for employees,” says Rob Lynch, CEO of VSP.
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