Eye exams play a critical role in detection of chronic diseases

A new study released today shows that eye exams are often the first to detect chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension. The study, conducted by Human Capital Management Services Group (HCMS), a national human capital consulting firm, found that eye doctors detected signs of certain chronic conditions before any other healthcare provider recorded the condition—65 percent of the time for high cholesterol, 20 percent of the time for diabetes, and 30 percent of the time for hypertension.

"With the national healthcare system focused on prevention and early detection, annual eye exams play a critical role in detecting signs of chronic diseases even at the beginning stages as eye doctors have the only unobstructed, non-invasive view of blood vessels," said Susan Egbert, director of eye health management, VSP Vision Care, the nation's largest eyecare provider who commissioned the study.  "Additionally, individuals who have a VSP vision plan are three times more likely to get an annual eye exam than a routine, preventive physical, making it a critical component of overall health and wellness."

When the study was applied to VSP's entire membership of 56 million, the following received early treatment for chronic diseases as a result of their eye exam:

• 65 percent of the 2.2 million members with high cholesterol (1.5 million), resulting in two-year savings of $1.7 billion
• 20 percent of 1.5 million members with diabetes (296,800), resulting in two-year savings of  $827 million
• 30 percent of 2.2 million members with hypertension (667,800), resulting in two-year savings of $2 billion

The HCMS study further revealed that employers offering vision benefits experienced 7 percent less absenteeism, 4 percent less employee turnover and savings on insurance and workers' compensation costs. Early detection of chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension also increased the likelihood employees would be proactive with their healthcare and more likely to see a medical doctor to receive follow-up care.  

The study also concluded that eyecare benefits saved VSP's 38,000 clients – for profits, not-for-profits and government organizations – $4.5 billion through the early detection of chronic diseases via an eye exam. For every $1 invested in VSP exam services – which include comprehensive, annual eye exams – during an employee's first year with the benefit, employers average a two-year total return of $1.27 in long-term healthcare savings. These savings are a result of avoided medical costs and increased employee productivity.

VSP Vision Care is the only vision plan to facilitate nationwide, HIPAA-compliant data collection and exchange through the VSP Eye Health Management Program® resulting in these cost savings and health benefits.