This article is more than 5 years old. Information may no longer be current.
Gen Z employee enrollment in vision benefits up from previous year
Click Here to Manage Email Alerts
The number of Generation Z employees currently enrolled in a vision plan is significantly higher than in 2018, according to the Transitions Optical Employee Perceptions of Vision Benefits survey.
“This represents an opportunity for employers to provide education to Gen Z — and all — employees about the value of vision benefits and the importance of comprehensive eye exams to ensure proper vision, as well as to check for eye and overall health issues,” Drew Smith, director of North America channels for Transitions Optical, said in a press release.
“There is also an opportunity for employers to talk about the premium eye wear options covered by their company’s vision plan — and how they can help to protect the eyes while improving overall quality of vision,” he added.
The survey shows a notable change compared to previous studies that suggest younger employees are less likely than their adult counterparts to take vision insurance. Six out of every 10 Gen Z employees, defined as employees 18 to 24 years old, are enrolled in a vision plan, while only half of all Gen Z employees were enrolled in 2018. Additionally, the survey revealed that 44% of Gen Z employees believe whether a company offers vision benefits is an important factor in their decision to accept a job offer.
Gen Z employees are equally as likely to visit a primary care physician as they are to visit an eye care professional, and 65% are likely to visit an eye care professional in the next 12 months — a 9% increase from the 2018 survey. However, Gen Z vision enrollment still lags behind that of Baby Boomers, Gen Xers and Millennials, who are 33% more likely to enroll.