Why Young Professionals Are Treating LASIK as a Long-Term Investment

James

3 MIN. READ

Key takeaways:

Young professionals are increasingly getting LASIK.
For HR teams, offering a vision plan with discounts on LASIK can be a powerful retention tool.

Employers, do your current benefits include discounts on LASIK?

LASIK is often overlooked when selecting a vision plan, but this add-on can create a lot of value, especially for young professionals.

Here’s what HR teams should know about LASIK and LASIK discounts can turn into a powerful retention tool for HR teams.

LASIK 101: Why Are Young Professionals Getting Refractive Laser Surgery?

LASIK is a surgical procedure that reshapes the cornea with a laser. The goal is to change how light focuses on the retina, which is what eyeglasses and contacts also do. The difference is that LASIK is a permanent correction.

The procedure is quick and minimally invasive. It only takes about 15 minutes, and employees can go back to work within 24 to 48 hours. Their vision will stabilize in the next few days or weeks, with minor side effects like dry eyes or nighttime glare disappearing quickly.

With a satisfaction rate of more than 90%, LASIK is a popular option for vision correction. Not everyone is a good candidate, but because the procedure can address vision issues that are common among young adults, it’s becoming more popular among professionals between 20 and 40.

Why Do Young Professionals Get LASIK?

Young adults are turning to LASIK to treat nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. The laser procedure can’t help with presbyopia and other age-related vision issues, which means it’s less popular with those over 40.

Because LASIK is a permanent solution for refractive errors, it means young professionals no longer have to wear eyeglasses or contacts.

Replacing eyeglasses and contacts is ideal for young adults with an active lifestyle.
It’s also a great option for those working in the building trades, where combining protective eyewear with a corrective solution can get uncomfortable.
For those who travel a lot, replacing contacts with LASIK is a convenient option.
Employees who spend a lot of time on screens also experience improved comfort, since contact lenses can worsen dry eyes.

Can LASIK Save You Money?

For many young employees, there is also a cost consideration behind getting LASIK. The one-time procedure can replace years of expenses:

On average, LASIK costs between $1,500 and $4,000 per eye. Vision plans with LASIK discounts can bring this cost down.
After getting LASIK, employees still have to get regular eye exams, but the cost is minimal.
LASIK eliminates the need to get new glasses every few years. It can also help employees save a lot on contacts.
A new pair of glasses can cost $300 or even more, depending on the prescription and any add-ons like special coatings. Contacts can cost anywhere from $250 to over $1,000 a year.

LASIK can pay for itself after a few years, especially if an employee wears contacts. And for HR teams, facilitating access to LASIK can result in cost savings in the long term:

You won’t have to worry about employees with outdated prescriptions, which is something that can hurt productivity.
With their refraction error corrected for good, employees will be satisfied with a basic vision plan designed to help them save on routine eye exams.

LASIK and Your Benefits Package

Can employees save on LASIK with the benefits package you currently offer?

Some vision plans include discounts on LASIK.
Employees can also use HSA or FSA dollars to pay for LASIK.
In rare cases, if a doctor determines that LASIK is a medical necessity, the employee’s health plan will cover the procedure.

Review your current vision plan to look for LASIK discounts. Pay attention to the kind of laser refractive surgeries the discount is good for, and make sure there are nearby facilities where employees can use the discount.

If your current plan doesn’t include a LASIK discount, it might be time to look for a plan that will create more value for your employees.

Unity Vision Offers Discounts on LASIK

Unity Vision offers flexible vision plans that create real value for your employees by reducing their out-of-pocket costs on the eye health services they need.

This includes savings on routine eye exams, discounts on LASIK and a lot more.

Learn more about our plans and get a quote today.

FAQ

Does insurance cover LASIK?
Most standard health insurance plans do not cover LASIK because it is considered an elective procedure. However, many vision plans offer discounts on LASIK through provider networks.

Can employees use HSA or FSA funds for LASIK?
Yes, LASIK is typically an eligible expense for both HSA and FSA, allowing employees to use pre-tax dollars to reduce their out-of-pocket costs.

How much does LASIK cost?
LASIK usually costs between $1,500 and $4,000 per eye, depending on the provider, technology used, and location. Vision plan discounts and financing options can help lower the upfront cost.

Why should employers offer LASIK discounts?
Offering LASIK discounts enhances the value of a vision plan, supports employee well-being, and can improve retention, especially among younger professionals who prioritize convenience, cost savings and lifestyle benefits.