Good vision is an essential aspect of carrying out nursing tasks effectively. Nurses are responsible for providing care to patients through tasks like administering medication and coordinating various treatments. To accomplish this with precision and accuracy, nurses rely heavily on their vision to assess, monitor, and communicate with patients. Without good vision, nurses may face challenges in carrying out their duties and may compromise the safety and well-being of their patients.
Despite this, a study entitled Health Promotion and Eye Vision Health for Nurses states that only 53% of nurses utilize their existing vision plans for regular eye exams, revealing that a significant number of these professionals may be overlooking this particular aspect of their health. Below are some of the key inclusions of vision plans and why it is in a nurse’s best interest to utilize them.
Eye examinations
One of the key components of vision plans is the coverage of routine eye examinations, which are important for nurses to keep their vision in check and carry out their work efficiently. These plans allow nurses to get their eyes checked regularly without having to worry about the financial burden. It is also especially crucial nowadays, as technology further advances and more comprehensive eye tests are becoming more common. Case in point, the use of optical coherence tomography technology in eye exams can better help detect and diagnose various eye conditions and diseases, such as glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy, which are often missed by traditional eye tests.
On top of this, traditional eye tests often focus solely on visual acuity, which measures the ability to see details at a distance. While this is important, nursing involves tasks that require more than just distance vision. They also need a strong depth perception to accurately assess and administer medications, perform procedures, and navigate hectic hospital settings. By taking advantage of their vision plans to get their eyes checked at least once a year, nurses can form a complete picture of their visual health, how it may be impacting their work performance, and what they can do to address any existing vision issues.
Eyewear costs
Vision plans often cover a portion of the expenses related to purchasing prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses. This can help alleviate the financial burden for nurses, especially those who may require specialized eyewear due to their work environment. Nurses who work in surgical or emergency room settings, for example, may need specific types of eyeglasses or contact lenses. Vision plans that cover these costs can make it easier for nurses to obtain necessary eyewear without having to worry about excessive out-of-pocket expenses.
On top of this, most online retailers accept insurance plans as payment options, allowing nurses the option of an affordable, more convenient shopping experience despite busy schedules and tight budgets. With just a few clicks on their devices, they can browse a wide selection of glasses from wherever they are and narrow down their choices by seeing how each product looks on their face through virtual try-on features. Many online eyewear retailers across the globe offer further services that allow buyers to try on glasses at home to ensure a better physical fit. These free eyewear home trials mean nurses can select several frames, have them delivered to their address, and try the products on for up to one week. These features and benefits are made more accessible with a vision plan, further emphasizing why nurses should fully utilize their own.
Eye surgeries
Eye surgeries are often necessary for individuals with vision problems that cannot be corrected with glasses or contacts. However, this can be quite costly. That makes corrective procedures especially unattainable for nurses faced with low pay and challenging working conditions, as it can be more difficult to drop large amounts of money on eye care-related expenses and further heighten the risk of vision degradation. Access to vision plans that cover eye surgeries is crucial for ensuring that nurses have the best possible vision to perform their work.
Depending on the provider, vision plans can partially or fully cover the costs of eye surgeries, including LASIK, cataract surgery, and other corrective procedures. In addition to coverage for the actual surgery, they may also provide coverage for necessary medications, follow-up appointments, and other related expenses. This comprehensive coverage can help nurses feel confident that they can undergo the necessary eye surgery without incurring a significant financial burden.
