More than 90 million adults in the U.S. are at high risk for vision loss. Still, only about half get their eyes checked yearly. With nearly 80% of adults using some form of vision correction, vision care is an essential part of employee health.

For California small businesses, offering group vision insurance is one of the most cost-effective ways to enhance employee benefits. It helps employees access routine eye exams, glasses, and contact lenses while supporting overall health, productivity, and job satisfaction.

The reality is, vision coverage isn’t just good for your employees, it’s good for your business too.

Group Vision Insurance for Employees

Why Offer Vision Benefits?

Here’s how vision benefits can help your team:

• Better Eye Health: Regular checkups catch issues early, even signs of diabetes or high blood pressure.
• Lower Employee Costs: Helps cover exams, glasses, and contacts.
• Boosted Productivity: Clear vision supports focus and performance on the job.
• Happier Employees: Benefits that support employee health build job satisfaction.

How Vision Benefits Help You

Offering vision benefits is beneficial to your business, too.

• Wellness Matters: Shows employees you care, which boosts morale.
• Hiring Advantage: Helps you stand out from competitors and reduce turnover.
• Flexible Options: Choose from low-cost discount programs to full coverage or go voluntary, where employees cover the cost.
• Stronger Brand: Offering vision benefits builds your reputation as an employer of choice.

The Value of Vision Benefits for California Employers

Vision benefits are among the most affordable employee benefits available to California small businesses. Many employers offer vision coverage as a voluntary benefit, allowing employees to access coverage through payroll deductions while helping businesses manage benefit costs.

With nearly 80% of adults relying on some form of vision correction, vision benefits are also among the most frequently used employee benefits. Regular eye exams can help identify vision issues early and may even detect signs of broader health conditions, making vision coverage a valuable addition to a comprehensive benefits package.

Vision Benefits Through CaliforniaChoice

If your employees have CaliforniaChoice medical benefits, they can access three vision benefit programs.

• Vision One Eyecare Discount (Ameritas): Included free with medical coverage. Get savings at LensCrafters, Target Optical, America’s Best, and more.
• EyeMed Voluntary Vision (Ameritas): Full benefits, big network, just a $10 copay for eye exams every 12 months.
• VSP Voluntary Vision (Ameritas): Another strong option with trusted providers and great value.

Bundle Vision and Medical Benefits Through CaliforniaChoice

California employers can simplify benefits by offering vision coverage alongside medical benefits through CaliforniaChoice. By providing access to multiple benefit options through a single platform, employers can streamline enrollment, reduce administrative complications, and offer employees a more glorified benefits package.

Ready to enhance your employee benefits package? Contact CaliforniaChoice or speak with your broker to learn how vision coverage can be offered alongside medical benefits.

How to Get Started

Talk to your broker about adding vision coverage. That includes specific in-network and out-of-network copays and coverage limitations. If you don’t have a broker, we make it easy to find on our website.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is group vision insurance?

Group vision insurance is an employer-sponsored benefit that helps employees pay for routine eye exams, prescription glasses, contact lenses, and other vision-related services.

Are California employers required to offer vision insurance?

No. California employers are generally not required to offer standalone vision insurance, though many choose to offer it as part of a competitive employee benefits package.

How much does group vision insurance cost in California?

Costs vary based on plan design, carrier selection, and employer contribution strategy. Vision coverage is often one of the most affordable employee benefits available.

Is a group vision plan better than an individual vision plan?

Group vision plans often provide convenient enrollment, competitive pricing, and the possibility of employer contributions, while individual plans are purchased directly by consumers.

Can vision benefits be bundled with medical coverage?

Yes. CaliforniaChoice allows employers to offer vision benefits alongside medical coverage and other ancillary benefits through a single platform.