November 29, 2021

RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif. - A new study released today shows that VSP^® Vision Care members are generally healthier and incur fewer healthcare costs linked to chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension when compared to members of other vision plans nationwide. The study was conducted by Workpartners, a data-based risk management firm that helps employers reduce waste in health benefits and increase human potential.

According to the study, on a per-person basis, VSP members with hypertension showed a $2,633 cost avoidance in the first year after identification versus members of other vision plans. For diabetes, VSP members showed a nearly $1,800 cost avoidance*.

"For over 15 years, we have partnered with our network eye doctors to identify, engage with and support VSP members living with chronic conditions in order to deliver better health outcomes," said Kate Renwick-Espinosa, president of VSP Vision Care. "From coordinating care with health partners, to effective disease management programs and sending critical eye exam reminders, this study validates the work we've been doing is helping lower healthcare costs for clients and members and making a positive impact on their overall health and wellness."

A comprehensive eye exam can reveal more than just vision correction needs. An eye doctor has an unobstructed and noninvasive view of the patient's blood vessels during an eye exam, which offers the opportunity to detect early signs of serious conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. According to Workpartners, VSP network doctors were twice as likely to be the first touchpoint for patients seeking care, reporting chronic conditions before any other health care provider.

The study was based on Workpartners' proprietary research reference database of more than 4.3 million active employees and their dependents. Workpartners found that VSP members in the study are generally healthier, suggesting that VSP eye doctors may play a critical role in identifying chronic conditions.

Heart disease and diabetes continue to be among the costliest chronic conditions in the United States. Healthcare costs associated with hypertension account for about $131 billion, and individuals with hypertension are estimated to face a nearly $2,000 higher annual healthcare expenditure compared with their non-hypertensive peers. Meanwhile, people with diagnosed diabetes average medical expenditures approximately 2.3 times higher than those who do not have diabetes.

Additional key findings at a glance*:

• Comorbid medical and pharmacy costs are lower for VSP Members.
• For VSP members with hypertension, medical and drug costs not associated with this condition were $1,861 and $370 lower, respectively.
• For VSP members with diabetes, medical and drug costs not associated with this condition were $1,580 and $432 lower, respectively.
• VSP members experience much less job turnover than non-VSP members.

* Enrollment in VSP vision coverage does not guarantee avoidance of costs or savings on medical or drug costs.

"VSP members not only saw lower healthcare costs but were significantly more likely to stay employed with their company following disease detection, suggesting the value of VSP vision services may both reduce benefits cost and positively impact company business performance," said Justin Schaneman, practice lead of Workpartners consulting services.

Clients interested in how VSP can help their organization can contact their VSP representative. For a closer look at the full case study click here.

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About VSP Global

At VSP Global^®, our purpose is to empower human potential through sight. As the first and only national not-for-profit vision benefits company, this is what drives everything we do. For more than 65 years, VSP has been the leader in health-focused vision care. Every day, the people that power our complementary businesses (VSP^® Vision Care, Marchon^® Eyewear, Inc., Visionworks^®, Eyefinity^®, Eyeconic^®, VSP Optics, and VSP Ventures) work together to create a world where everyone can bring their best vision to life. That means providing affordable access to eye care and eyewear for more than 80 million members through a network of more than 39,000 doctors. And it means expanding access to vision care to those disadvantaged by income, distance, or disaster. Through VSP Eyes of Hope^®, more than 3.3 million people in need have received no-cost eye care and eyewear. Learn more about how we're reinvesting in greater vision, health, and opportunities for all at vspglobal.com.

About Workpartners

Workpartners, The People Activation Company, is part of UPMC. We address human capital challenges with a holistic approach, integrating products and services such as leave and disability, employee assistance, benefits administration, on-site services, and health and wellness services. Our data analytics capabilities share critical insights to employers, converting data into actionable intelligence at an individual employee level. Powered by robust predictive analytics, clinical excellence, and progressive thought leadership, Workpartners delivers people-centric human capital management strategies. Workpartners is headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, with offices and people around the United States, and serves high-performance organizations in more than 200 industry verticals across the country. For more information, visit workpartners.com.

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