2021 vision: Unum enhances Optical proposition after difficult year for UK eye health and increase in screen time
Unum has extended its Optical cover to offer greater choice and a more comprehensive policy along with a multi-product discount*. The product overhaul comes as the employee benefits provider looks to bring awareness of the importance of good optical heath at a time when prolonged remote working has led to increased screen time for almost half of workers4 – and with hybrid working set to become the norm for much of the UK going forward.
Of those workers whose screen time had increased during the pandemic, 42% felt it had negatively affected their sight, with 39% having trouble reading as a result5. Without regular breaks and appropriate eyewear for those who need it, additional screen time can lead to optical health issues, including dry or strained eyes, blurred vision and headaches6.
With this in mind, Unum’s enhancements include:
All this is important because elements of remote working could remain in place for some time in the new hybrid working environment. Employees will therefore still rely on technology both in and out of the office, potentially causing new or worsened optical health issues if regular eye tests and check-ups are not easily accessible.
Unum’s extended Optical proposition offers a solution to fit a range of budgets and requirements.
“Given the risks that exist to optical health from screen time, the concern is that, with UK employees reporting a 25% increase in their workload and being online for an additional two hours a day during lockdown7, optical health issues may soon be on the rise.
“As the UK starts to transition into hybrid working, we hope to bring about more awareness to the importance of employers facilitating easy access to regular eye tests for their staff, as well as encouraging employees to take an active interest in their optical health. As always, we will continue to provide additional support to all employers who have a legal obligation to arrange and pay for regular eye tests for ‘display screen equipment’ user employees, if requested.”
Contact optical@unum.co.uk to find out more about the cover and get a no-obligation quote for an Optical policy that suits your company, budget and employees.
*10% multi-cover discount is available for employers where Optical cover is taken out alongside Dental cover.
1, 2, 4, 5 2020 survey of 2,012 adults: https://www.fightforsight.org.uk/news-and-articles/articles/news/screen-time
3 Provides reimbursements towards eye tests, frames, lenses etc. the insured individual pays for after the date the policy goes live
6 https://www.opticalexpress.co.uk/eye-health/eye-conditions/computer-vision-syndrome
7 https://www.theguardian.com/business/2021/feb/04/home-workers-putting-in-more-hours-since-covid-research
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