Aflac Survey Reveals Disparities in Americans' Perceptions of Vision Health
June 06 2005 - 6:56PM
PR Newswire (US)
Aflac Survey Reveals Disparities in Americans' Perceptions of
Vision Health More than Half of Respondents Report Having Vision
Problems COLUMBUS, Ga., June 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- More than
half of Americans have vision problems or impairments of some sort
and nearly 40 percent fear they can't afford adequate treatment,
according to a recent survey commissioned by Aflac, the number one
provider of guaranteed-renewable insurance in the United States.
Although three-fourths of those surveyed had received eye exams
within the past two years and 63 percent have spent money on vision
care within the past year, 40 percent admit to avoiding or
postponing vision care because of cost. The survey randomly polled
1,006 Americans 18 years of age and older in May 2005. The National
Eye Institute (NEI) published research findings on its Web site
confirming the fact that more than 11 million people in the U.S.
have some sort of visual impairment that cannot be corrected with
eyeglasses. NEI findings also reveal that as Americans age,
treatment for eye disorders and blindness is estimated to cost the
country more than $16 billion annually. "As the debate on health
care continues, it is increasingly important for consumers and
employers to understand the coverage options available to them,"
said Aflac Chairman and CEO Daniel P. Amos. "Employers and
employees alike are looking to new alternatives to deal with
healthcare costs whether related to eye care wellness or other
types of medical needs." The Aflac commissioned survey indicates
Americans are more likely to have major medical, prescription drugs
and dental above vision coverage. Among those adults surveyed,
fewer than half (49 percent) have vision insurance coverage, while
84 percent have health insurance, 70 percent have prescription drug
coverage and 59 percent have dental insurance. Types of vision care
services Aflac Survey respondents believe their vision plans cover
include: - 93 percent said they were covered for eye exams - 86
percent said they were covered for eyeglasses - 64 percent said
they were covered for treatment of eye disorders or diseases - 25
percent said their benefits covered Lasik eye surgery - 32 percent
said their benefits covered loss of sight Respondents were also
asked about the effect cost had on their willingness or ability to
seek eye health services: - 20 percent said they avoid getting eye
surgery because of cost - 12 percent said they avoid getting a
glaucoma test because of cost The American Optometric Association
claims that a recent survey showed that about 66 percent of
employees would trade at least one vacation day for vision
coverage. And the number of employers making vision benefits
available has increased steadily over the past few years. However,
traditional vision plans tend to cover the basics such as eye exams
in the form of discounts. Aflac's "Vision Now" plan will cover the
same basic benefits that existing vision insurance offerings
include but will also extend those benefits to include serious eye
health conditions that require surgery or other forms of treatment,
as well as offering benefits for the loss of sight. Aflac's Vision
Now offering will be available only through employers and will be
available beginning this summer. About Aflac For 50 years, Aflac
(NYSE:AFL) products have given policyholders the opportunity to
direct cash where it is needed most when a life-interrupting
medical event causes financial challenges. Aflac is the number one
provider of guaranteed-renewable insurance in the United States and
the number one insurance company in terms of individual insurance
policies in force in Japan. Aflac's insurance products provide
protection to more than 40 million people worldwide. In January
2005, Aflac was included in Fortune magazine's list of the 100 Best
Companies to Work For in America for the seventh consecutive year.
Aflac has also been included in both Forbes magazine's Platinum 400
List of America's Best Big Companies and in Fortune magazine's
listing of America's Most Admired Companies for five consecutive
years. Aflac Incorporated is a Fortune 500 company listed on the
New York Stock Exchange under the symbol AFL. To find out more
about Aflac, visit aflac.com. (Logo:
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20041202/CLTH019LOGO) Media
Contact: Mechell Clark Aflac Incorporated 706-243-8004
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20041202/CLTH019LOGO
http://photoarchive.ap.org/ DATASOURCE: Aflac Incorporated CONTACT:
Mechell Clark of Aflac Incorporated, +1-706-243-8004 Web site:
http://www.aflac.com/
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