Unum has enhanced its optical cover in response to a potential increase in eye problems as a result of the pandemic.
Prolonged remote working has led to increased screen time for almost half of workers, with almost half of these employees (42 per cent) saying this has negatively affected their eye-sight, and 39 per cent saying they have trouble reading as a result.
Unum points out that 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 headaches
The product overhaul offers a range of increased benefits, including:
- Immediate eligibility to claim for eye tests, lenses and frames paid for after the date the policy goes live
- Ability to claim for more expenses and pre-existing conditions (excluding accidents which occurred before the cover started)
- The freedom to visit any optician and buy frames and lenses from any provider
- An improved and online claims management process to speed up reimbursements
- A one-off benefit of £10,000 in the event of loss of sight as a result of an accident (can only be claimed once in the lifetime of an insured adult under the optical policy)
- A 10 per cent discount for employers who take Optical and Dental cover together, for both new and existing customers
- Flexible Optical cover on both an employer- and employee-funded basis.
Glenn Thompson, chief distribution officer at Unum UK says this extended optical proposition offers a solution to fit a range of budets and requirements.
He adds: “Given the risks that exist to optical health from screen time, the concern is that, with UK employees reporting a 25 per cent increase in their workload and being online for an additional two hours a day during lockdown, 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.”