According to "Vision Care: Focusing on the Workplace Benefit," published by The Vision Council in late 2008:

• About 120 million Americans have vision problems.
• With 11 million Americans living with an uncorrected vision problem, a number that is expected to increase as the population ages, the expense to business can be significant.
• The annual financial burden to the U.S. economy of major adult vision disorders exceeds $35 billion, including an estimated $8 billion in lost productivity.
• In addition, 40 percent of Americans fear they cannot afford adequate vision treatment, 63 percent said they would sign up for vision care coverage is given the opportunity, and two-thirds say they would be more willing to get an eye exam if they had some coverage.
• Yet, only 17 percent of employers report offering vision insurance. In fact, it lags behind dental insurance, which is offered by 44 percent.
• Vision coverage typically costs one-tenth that of medical benefits, and is often used more by employees than medical benefits.

(For a free download of the full report, go to: www.thevisioncouncil.org/news/news_item.cfm?OID=2002)