Consumers need education on value of vision-care plans

Del Mar, CA-Transitions Optical Inc. recently sponsored a roundtable among members of the National Association of Vision Care Plans (NAVCP) to address consumer education on the value of vision-care plans. The event included representatives from NAVCP primary members Davis Vision, EyeMed Vision, National Vision, Spectera, Wal-Mart, and WellPoint.

Tim Fortner, roundtable moderator, said, "We came to consensus that eye care is the Rodney Dangerfield of health care-it just can't get no respect. To change that, we need a PR makeover, and our first step is to agree on a simple message for consumers that reinforces the value of proper vision care and vision wear for overall health." Fortner is trade development manager, Transitions.

"Low awareness also creates a danger for the future of this industry as we struggle to compete with other aspects of health care and convince consumers that their already stretched dollars are well-spent investing in their vision," said Pat Huot, national account manager of managed care, Transitions.

Roundtable participants plan to present the consensus paper to the NAVCP board along with recommendations on next steps for a potential follow-up meeting to refine a further strategy for consumer education.

Updates and announcements will be posted on http:// http://NAVCP.org/.