VALUE OF THE VISION HEALTH BENEFIT REDEFINED AT TRANSITIONS ACADEMY 2011

By Transitions Optical, Inc.

ORLANDO, Fla., Jan. 25, 2011 –  Nearly 200 vision plan provider representatives and benefits brokers will gather at Transitions Academy 2011 for the fourth annual managed vision care (MVC) track, “See Outside the Lines: Redefining the Vision Health Benefit.” The track features seminars by health and eyecare experts, a continuing education course for brokers, and a vision plan provider workshop to discuss vision benefit best practices. The education event will also introduce new resources and initiatives from the Transitions Healthy Sight Working for You program to help HR professionals educate their employees on the value of vision care and vision wear, and will unveil the first-ever winner of the Transitions Vision Benefits Broker of the Year Award.

“Especially as they face pressures from health care reform and rising medical costs, employers can benefit from hearing more about how vision care and vision wear can help them manage health care expenditures and maximize employee productivity in a very tangible way,” said Pat Huot, director of managed vision care, Transitions Optical. “Rich with fresh thinking and the latest research from experts in the in the areas of vision health and health care legislation, this track challenges employers’ influencers to recognize the vision health benefit as a key component of a successful wellness strategy, and to communicate this message back to HR clients and their workforce.”

Track Overview

Defining the economic context for the managed vision care track, “Healthcare Reform and Vision Benefits” will give attendees the opportunity to hear insights from Jeremy Scott, government relations director for Drinker Biddle, into how the changing face of national health care has redefined the role of vision health benefits as a comprehensive solution addressing the financial and overall health and wellness needs of employers, employees, and their families.

During the session “Vision: A Family Healthcare Marketing Opportunity,” Dr. Peter Kehoe, professional relations advisor for Transitions Optical and former American Optometric Association president, will speak to the impact of healthy vision on children’s overall health and education, as well as patients education strategies to encourage more employees to utilize their vision benefit for themselves and their children.

Ophthalmologist Vincent Young will then provide insights into the link between vision problems and costly mental health issues common in the workplace during “The Eye/Mental Health Connection.” As part of this discussion, Dr. Young will offer his perspective on the latest advancements in eye care that can provide early detection of debilitating mental illness.

Pat Huot will then reveal new survey results from Transitions Optical, providing insights into how employees perceive and utilize their vision benefits – focusing on differences between parents vs. non-parents, and between employees with voluntary or employer-paid vision plans. In addition, Huot will introduce new initiatives and resources from the Transitions Healthy Sight Working for You program to help employers evaluate the value behind their vision plans, and to encourage employees to ask their HR professionals about the products and services included in their benefit.

Attendees will also be introduced to the three finalists for the first annual Transitions Vision Benefits Broker of the Year Award, intended to recognize brokers who go above and beyond to champion the vision benefit. During a moderated panel discussion, the finalists will share strategies used to incorporate the vision benefit into their health care discussions with HR customers year-round. The winner will be announced during a celebratory awards ceremony that wraps up the Academy event.

The track concludes with a vision plan provider workshop in which attendees will discuss vision benefit case studies, and develop action plans to better equip their HR professional clients with the information they need to realize their full vision plan potential.

For the first time, broker attendees will also be invited to participate in a continuing education course focusing on “The Value of Vision Wear,” providing information about the relationship between vision, productivity, and health. In many cases, regular eye exams and premium vision wear options can be promoted to employers to enhance and protect employees’ vision.

Additionally, all attendees will have the opportunity to participate in workshops on managing emotional and mental energy in their daily business routine, and will learn about Transitions Optical’s marketing and eye health initiatives in 2011.

About Transitions

As the leading provider of photochromics to optical manufacturers, Transitions Optical, headquartered in Pinellas Park, Fla., offers the most advanced photochromic technology in the widest selection of lens designs and materials. As part of its corporate mission to promote healthy sight,  Transitions is committed to educating consumers and elevating the importance of eyewear, and to providing its partners the tools and programs their businesses need to thrive.

Transitions Optical’s core product line, Transitions® lenses, are the #1-recommended photochromic lenses worldwide.  As higher-performing everyday clear lenses, Transitions lenses change from clear indoors and at night to sunglass dark outdoors in proportion to the intensity of UV light.  Transitions® SOLFX™ sun lenses use the same advanced photochromic technology, but are designed specifically for visually demanding outdoor activities.  They adjust their level of darkness and color according to the intensity of sunlight to help wearers look great, see better and perform at their best.

For more information visit Transitions.com or TransitionsSOLFX.com, or contact Transitions Optical Customer Service at (800) 848-1506 (United States) or (877) 254-2590 (Canada).