INDIANAPOLIS--A recent consumer survey sponsored by the National Association of Vision Care Plans (NAVCP) indicates that consumers are very interested in saving money on visioncare.

Last November, 2,081 interviews were conducted among a representative sample of the U.S. population as part of Jobson Publishing’s VisionWatch study, asking consumers about their attitudes toward visioncare.

“We were eager to begin developing a benchmark for understanding the needs and expectations of consumers,” said Tom Davis, chairman of the NAVCP marketing committee, which commissioned the study on behalf of the group, and immediate past president of the organization. “Clearly, managed visioncare plans have a great opportunity to increase understanding of the value we offer our members. Whether or not they belong to a vision plan, consumers expressed a very strong interest in achieving savings.”

Among the survey findings:

  • 52 percent of respondents participate in a visioncare plan, and 54 percent of those who currently belong to one said they were extremely satisfied/satisfied with their plan.
  • 67 percent of respondents reported they would travel further to see an eyecare provider to realize savings.
  • 66 percent of respondents said they would or might be willing to enroll in a vision plan that offered higher savings at the cost of switching providers.

Full results of the survey will be released at the NAVCP’s annual meeting April 21 to 22 in Scottsdale, Ariz.