New research from the Retirement Coaches Association, conducted in partnership with VSP Individual Vision Plans, found that retirement coaches frequently see vision concerns affect their clients’ independence, daily activities, and social participation. The survey included 115 professional retirement coaches, 96% of whom said poor vision can significantly threaten clients’ independence and quality of life. Additionally, 61% reported having directly seen clients reduce their daily routines or social activities because of vision concerns.

The findings also address the potential costs of routine vision care in retirement. According to a press release that announced the survey findings, original Medicare generally does not cover routine eye exams or the cost of eyeglasses or contact lenses, and vision benefits that are available through Medicare Advantage and other plans vary. As a result, retirees may be responsible for routine eyecare expenses that they did not anticipate. For example, an average out-of-pocket cost for a routine eye exam in the United States among people without vision insurance is approximately $214. Broader research indicates that these cost concerns and competing priorities are among the reasons some US patients delay eye care despite experiencing poor vision or eye health concerns.

“Retirement coaches see firsthand how vision can shape a client’s ability to stay connected to the people, routines, and activities that give retirement meaning,” said Robert Laura, a retirement expert and founder of the Retirement Coaches Association, in the press release. He added that the research supports including routine vision care alongside financial planning, health care expenses, and quality-of-life considerations in retirement planning.

The survey was released as Medicare Open Enrollment brings increased attention to health care benefit decisions. The organizations said retirees can use the enrollment period to review whether their existing benefits address routine vision care needs, and that supplemental vision coverage is one option for addressing gaps in routine benefits.