Health & Well-Being
4 min read

Annual Vision Exams Improve Wellbeing for All Ages
by the PBUCC Editorial Team
Many do not realize that our eyes are the second most complex organ of our bodies, only surpassed in sophistication by the brain. Our eyes contain approximately two million working parts and over 80% of what we learn comes from our eyes. While this is impressive, it also means our eyes should be cared for on a regular basis. There are a variety of reasons that consistent eye care has on your overall health.
As UCC ministers, lay workers or caregivers, who prioritize their service to others above their own self-care needs, you may often neglect this annual eye exam. However, prioritizing an annual eye exam can allow for early detection of various eye diseases, such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, high blood pressure, and even some cancers. The earlier the conditions are caught, the timelier treatments can begin, and vision loss can be prevented.
In addition, being able to see clearly makes life much more enjoyable. Make sure your prescriptions are up to date because your vision changes over time. An annual vision exam can ensure your contact lenses or eye glasses are the correct strength to help you see clearly.
While vision exams are important for adults, they are also critical for children. It is important for a professional to make sure their vision is developing correctly. Vision clarity impacts academic achievement, and vision health issues such as strabismus (crossed eyes), amblyopia (lazy eye), and even more serious conditions like tumors or retinal problems can also be detected. Maintaining your children’s eye health improves their overall wellbeing.
Throughout every stage, an annual vision exam will always add value to your life. In childhood, these exams contribute positively to learning, development, and can detect other health conditions early. As we age, our risk for various eye and other detectable conditions increases. Getting annual vision exams can provide great benefits for all ages.
The Pension Boards has excellent vision insurance through VSP and Vision Open Enrollment is available through February 15. The Vision Plan offers an annual vision exam for the low cost of $10 and yearly prescription glasses or contacts. VSP has an expansive eye provider network that is nationwide, including some Walmart and Costco locations. You can review more about our Vision Plan benefits here. Log into your member account at pbucc.org and enroll today!
Protect Your Sight and Your Health
The UCC Health Plan provides optional vision coverage through VSP, a nationwide network of vision care providers. The UCC Vision Plan is offered on a stand-alone basis, regardless of participation in the UCC (Non-Medicare) Health Plan or UCC Medicare Advantage Plan.
by the PBUCC Editorial Team
The PBUCC editorial team curates and contributes insights and other resources to prepare ministers, lay workers and other care providers associated with the UCC to navigate their financial security, health and wellness needs. Sharing this information represents our commitment to ensure those engaged in the life of the church have a strong foundation from which to answer their calling.
Allowing your work and home lives to blend can result in never feeling quite done with all that you have to do... For a more fulfilling day, try to leave work at work.Health Advocate℠
RELATED ARTICLES
Maintain Your Eye Health
POPULAR RESOURCES
Budgeting Worksheet
A cash flow budget is all about tracking the timing of your income and expenses to make sure you have enough from week to week.