As a businesswoman and a mom, you are likely always looking at the ROI of any investment. That includes everything from finding the best tech for your business to purchasing your children’s diapers, food, and clothing. Medical care is also a concern.
Mothers already understand the returns of medical care. Preventative measures can reduce illness that means lost work and more expensive procedures down the road. Specifically, vision care can yield a big return, considering the need to keep yourself and your children safe while driving, avoid errors, and manage migraines.
Investing in vision makes even more sense when you can spread payments over time to support cash flow. That’s why payment plans are so practical.
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The hidden cost of living with vision problems
As a busy, single mom and working woman, you may decide to live with your vision problems. After all, who has time to go to the doctor? And aren’t there better things to spend your money on?
However, living with an eye condition costs more than you think. Here are some downsides:
- Chronic Eye Strain Slows You Down: Consider all the time you spend reading and re-reading contracts and emails. Not to mention the possible errors that occur when you misread. If you compare that to the couple of hours you’ll spend in a doctor’s office, scheduling an appointment saves time in the long run.
- Driving Risks: Likely, you do a lot of driving. Rushing to catch a flight, picking up kids from school and activities- and I bet a good deal of that driving is done at night. Reliable vision means getting there safely, avoiding missing exits, and possible accidents and injuries, which, according to IIHS.org, can total $340 billion annually.
- Hormonal Changes and Aging: These factors impact vision, and unfortunately, most problems don’t resolve on their own. Dealing with them early on prevents bigger, more expensive procedures in the future.
- Migraines: Eye strain could lead to migraines, which interfere with work schedules and reduce quality of life.
Vision care is for children too
Vision care is not only important for mommies, but it also affects children. Children with vision issues may fall behind in schoolwork. They may be unable to see the blackboard in the class, and, like their parents, they may experience eye strain that slows them down.
Less eye strain may give them the confidence to participate more in school discussions and be more present when doing homework and studying. It can also reduce migraine risk. Regular ophthalmology visits and a vision care plan are recommended.
Big ticket treatments are an investment
Eye care is more than a preventative measure. Certain treatments can eliminate the need for smaller procedures, making them worthwhile in the long run. For example:
- Laser vision correction can reduce or eliminate the need for glasses and contact lenses.
- Premium progressive lenses and task-specific glasses are helpful on heavy-duty workdays.
- Advanced dry eye treatments can prevent genetic conditions.
How payment plans make vision care an even smarter investment
Once you understand the importance of vision care, there’s not much left to do but make an appointment, preferably for the whole family. But money can be an issue, especially for a mommy who monitors cash flow. And considering Congress’s recent cuts to the Vision and Health Surveillance System, who couldn’t use a helping hand?
Payment plans can help. They spread payments over time, making them more affordable. Additionally, most plans offer limited-time, interest-free payments, so you don’t need to worry about compounding interest rates.
Various plans are available, covering everything from exam visits to big-ticket items. And there are various providers to choose. When trying to find the one that’s best for you, consider:
- Interest Rates and Other Fees: Choose a plan that offers low or no interest and doesn’t charge additional fees.
- Alignment with Your Needs: Ensure the card covers the necessary procedures and works with your provider.
- Terms and Flexibility: The terms offered should make payments affordable. Flexibility means you can adjust payments to your budget.
- Credit Check and Impact on Credit Score: Choose a plan that offers credit checks that won’t impact your credit score.
- Reputation: Research to ensure the provider has a good reputation and offers live customer service reps that are available to answer your questions.
Other ways to save
Payment plans can reduce your financial burden, but they are not the only way to make care more affordable for mommies trying to build wealth. Here are some useful steps:
- Maximize Vision Insurance Benefits: Annual allowances for vision care often reset on January 1. Aim to schedule exams early in the year to use the full benefits rather than waiting for the end of the year when allowances may have been designated toward other needs. Note: Payment plans can cover out-of-pocket expenses, making them the perfect complement to insurance coverage.
- Leverage HAS/FSA Accounts: These savings accounts allow you to set aside money tax-free that can be used to cover eligible medical expenses. With tax benefits, you can save 20% – 30%.
- Choose In-Network Providers: While some insurance plans allow you to see out-of-network providers, opting for in-network care offers optimal coverage.
- Low-Cost Care: Consider community and university clinics to reduce expenses.
- Consider Promos and Discounts: You may be able to access lower-cost care by taking advantage of promo periods and manufacturer discounts for contacts and coatings. Some clinics offer membership plans that cover various services throughout the year for a more affordable single up-front payment.
- Preventative Care: Prevent expensive eye procedures by caring for your eyes. A healthy diet, protective eyewear, and regular checkups and screenings can help.
Put yourself first this time
Many moms will spend tons of money on their children but hold back when it comes to spending on themselves. Don’t let eyecare be one of these instances.
Investing in yourself means generating ROI for the business that will help your family in the long run and keep them safe. And with payment plans making treatments more affordable, there’s no reason not to care for your eyes. How will you begin your journey to better eye health?
