Myopia management
Myopia affects our ability to see far-away objects clearly. It’s been linked to a greater risk of developing serious eye diseases later in life, including:
- Cataracts
- Glaucoma
- Myopic macular degeneration
Unfortunately, myopia is on the rise, affecting around 42% of all Americans and 36% of children nationwide. By 2050, it is projected that 50% of people worldwide will be nearsighted.
While myopia can be a hereditary condition, reduced outdoor time and increased hours using digital devices at close range have also been linked to an earlier onset of progressive myopia. In an increasingly digital world, it’s more important than ever to be aware of this growing issue and how to address it. This is especially true for kids. According to the American Optometric Association, children who spend most of their time on both a smartphone and a computer have an 80% higher risk of developing myopia.
What is UnitedHealthcare Vision doing to address myopia?
We’re investing in new ways to help children and adults across the country access testing and treatment for myopia. Through multiple initiatives, we’re working to help make care for myopia more affordable and accessible for eligible members, while separately helping reduce excessive exposure to blue light for children and adults.
We’ve compiled the following information and resources to help you better educate the UnitedHealthcare Vision members you see in your practice about myopia:
Access to Essilor Stellest – a lens to slow childhood myopia
Essilor® Stellest® is an FDA market authorized spectacle lens designed to slow myopia progression in children*1. It is now available as a non-covered lens benefit for UnitedHealthcare | Spectera members.
The Stellest lens is not covered-in-full; however, it is a bundled lens, meaning certain components of it may be covered, price-protected and discounted based on the members vision plan. When the Stellest lens is selected, it includes anti-reflective coating, which is price-protected under our Tier 3 lens options. In addition, the lens is made of polycarbonate material, which is covered-in-full for children under the majority of all vision plans. The remaining portion of the Stellest lens cost will be eligible for the standard 20% discount on additional lens options.
Refer to the appropriate Essilor Stellest Ordering Guide for complete ordering instructions:
- Essilor Stellest Ordering Guide – Lab network providers
- Essilor Stellest Ordering Guide – Non-lab network providers
As part of the recommended guidelines outlined in the Myopia management best practice reference guide, members who receive Essilor Stellest lenses will need a 6-month follow-up exam. Our Children’s Eye Care Program includes a second covered exam (copay applies) during the benefit period for children up to age 19. This may be used for the 6-month follow-up, when applicable. Please keep this in mind when planning care for your patients.
* Compared to single vision lenses. Results from a prospective, randomized, double-masked, multicenter U.S. clinical trial in myopic children aged 6-12 years at initiation of treatment.
1Essilor International, data on file (2025)
Expanded benefits through our Children’s Eye Care Program
Did you know we have a Children’s Eye Care Program? Regular eye exams for children are important, which is why UnitedHealthcare Vision offers an expanded pediatric benefit option at no additional cost*. With this benefit, children up to age 19 have coverage for:
- A second eye exam each year at no additional premium cost
- A new pair of glasses (frames and lenses) at no additional premium cost if their vision prescription changes by 0.5 diopter* or more in a plan year.
- Polycarbonate lenses are available at no additional cost for kids. These lenses are lighter and more shatter-resistant than ordinary lenses.
*Standard copays apply to additional exams and eyewear.
Discounts on myopia treatment through Treehouse Eyes
Treehouse Eyes is a leader in helping myopic kids. They offer specialized treatment to slow or stop the progression of myopia in children. We understand that myopia management can be costly for our members, so we’ve partnered with Treehouse Eyes to offer discounts on treatment at participating locations, as well as online consultations at no cost nationwide.
Interested in partnering with Treehouse Eyes? Learn more about Treehouse Eyes and submit a request to grow with them.
Joining the Global Myopia Awareness Coalition
We recently joined the Global Myopia Awareness Coalition (GMAC), which seeks to promote public awareness of nearsightedness in children as a treatable disease and advocate for the use of interventions that have been shown to slow the progression of this condition. Our partnership with GMAC further strengthens a group of leading ophthalmic companies and eye health associations focused on addressing the growing consequences of myopia.
GMAC has a variety of resources for parents and guardians to help them navigate myopia including our UnitedHealthcare | GMAC infographic. You are encouraged to download and place the infographic in your practice or on your website to share information with your patients.
In addition to the infographic, we’re excited to share new educational materials to support myopia management:
- Myopia Management at Home Practical tips for families to help slow the progression of childhood myopia through lifestyle changes like increased outdoor time and reduced screen use.
- The Benefits of Outdoor Play Highlights the role of time spent outdoors in reducing the risk and progression of childhood myopia — just 2 hours a day outside can make a difference.
- Why Myopia Management Matters An overview of risk factors, long-term health impacts and treatment options that can help slow progression and protect children’s vision.
These resources are designed to support your conversations with patients and families and promote proactive eye health management.
Discounts on blue light protection
UnitedHealthcare Vision has partnered with ZAGG and Eyesafe® to provide exclusive member discounts on products designed to protect their eyes from blue light.
- ZAGG Screen Protection: Members can save 30% on ZAGG screen protectors with Eyesafe blue light filtering technology, as well as any add-ons like cases and power accessories. All active UnitedHealthcare Vision members are eligible for this discount. Let your UnitedHealthcare Vision patients know they can shop eligible ZAGG products by visiting zagg.com/unitedhealthcare and entering promo code UHCMEMBER30 at checkout.
- Eyesafe Eyewear: Members have access to a $25 voucher towards glasses and readers developed with doctors to deliver advanced blue light filtering. All active UnitedHealthcare Vision members are eligible for this voucher. Let your UnitedHealthcare Vision patients know they can shop eligible blue light glasses and readers by visiting eyesafe.com/uhc and entering promo code UHCM25 at checkout.
These discounts are a value-added offering and not insurance benefits.