Updates to preventive screening

Vitality is a health programme that encourages and rewards you for leading a healthier lifestyle. The programme is based on a unique combination of clinical evidence and behavioural economics to address the global epidemic of chronic diseases of lifestyle. It is grounded in research that shows that you can make a significant impact on your health by changing your lifestyle.

The Vitality programme evolves over time to stay up-to-date with the latest clinical evidence. With this in mind, we regularly review the structure of our screening tests and the success of our various partnerships. The aim is to encourage clinically and age-appropriate screenings, and to ensure that Vitality points allocated for screening tests remain appropriate.

Vision screening

Current international clinical evidence doesn’t support the value of glaucoma screening for the general population. While evidence on the accuracy of screening tests is inadequate, it does recognise that older individuals are most at risk. Based on this evidence, from 1 May 2019, only members over the age of 60 will earn Vitality points for glaucoma tests. It is advised that these members do a glaucoma test as part of their vision test, earning 3 500 Vitality points on completion of both tests.

If you experience any visual problems, have concerns of any kind or may be at risk, you should consult with your doctor or optometrist for individual guidance.

Frequency of testing for the Vitality Health Check and Vitality Fitness Assessment

Our research has shown that if your results are out of range for either of these assessments you are at greater risk of developing a chronic disease. You would, however, have the ability to take action through lifestyle changes or medication, and complete the assessment again later in the year. Vitality awards points based on the best result in the year for each metric. Going forward, you will only be awarded additional Vitality points if your tests are performed at least 90 days apart. This allows sufficient time for you to address your underlying risk factors and take steps towards improving your results.

Vitality will continue to review and update our screening recommendations and any changes made will be timeously communicated to you.