Dominion Dental Services is sinking its teeth into a new area: employer-paid and voluntary vision benefits to groups.

The Alexandria, Va.-based dental benefits corporation provides coverage to companies based in Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Washington, D.C.

Dominion’s clients can access the EyeMed network, a vision network that includes more than 46,000 provider listings and such familiar names as LensCrafters, Pearle Vision, Sears Optical, Target Optical and Wal-Mart, along with independent optometrists, ophthalmologists and opticians. EyeMed is owned by Luxottica Corp., which administers benefits to over 24 million members.

The new vision plans provide coverage for eye exams, eyeglass lenses, frames and contact lenses, as well as discounts on LASIK laser vision correction. Out-of-network coverage is also included.

“Dominion’s entrance into the vision benefit market is a major step forward for our company,” said Dominion President Mitch McGlynn in a statement. “There is great demand for vision plans from employer groups and we are offering groups a single-billing solution for both dental and vision coverage, two of the most-requested benefits after medical.”

A vision benefit is also being offered through Dominion’s eDental program, which offers coverage on a direct-pay basis to members of associations, chambers of commerce, credit unions, student bodies and other groups that are unable to administer dental and vision benefits for their members, including part-time employees.

The vision plan is available to groups with five or more employees and has two-year rate guarantees. The plan has a level and renewable commission schedule, company officials said.

Employees may enroll in either dental, vision or both benefits, at different coverage tiers.