World Sight Day has sights on workplace eye health
A new report by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) says eye health significantly affects productivity in the workplace, especially when over 90 percent of vision impairment cases are either preventable or treatable through existing, highly cost-effective interventions.
The Eye Health and the World of Work report emphasises that eye health is an integral part of workers’ health and is the focus of this year’s World Sight Day (October 12, 2023).
On World Sight Day today, Vision 2020 Australia is encouraging Australians to take the pledge to love their eyes and get their vision tested regularly, in addition to monitoring any changes to their vision and maintaining ongoing treatment if they have an existing eye condition.
Vision 2020 Australia is also hosting free optometrist eye checks at the Queensland Parliament House and writing to key Federal and state MPs requesting them to spread the message as part of their activities to mark World Sight Day in Australia.
Quotes attributable to Vision 2020 Australia CEO Carly Iles:
“World Sight Day is an opportunity to remind Australians that eye healthcare is a crucial part of our overall wellbeing.
“Australians are spending more time in front of screens than ever, particularly in the workplace which means their eyes are at greater risk of weakening and need to be checked regularly.
“For those who suffer from vision loss, it’s a reminder to prioritise and maintain ongoing treatment vital to ensure their vision does not deteriorate further and they have all the aid they need to lead their lives independently.
“We’re urging Australians to love their eyes and put routine eye tests with qualified optometrists on top of their to-do lists and for employers to implement good vision care practices in the workplace.
“An eye test is the simplest, quickest and the most effective way to love your eyes and protect your vision.”