World Sight Day: love your eyes at work

World Sight Day, on 12 October, focuses on the importance of eyecare in the workplace.

Taking care of people’s eyesight and vision allows them to be active and remain in the workforce. Whatever the job, the ability to see as well as possible is crucial. Employers have a responsibility to ensure that the right practices, information and provisions are in place to protect their employees’ eyes, while carrying out their work. But it is also in their own interests.

The EU has prioritised health and safety at work. The Occupational Safety and Health Framework Directive guarantees minimum requirements. Other directives, such as the Display Screen Equipment Directive include provisions on workers’ eyecare and eyesight and their entitlement to an appropriate employer-funded eye examination. This should be carried out by a person with the appropriate competency.

The European Commission’s Strategic Framework on Health and Safety at Work 2021-2027 defines the key priorities and actions for improving workers’ health and safety.

The European Council of Optometry and Optics (ECOO) is calling upon employers to ensure that supporting eye health is part of their company’s health and safety policy. This should include providing necessary protection, information and checks. This should include:

• Ensuring regular breaks. Eyes need regular breaks from screens (or other focussed work): spending too long in front of screen-based devices causes eye strain and can also cause dry eye problems. Employers should therefore encourage employees to take regular screen breaks.
• Using proper eye protection. Safety equipment at work is not just high visibility clothing, safety hats or seat belts, it also includes appropriate eye protection for workers, including sun protection. Employers should ensure that eye protection is both provided and worn properly. It should be noted that prescription glasses and contact lenses alone are not appropriate eye safety aids in the workplace.
• Supporting eye care. It is in the interest of the employer that their employees have the best possible vision. In addition to any legal eye testing requirements, employers should include full eye examinations and assistance towards glasses/contact lenses in staff benefit packages. This will also make them more competitive employers.

It is everyone’s responsibility to be aware of their eyes and the importance of protecting them. However, employers play a crucial role in creating the right conditions to make this possible and preventing any unnecessary eye injuries or problems. Having in place, raising awareness of and implementing a workplace eye safety strategy needs to be a priority for all employers.

ECOO has created an infographic Love your eyes at work to facilitate awareness raising.