National Eye Health Week

National Eye Health Week, September 18th to 24th, is an essential campaign aimed at promoting the importance of maintaining good eye health.

This week-long event underscores the critical role that eye health plays in overall wellbeing and productivity, particularly in the workplace. For HR professionals and organisational leaders, National Eye Health Week presents an opportunity to raise awareness and implement strategies that support employees’ visual health.

Understanding National Eye Health Week

National Eye Health Week is organized by various health institutions and charities to highlight the significance of eye health and to encourage regular eye check-ups. The campaign focuses on educating the public about the common causes of vision problems and the steps that can be taken to prevent them. Good eye health is vital for maintaining quality of life, and this week aims to remind everyone to take proactive measures to protect their eyesight.

Common Workplace Eye Problems

Employees, both in and outside of the office, often face various eye problems that can affect their performance and wellbeing. Some of the common eye issues include:

1. Digital Eye Strain: Prolonged use of computers, smartphones, and other digital devices can cause digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome. Symptoms include dry eyes, headaches, blurred vision, and neck and shoulder pain.
2. Dry Eye Syndrome: Often exacerbated by air conditioning and prolonged screen time, dry eye syndrome causes discomfort and can impair vision.
3. Refractive Errors: Conditions such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism can cause blurry vision and are often correctable with glasses or contact lenses.
4. Glaucoma: A condition that can cause damage to the optic nerve and is often associated with increased pressure in the eye, leading to vision loss if not detected early.
5. Cataracts: Common among older adults, cataracts cause clouding of the eye’s lens, leading to decreased vision over time.

The Importance of Eye Health

Maintaining good eye health is crucial for several reasons:

1. Productivity: Clear vision is essential for performing tasks efficiently, especially in jobs that require prolonged screen use or precise visual tasks.
2. Overall Wellbeing: Good eye health contributes to overall physical and mental wellbeing, reducing the risk of headaches and stress-related symptoms.
3. Early Detection: Regular eye check-ups can detect eye conditions early, preventing potential vision loss and other complications.

How Organisations and Leaders Can Get Involved

There are several ways that organisations and leaders can participate in National Eye Health Week and promote eye health among employees:

1. Awareness Campaigns: Use internal communication channels to share information about National Eye Health Week and the importance of regular eye exams. Distribute educational materials on common eye problems and preventive measures.
2. Eye Health Screenings: Organise on-site eye health screenings or partner with local optometrists to provide employees with convenient access to eye exams.
3. Ergonomic Assessments: Conduct ergonomic assessments of workstations to ensure they are set up to minimise eye strain. This can include adjusting screen height, lighting, and encouraging regular breaks.
4. Promote the 20-20-20 Rule: Encourage employees to follow the 20-20-20 rule—every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away to reduce digital eye strain.
5. Provide Resources: Make information available on eye health benefits covered by the company’s health insurance plan and how employees can access these services.

Further Reading and Resources

For those interested in learning more about eye health and how to support employees in maintaining good vision, the following resources offer valuable insights:

• Vision Matters: National Eye Health Week
• NHS: Eye Health
• American Academy of Ophthalmology: Eye Health
• RNIB: Eye Health Information

For more information on National Eye Health Week and how to get involved, visit the official campaign website Vision Matters.

Workplace Wellbeing Professional and Eye Health

To read news pieces and exclusive feature articles written by HR and wellbeing professionals, follow the links below (with much more to be found under ‘Eye Health’ in the Topic Index):

• 73% recognise sight as essential to health yet many lack the nutritional know how
• Are you blinking too much at your desk?
• Harpreet Kular: Eyes matter – a guide to maintaining eye health in the workplace
• Giles Edmunds: Earnest eye care – a break through for employee productivity 

Joanne Swann

Editor at Workplace Wellbeing Professional | Website | + posts

Joanne is the editor for Workplace Wellbeing Professional and has a keen interest in promoting the safety and wellbeing of the global workforce. After earning a bachelor's degree in English literature and media studies, she taught English in China and Vietnam for two years. Before joining Work Well Pro, Joanne worked as a marketing coordinator for luxury property, where her responsibilities included blog writing, photography, and video creation.

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