Eye Care in the Workplace: Urgent Need for Improved Vision Health and Education in Today’s Workforce

A recent report by VSP in partnership with Workplace Intelligence highlights the urgent need for improved eye care and preventive health education in today’s workforce. The 2024 Workplace Vision Health Report, based on surveys of 1,600 HR leaders and employees, aims to provide clarity on eye health and its impact on workplace productivity.

The report reveals that half of the employees surveyed are experiencing at least one eye issue that significantly impacts their work focus and quality. Despite this, fewer than one in five employees know that eye exams can detect serious conditions like arthritis and cancer, emphasizing the necessity for enhanced preventive health education.

The report also notes that 52% of workers without vision benefits are seriously considering switching jobs to those that offer such benefits. For Gen Z employees, 82% of respondents are working nights and weekends, with 54% reporting a decline in eye health, likely due to the adverse effects of increased screen time. Employees spend an average of 96.1 hours of screen time per week, with a majority of their time spent in front of screens on both workdays and weekends. Notably, 69% report working longer hours, citing understaffing and workloads, leading to declining eye health for 43% of workers.

To address these issues, the report recommends employers offer better vision benefits and promote eye health to improve productivity, focus, and overall mental health for employees. Increasing awareness about the broader health benefits of regular eye exams is crucial. For more information on how you can download the full report, visit the VSP website.