National Eye Health Week

Learn how employers can use National Eye Health Week to promote the importance of good eye health and encourage employees to have regular eye tests.

The value of supporting National Eye Health Week in work

During National Eye Health Week, you can use your workplace to reduce stigma and challenge attitudes to vision loss and help employees access the support they need.

Creating a culture that encourages open discussions about good eye health leads to a healthier, more engaged workforce.

A workplace that supports employees with good eye health can:

Promote wellbeing

Good eye health is crucial for our wellbeing. By raising awareness and encouraging regular eye check-ups, you can help employees maintain their health, which can lead to improved productivity and reduced days off from work.

Enhance productivity

Eye strain and vision problems can significantly impact work performance. Addressing these issues through educational campaigns and providing resources can help employees work more efficiently and comfortably.

Raise awareness

Many people are unaware of the importance of regular eye tests and the impact of eye health on their daily lives. National Eye Health Week provides an opportunity to educate employees about these issues and encourage a change in habits that will improve eye health such as healthy eating.

Prevent workplace injuries

Eye injuries can occur in various work environments. Promoting eye safety and providing protective eyewear can help prevent these injuries.

Way to take part in National Eye Health Week

There are many ways workplaces can get involved with National Eye Health Week.

Here are some suggestions of things you can do on the run up to, during and after National Eye Health Week:

Check you are a vision-friendly workplace

Assess and improve the layout and set up of workstations and display screens in your workplace to reduce eye strain. This can include adjusting lighting, providing anti-glare screens, and encouraging regular breaks from screen time.

Ensure DSE assessments are up to date and any relevant training has been undertaken.

Arrange eye tests

Arrange for an optician to visit your workplace and offer free eye tests for all employees, not just those that use display screens.

Doing this can help employees detect any vision issues early and get professional advice on maintaining eye health.

Provide Resources

Host events on topics such as digital eye strain, the importance of regular eye tests and tips for maintaining good eye health.

Invite your occupational health or employee assistance provider (EAP) to take part.

Ensure resources are suitable for those with impaired vision.

Promote Healthy Eating

Promote foods that are beneficial for eye health, such as leafy greens, fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and citrus fruits.
You could organise a healthy lunch or provide recipes that support eye health.

You can find recipe ideas on the Vision Matters website.

Promote quitting smoking

The link between smoking and sight loss is as strong as the link between smoking and lung cancer.

Promote the Help Me Quit service to support those employees who wish to quit smoking.

Find out more about smoke-free workplace support.

Promote Diabetic Eye Screening

Diabetes is the leading cause of preventable sight loss in the UK but other long term health conditions can also affect vision. Diabetic Eye Screening looks for diabetic eye disease before any symptoms show.

If you or your employees have been diagnosed with diabetes you will be invited for diabetic eye screening.

Find out more about diabetes support for employees.

Find out more

Find out how your workplace can take part in National Eye Health Week and get resources on the Vision Matters website.

To get updates about other health and wellbeing campaigns throughout the year, sign up to our newsletter.

• Campaign