A New Report Shines Light on the current State of Vision Health Among Today’s Workers — Occupational Health & Safety

A recent report focusing on the vision of today’s workforce has emphasized the need for improved eye care and preventive health education. Conducted by VSP in partnership with Workplace Intelligence, the 2024 Workplace Vision Health Report—based on surveys of 1,600 HR leaders and employees—aims to provide clarity on eye health. According to the report, half of the employees surveyed are experiencing at least one eye issue which significantly impacts their work focus and quality. Despite this, fewer than one in five employees know eye exams can detect serious conditions like arthritis and cancer. This underscores the necessity for enhanced preventive health education.

The report also notes that 52 percent of workers without vision benefits are seriously considering switching jobs to those that offer such benefits. For Gen Z employees, 82 percent of respondents are working nights and weekends, with 54 percent 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. On workdays, they spend 91 percent of their time in front of screens or 74 percent on weekends. Notably, 69 percent report working longer hours, citing understaffing and workloads. This prolonged screen time leads to declining eye health for 43 percent of workers.

The report recommends employers address these issues by offering better vision benefits and promoting eye health. Enhanced vision care can lead to improved productivity, focus, and overall mental health for employees. Furthermore, 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. Robert Yaniz Jr. is the Content Editor of Occupational Health & Safety.