Table of Contents
The COVID-19 pandemic caused a lot of changes in the world, especially in how we all go to work. While many people may think working from home would have a positive impact on a person’s vision, it’s actually having the opposite effect. A recent survey found digital eye strain is a bigger concern for remote employees due to challenges imposed by COVID-19 restrictions. Remote employees face more digital eye strain and are often forced to delay eye exams. So, it is paramount for employers to start focusing on remote employee eye care in Oklahoma and beyond.
Eyesight risks rising
The 2021 Transitions Optical Workplace Wellness survey includes responses from 1,300 employed adults throughout the United States. According to survey findings:
- 53% of respondents are spending more time at their work computer than they were pre-pandemic.
- Of those with more screen time, 85% are feeling the effects of computer vision syndrome, also known as digital eye strain.
- 59% have increased symptoms of eye fatigue, such as dry eye and headaches.
Although some companies are starting to bring employees back into the office, many remote employees want to stay that way. The survey found 47% of respondents plan to continue working from home at least part-time. Another 18% plan to only work remotely for the foreseeable future.
Eye care for remote employees
With so many people planning to continue remote working opportunities, it’s vital for employers to establish ways to help support remote employee eye care in Oklahoma and elsewhere. Why?
- They’re still your employees: Even though remote workers are working off-site, they are still your company’s responsibility. You need to offer them the same benefits and opportunities as if they were sitting in your physical office.
- Today’s business requires screen time: Nowadays, everything is done on a screen. From computers to cell phones, you can’t do business without some screen time. This increased reliance on technology for company activities could affect employee vision. It’s estimated that eye strain is at least 50% more prevalent in adults who regularly use computers. By supporting employee eye care, you can help safeguard their eye health while keeping business moving efficiently.
- Lost productivity costs a lot: When an employee’s eyes are bothering them, their productivity suffers. Additionally, if employees have limited or no opportunities to have their vision checked, that can lead to long-term challenges for an even larger impact on your bottom line.
How employers can help their remote workforce
Here are a few ways employers can help keep the vision of their remote workforce healthy:
- Educate employees about the dangers of digital eye strain and ways to reduce it. The American Optometric Association offers information on symptoms of computer vision syndrome, as well as treatment and prevention suggestions.
- Suggest tips and advice on the best way to set up a home office to reduce digital eye strain.
- Talk to employees about computer glasses and blue light filtering glasses, which are two useful tools they may not be aware of. The Transitions Optical survey found 33% of employees are now more worried about blue light damage to their eyes, and 34% plan to look up information on blue light filtering glasses.
- Consider offering robust vision care benefits with comprehensive annual eye exams for employees to take advantage of. And make sure to educate your employees about your vision care benefits so they use them.
Remote employee eye care in Oklahoma
Vision care is the most important benefit you can offer remote employees right now. The Transitions Optical survey says 48% of respondents are more troubled about overall digital eye strain. Because of that, 33% plan to visit their eye doctor to update their prescription, and 32% need new glasses. Without access to proper eyewear options or the opportunity to get their eyes checked on an annual basis, employees’ vision will suffer, and so will your business.
Vision Care Direct of Oklahoma offers doctor-owned vision plans that can help keep your remote employees’ vision healthy. We offer negotiated savings on eyewear and contacts, as well as comprehensive annual eye exams so remote employees can stay on top of any changes in their vision before it becomes a real issue.
To learn more about how we can help you offer remote employee eye care in Oklahoma, contact us today.
