New data reveals that almost half of UK employees believe their job poses a risk to their eye health, yet many workplaces are failing to implement adequate safety measures. Legal and health & safety experts warn that neglecting eye health in the workplace could lead to costly claims, reduced productivity, and serious long-term vision issues for employees. A survey found:

• 48% of UK employees believe their job puts their eye health at risk.
• 1 in 8 industrial workers report frequent eye injuries or strain.
• 65% of office staff experience symptoms like dryness, headaches, and blurred vision due to excessive screen use.

Meanwhile, NHS data obtained via FOI reveals that in the past year alone:

• Over 57,000 emergency hospital visits were recorded for eye-related injuries.
• More than 82,000 cases involved foreign objects entering the eye.
• Over 201,000 patients reported eye pain at emergency departments.

Legal responsibilities for employers

Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, UK employers have a duty to protect employees’ health and safety, including safeguarding eye health in high-risk industries. According to Paul Kelly, Head of Employment Law at Blacks Solicitors: “Key legislation such as the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations mandates risk assessments, while the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 require employers to offer eye tests and provide corrective eyewear to screen-based employees. Employers who fail to meet these obligations risk legal consequences, including compensation claims for medical costs, lost earnings, and pain suffered by affected employees.”

The legal risks for businesses are real. In Sofidel UK Limited [2023], the company faced a £1 million fine after an employee lost an eye due to inadequate workplace safety measures. This case underscores the importance of compliance and risk management to protect workers’ eye health.

Workplace safety: A growing concern

According to workplace health & safety expert Nick Higginson, CEO of Phoenix Health & Safety: “Workplace eye injuries are often preventable, yet many employers underestimate the risks. Whether it’s ensuring access to proper PPE in high-risk industries, conducting regular workplace assessments for office-based employees, or providing clear health and safety procedures, proactive measures are essential. Embedding a culture where employees feel empowered to raise eye health concerns and where employers take action, can significantly reduce long-term damage and improve workplace safety.”

Mitigating eye health risks: What employers can do

Occupational health and HR professionals can play a key role in reducing workplace-related eye issues by implementing simple but effective measures: 

✔ Provide appropriate PPE for workers in high-risk environments to prevent foreign body exposure. 

✔ Encourage screen-based employees to follow the 20-20-20 rule (looking 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes) to mitigate digital eye strain. 

✔ Ensure proper lighting conditions and educate staff on best practices for eye health.

✔ Schedule regular risk assessments and ensure compliance with existing health and safety legislation. 

✔ Offer workplace eye screenings and promote eye health awareness as part of employee wellbeing initiatives.

Sachin Patel, Specialist Prescribing Optometrist at Safarian & Simon Opticians: “Dry eye, often caused by digital eye strain, is a chronic condition and is often one of the leading causes of reduced productivity. If not treated quickly, using normal eye drops may not be enough and a consultation with a dry eye specialist could be required. Employers must act and work together with employees, for example by offering advice on screen filters, or face a workforce with failing eyesight.”

Andy Hill, CEO of NuVision Biotherapies, comments: “This new data highlights the potential risks to eye health that workers across different industries may face, and has prompted us to question whether enough is being done to protect people’s vision in the long term. Catching issues early is crucial for reducing problems further down the road. Not only does this preserve people’s eye health in the long term, but it can also save critical NHS resources.”

Employers who fail to prioritise eye health in the workplace may face financial and legal consequences, alongside the risk of reduced employee wellbeing and productivity. Investing in preventative measures, compliance, and innovation can protect both workers and businesses.

*Study commissioned by eye health company NuVision Biotherapies