Lack of attention to UK worker eye health has been spotlighted by a survey, as over half of workers (55%) were unsure or felt that employers do not prioritise eye health and safety.
Findings revealed almost half (48%) of UK employees believe their job presents risks to their eye health; one in eight industrial workers reported experiencing frequent eye injuries or strain; 65% of office-based employees report symptoms of digital eye strain, including dryness, headaches and blurred vision; and 80% felt their current job poses a risk to their long-term eye health.
Andy Hill, CEO at NuVision Biotherapies, said: ‘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. Not only does this preserve people’s eye health in the long term, but it can also save NHS resources.’
Sachin Patel, specialist prescribing optometrist at Safarian & Simon Opticians, warned: ‘The range of eye health risks posed by different workplace environments is often overlooked or underestimated. While some businesses ensure employees have the correct setup, eye care is frequently neglected.
‘Many workplaces fail to acknowledge the impact of prolonged screen time, inadequate lighting, and exposure to hazardous materials. Employers need to take a more proactive approach.’
The survey was conducted by Leadership Factor Research and commissioned by NuVision Biotherapies on 2,003 UK workers across office, industrial, outdoor and healthcare workplaces in February 2025.
Office-based eye risks
Employers have legal obligations to support workers’ eye health, but how many are actively addressing these issues regularly?
Respondents reported that around a third of employees (29%) spend over six working hours – almost the entire working day – looking at screens, with 40% noticing a deterioration in vision or eye health since starting their current job.
About 70% of workers affirmed they take a screen break every hour or few hours, but 20% still rarely or never rest their eyes.
Patel emphasised the negative effects of prolonged screentime, including dry eye disease, and recommended the optical industry work closely with businesses to raise awareness of occupational eye health risks: ‘Employers must act and work together with employees, for example by offering advice on screen filters; regular eye exams; appropriate screen breaks; and workplace adjustments, such as anti-glare filters or improved lighting.’
Paul Kelly, head of the employment team at Blacks Solicitors, outlined: ‘Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, UK employers are required to protect employees’ health and safety, including safeguarding eye health in high-risk industries.
‘Key legislation includes the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health regulations, which mandate risk assessments, and the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992, where employers must offer eye tests and corrective eyewear to employees using screens regularly.’
What can be done?
Denise Voon, clinical adviser at the College of Optometrists, said: ‘Optometry associations should continue to promote the importance of regular sight testing to the public and industry, where they could remind workers that they may be entitled to a funded sight test by their employer if they use visual display units regularly.’
Patel highlighted that, while educating patients and businesses is key, ‘funding from employers is often inadequate, which limits the extent to which the optical industry can step in to monitor the eye health of employees and catch issues early.’
Voon advised optometrists to remind patients experiencing eye issues at work of simple solutions, such as regular eye breaks and requesting the correct setup.
‘However, if the issues go beyond this, optometrists should advise their patients to speak to their managers as there is legislation that means UK employers are required to protect employees... so it is likely the workplace will have policies in place,’ she said.
Workplace health & safety expert Nick Higginson, CEO of Phoenix Health & Safety, added: ‘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.’
Reducing NHS pressure
As current cost of sight-impairment and blindness to the UK economy is estimated at £25bn annually, according to national NHS statistics, Patel suggests businesses take the necessary responsibility to mitigate risks and the potential burdens on the NHS.
‘Given the increasing pressure on NHS eye care services, if businesses continue to neglect workplace eye health, this will only add to the strain on an already overstretched healthcare system.
‘If businesses continue to limit the amount of responsibility they’re taking, the government will want to consider stepping in to help reduce the burden on NHS services and create a healthier, more productive workforce,’ he said.
The College has encouraged further work in this area to better understand the prevalence and different eye health and safety issues in the workplace and how they should be resolved.
