Many Scottish office workers are not receiving any guidance on working with computer screens, giving rise to fears that they risk serious vision problems.
Many Scottish office workers are not receiving any guidance on working with computer screens, giving rise to fears that they risk serious vision problems. The finding has been made by new research commissioned by Black & Lizars, the long-established chain of independent optical practices which are based north of the border.
The research, carried out this summer, found nearly half of the sample of 200 patients ‘who were employed and used a computer screen at work had not received advice regarding visual display unit use’.
This finding, based on the University of Strathclyde evidence, indicates that many Scottish businesses are contravening working directives as issued by the Government’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
HSE guidelines stipulate that ‘long spells of VDU work can lead to tired eyes and discomfort’ and that regular eye tests could be sought, which should be paid for by the employer as should any corrective spectacles required.
Black & Lizars joint chief executive Peter Ivins told optician he was surprised by the findings.
‘To find that such a large number of employees in Scotland could be putting their eyesight at risk is very disturbing,’ he said. ‘More should be done for Scotland’s workers.’
Black & Lizars is one of a number of British optical companies which runs an employee eye care service.
Ivins added that he would actively encourage employers to seek out optometrists who could offer VDU eye care advice to their employees.
The report substantiates a survey published by The Eyecare Trust last month, in which it was found that 40 per cent of Britons remain unaware that they can claim a free eye exam. It also revealed that one in 10 adults have never visited an optician.