A Visionary Approach: How To Protect Your Employees’ Eyesight At Work

Proactive eye care in corporate healthcare plans boosts productivity, reduces costs, and enhances employee well-being. Discover how in our latest blog.

Our eyes are the windows to the world – yet they are often one of the most overlooked aspects of our health. And, with increasing screen time and aging populations, eye health is becoming a crucial component of overall well-being – both in and out of the office.

For companies, protecting employees’ vision isn’t just about providing additional perks — it’s about ensuring long-term productivity, reducing healthcare costs, and boosting employee satisfaction. But unfortunately, in 2018, the cost of lost productivity due to moderate to severe vision impairment and blindness in the wider MENA region was estimated to be $33.6 billion.

So, what are the greatest challenges to eye care today? What can employers do to help their employees protect their vision? And how can employers better support those employees who are experiencing eye health complications?

Why eye health matters

It’s all too easy to take our health for granted – and that includes our vision. In recent years the MENA region has seen a significant decrease in vision loss cases and rates, thanks in part to rapid socioeconomic development and investment in medical innovation and advanced health care.

However, eye health is also often an insight into broader health issues. Routine eye exams can help detect conditions such as high blood pressure, and even early signs of brain tumors. And rising rates of chronic diseases like diabetes have heightened the need for regular eye care. By including eye care in corporate healthcare plans, companies not only support better vision but also contribute to the early detection of serious health conditions, ultimately protecting both employees and the organization’s bottom line.

Common eye health issues

Today, refractive disorders such as myopia and astigmatism are the most common types of eye health issues among children, adolescents, and middle-aged adults, while near vision loss and cataracts are the most common among older adults.

However, with corporate employees spending longer and longer hours in front of screens, digital eye strain has also become a growing concern. This condition, also known as computer vision syndrome (CVS), is caused by prolonged use of digital devices such as computers, smartphones, and tablets. Symptoms include dry eyes, blurred vision, headaches, and neck or shoulder pain – and it’s estimated that 50-90% of workers who spend three or more hours a day in front of screens will experience some of these symptoms.

This constant focus on screens without adequate breaks can ultimately lead to visual discomfort and fatigue, reduce concentration and productivity, increase the likelihood of errors, and contribute to more sick days.

How employers can help

In corporate environments where digital devices dominate, employers play a crucial role in supporting their employees' everyday eye health.

Begin by assessing and optimizing your office space. This could include providing ergonomic workstations, such as adjustable monitors, proper lighting, and blue-light filters or anti-glare screens to reduce digital eye strain.

Communicating the importance of eye health and offering workshops focused on vision care will also empower your employees to take proactive steps towards protecting their sight. Even something as simple as encouraging the ‘20-20-20 rule’ — taking a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away every 20 minutes — can help reduce eye fatigue for employees who work long hours in front of screens.

However, one of the most effective steps is offering comprehensive healthcare plans. Simple solutions such as regular breaks, proper lighting, and screen adjustments can help, but ensuring employees have access to routine eye exams is essential for preventing long-term strain. Early detection through regular checkups can also prevent minor issues from becoming major problems, reducing both health complications and the associated costs. For older employees, ensuring access to age-related eye care services like cataract screenings and glaucoma tests can improve both their health and work performance.

Comprehensive healthcare plans that cover vision care can also contribute to employee satisfaction. By showing a commitment to their well-being, companies foster greater loyalty and morale while enhancing mood and motivation. Offering vision benefits as part of a holistic healthcare package helps employers attract and retain top talent while maintaining a healthy and productive workforce.

And this is why it pays to partner with a provider who understands the unique needs of your company.

About GulfCare

GulfCare is a leading regional provider of bespoke corporate healthcare plans for businesses of all shapes and sizes across the GCC region. Our holistic approach to well-being – from tele-heath services, to Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), to fitness and nutrition – enables us to approach eye care from both a preventive and curative perspective, to best meet the unique healthcare needs of your employees.

To learn more about our services, and to receive a complimentary quote, contact us today.