Nearly half of UK workers believe their job puts their eye health at risk, yet are businesses overlooking this critical issue? New survey findings commissioned by NuVision Biotherapies highlight a rising yet often ignored concern in workplace health; eye injuries and vision impairment linked to occupational hazards.
Key findings from the study reveal:
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48% of UK employees believe their job presents a risk to their eye health.
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1 in 8 industrial workers report experiencing frequent eye injuries or strain.
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65% of office-based employees report symptoms of digital eye strain, including dryness, headaches, and blurred vision, often due to prolonged screen exposure.
Andy Hill, CEO at NuVision Biotherapies: “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."
NHS FOI data shows that in the past year alone:
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Over 57,000 emergency hospital visits were due to workplace-related eye injuries.
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More than 82,000 cases involved foreign objects entering the eye.
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Over 201,000 patients reported eye pain at emergency departments.
One in five individuals are estimated to experience significant sight-loss during their lifetime [1] and by 2050 this is expected to increase by 40% [2]. The current cost of sight-impairment and blindness to the UK economy is estimated at £25 billion annually [2]. This reflects the growing number of individuals experiencing some form of visual problems and accounts for the direct costs of general ophthalmic services as well as wider economic costs [3].
With eye strain, trauma, and environmental factors all playing a role in vision deterioration, the demand for better prevention, diagnosis, and treatment solutions is growing within the optical sector.
The role of optical professionals in workplace eye health
The findings reinforce the need for optometrists, ophthalmologists, and optical professionals to take a more active role in workplace eye health education and intervention.
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.”
Beyond prevention: The role of advanced eye care solutions
While traditional PPE and workplace adjustments play a critical role in protecting workers’ vision, new innovations in regenerative medicine are changing the way occupational eye injuries are treated.
NuVision Biotherapies’ amniotic membrane technology is one such breakthrough, offering a novel treatment for workplace-related eye injuries. Andy Hill explains: “Amniotic membrane, processed using our patented TereoⓇ process, acts as a ‘biological bandage’ to help heal corneal injuries, chemical burns, and severe eye trauma. The ability to provide rapid, effective treatment solutions is vital for reducing long-term damage and preventing unnecessary vision loss.”
With workplace eye health becoming a growing concern, optical professionals are in a prime position to drive change. By working with employers, health and safety teams, and regulators, the optics industry can play a key role in raising awareness, providing screening and diagnostic services, and delivering cutting-edge treatment options.
Expert commentary
Paul Kelly, Head of the Employment team at Blacks Solicitors: "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 (COSHH) 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. Employees injured on the job should report incidents, seek medical attention, and gather evidence. If negligence is proven, they may be entitled to compensation for medical costs, lost earnings, and pain. The case of Sofidel UK Limited [2023], which faced a £1 million fine after an eye injury due to inadequate safety measures, highlights the importance of compliance and thorough risk management to protect workers’ eye health.”
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."
To find out more about the innovative treatments available for eye diseases, please visit: www.nu-vision.co.uk/
