Abstract
Background:Eye health has garnered increased attention since the COVID-19 pandemic. This Round Table explored the impact mask wearing, delays in eye examinations, and increased screen time have on vision and ultimately the worker.Methods:Leading experts in the areas of occupational health, risk management, eye health, and communication were identified and invited to participate in a Round Table discussion. Questions posed to experts were based on literature that addressed eye health, such as mask wearing, communication and managing expectations when accessing professional eye health appointments, and increased screen time.Findings:Experts agreed that eye health considerations must be in place. These considerations should address not only clinical care of the patient but ways to protect workers from occupational injury associated with the eye.Conclusion/Application to practice:The occupational health professional is a key resource for assessment and training that pertains to eye health.
Highlights
Eye health has garnered increased attention since the COVID-19 pandemic
Risk managers and insurance analysts are charged with identifying data analytics and targeting risk mitigation from a policy perspective because understanding emerging trends related to the COVID-19 pandemic during and following the pandemic is key to managing risk
Edward Hall (EH): Employees, especially early in the pandemic, reported a period of adjustment to masks and face shields. As this safety requirement has been in place for over a year, most of our employees have made an adjustment to this change in practice
Summary
Eye health has garnered increased attention since the COVID-19 pandemic This Round Table explored the impact mask wearing, delays in eye examinations, and increased screen time have on vision and the worker. Questions posed to experts were based on literature that addressed eye health, such as mask wearing, communication and managing expectations when accessing professional eye health appointments, and increased screen time. Visual barriers may lead to balance issues that further place the worker at risk for slips, trips, or falls (Redfern et al, 2001). Workers explain they are hesitant to make and keep eye health appointments because there is uncertainty about office precautions. Prolonged screen time among workers who previously conducted in-person meetings has had an impact on general health, but the eyes in particular (American Optometric Association [AOA], 2020)
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