Vision is essential for many aspects of our lives, including our ability to work. That's why vision screening is an important part of occupational health.
Vision screening can identify potential problems with vision that could impact a person's ability to do their job safely and effectively. It can also help to identify early signs of eye diseases that can be treated if caught early.
There are a number of different vision tests that can be performed as part of an occupational health screening. Some of the most common tests include:
- Visual acuity: This test measures the sharpness of vision. It is typically measured by asking the person to read letters or numbers on a chart.
- Depth perception: This test measures the ability to judge distance. It is typically measured by asking the person to identify which of two objects is closer or farther away.
- Color vision: This test measures the ability to see different colors. It is typically measured by asking the person to identify different colored objects or to match colors.
- Peripheral vision: This test measures the ability to see things that are not directly in front of you. It is typically measured by asking the person to identify objects that are moving in their peripheral vision.
Vision screening is important for a variety of practitioners and patients. Some of the most common practitioners who perform vision screenings include:
- Occupational health nurses: Occupational health nurses are nurses who specialize in providing health care to employees in the workplace. They often perform vision screenings as part of their job duties.
- Occupational health physicians: Occupational health physicians are doctors who specialize in providing health care to employees in the workplace.
- Optometrists: Optometrists are doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases and disorders.
- Ophthalmologists: Ophthalmologists are doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases and disorders.
Vision screenings are important for employees in a variety of situations. Here are some of the most common times when employees need vision screenings:
- Starting a new job - need a vision screening to ensure that they have the necessary vision to safely and effectively perform their job duties.
- Returing to work after an injury or illness - need a vision screening to ensure that their vision has not been affected by the injury or illness.
- At risk for eye diseases - Employees who are at risk for eye diseases, such as diabetes or glaucoma, may need a vision screening to identify the disease early, when it is most treatable.
- Job requires good vision - Occupations such as driving, operating machinery, or working in a high-risk environment, may need a vision screening to ensure that they have the necessary vision to safely and effectively perform their job duties.
Benefits of Vision Screening in the Workplace
There are many benefits to conducting vision screenings in the workplace. Some of the most common benefits include:
Increased safety: Vision problems can lead to accidents and injuries in the workplace. Early identification of vision problems helps employers to create a safer workplace for all employees.
- Fact: According to the National Safety Council, vision problems are a leading cause of workplace accidents. In fact, one study found that employees with vision problems are three times more likely to be involved in a workplace accident than employees with normal vision.
Improved productivity: Employees with good vision are more likely to be productive at work. Vision screenings can help to identify and correct vision problems that could be impacting an employee's productivity.
- Fact: A study by the American Academy of Ophthalmology found that employees with vision problems are more likely to take longer breaks and make more mistakes.
Reduced absenteeism: Employees with vision problems are more likely to miss work. Vision screenings can help to identify and correct vision problems that could be leading to absenteeism.
- Fact: According to the National Eye Institute, employees with vision problems miss an average of 2.5 more days of work per year.
Reduced costs: Vision problems can lead to increased healthcare costs for employers in a number of ways. For example, employees with vision problems may be more likely to miss work, take longer breaks, and make more mistakes. This can lead to increased costs for employers in terms of lost productivity, workers' compensation claims, and medical expenses.
Vision screenings can help employers to identify and correct vision problems before they lead to increased healthcare costs. By conducting vision screenings, employers can help to ensure that their employees have the necessary vision to safely and effectively perform their job duties.
- Fact: A study by the American Optometric Association found that employers who offer vision screenings save an average of $1,200 per employee per year in healthcare costs.
Looking to incorporate a vision screening program into your workplace safety program or upgrade your existing equipment?
The Depisteo VT1 Vision Screener is can be customized for fast, efficient testing and has everything you need in an occupational environment. It seamlessly integrates with your EMR software package where you can securely transfer and store test data. It can perform a complete visual analysis in just 2-5 minutes, be adapted to wearers of progressive lenses, and it is lightweight and easy to transport.
Range of motion testing is especially useful in evaluations for insurance or disability hearings. There are many professions in which a person can’t fully perform job duties without full range of motion, so an inclinometer is essential to occupational health specialists.
To learn more about the Depisteo VT1 visions screener, check out our website or get in touch with your local e3 Diagnostics office. If you’re interested in purchasing or seeing an in-person demonstration, request a quote today!
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