UK workers struggling to read computer screens due to eyesight problems could be costing the economy up to an estimated £21.4bn each year.
New research from Specsavers asked UK workers if eyesight problems such as blurred vision, light sensitivity or double vision slow down their ability to read a computer screen or read text on a phone or tablet whilst at work.
Almost one in five (18%) of surveyed UK workers reported tasks taking longer because of these eyesight problems when reading computer screens.
Of those UK workers surveyed who reported that eyesight conditions slowed them down doing certain tasks, they lost an average of 41 minutes each day due to slower reading times on computer screens as a result of eyesight problems.
The financial hit to businesses from one employee on an average UK salary (according to the Office of National Statistics) taking 41 minutes extra each day to read a computer screen could be as much as an estimated £3,493.
With around 34 million people in work in the UK, these eyesight problems could result in an estimated up to £21bn worth of lost time for the UK economy every year.
Government legislation mandates employers to provide eye tests for staff who regularly use display screen equipment (DSE) for continuous periods of an hour or more.
Under the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations, employers must not only offer eye tests upon request but also cover the cost of glasses if they require a special prescription for the distance the screen is viewed at and are for DSE use.
This legal framework is a vital step in safeguarding employee wellbeing and productivity, especially as screen time continues to rise in modern workplaces.
Paul Morris, director of professional advancement, Specsavers, said: “For too long eye-care has been a blind spot for businesses.
“The impact of failing to act on eye-care is causing a loss in employee time and productivity.
“Businesses are legally obligated to offer free-eye tests for employees upon request as part of the DSE Regulations. This should not be viewed as a wellness benefit, but as a business benefit.”
