£21bn estimated hit to economy from eyesight problems slowing down workers

£21bn estimated hit to economy from eyesight problems slowing down workers

UK workers struggling to read computer screens due to eyesight problems could be costing the economy up to an estimated £21.4bn each year, according to new research from Specsavers.

The research 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 those surveyed 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.

Based on the research conducted, it would seem that compared to the average aged worker, middle-aged employees (those 45-54) are more likely to lose working time reading computer screens as a result of eyesight problems. Almost a quarter (23%) of those surveyed workers aged 45-54 reported tasks taking them longer due to either blurred vision, light sensitivity or double vision.

The same age group was also among the most likely to take longer reading a phone or tablet screen. One in five (21%) of those workers aged 45-54 reported this issue, compared to almost less than one in 10 (8%) of younger employees aged 16-24.

Presbyopia is one of the most commons causes of blurry close-up vision as people get older. This condition usually becomes noticeable in your 40s, but it can show up earlier or later. It is vital employees continue to get their eyes tested throughout their career, and in particular in their middle-ages. Some of the symptoms mentioned in the questions asked as part of this survey are also symptoms of presbyopia.

Business growth and productivity could be hindered by managerial level employees taking longer to carry out basic tasks as a result of eyesight problems.

Of those surveyed almost three in 10 (29%) of business owners*, over one in five C-level executives (22%) and more than one in six intermediate managers (18%) reported tasks taking them longer each day when reading a computer screen. These managerial role employees are more likely than entry level employees (13%) to suffer eyesight problems causing tasks taking them longer when reading screens on a computer.

A staggering nearly one in seven (14%) of employees surveyed reported changes in eyesight affect their ability to work. This rises dramatically among staff in businesses. Just under three in 10 (30%) of business owners, one in five (20%) C-Level executives and just over one in five (21%) senior management professionals reported changes in eyesight affecting their work.

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, says: ‘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. It is particularly worrying to see our country’s managers and business leaders being slowed down from carrying out the most basic tasks.

‘Employees can be at most risk from blurry vision as they get older and may need glasses for the first time in their life. In particular, presbyopia, that is the most common cause of blurry vision, usually becomes more noticeable in your 40s onwards.

‘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.