Tradies to look after eyes

Local optometrists are warning tradies in Greater Geelong to look after their eyes and prevent injury on job sites.

August is Tradies Health Awareness Month, and optometrists are revealing three in five (61 per cent) of tradies admit they are wearing sunglasses in place of protective eyewear on site.

Specsavers research also indicated 68 per cent of tradies were witnessing eye injuries or eye safety hazards on site and still putting their eye health at risk.

Waurn Ponds Specsavers optometrist Loc Le said tradespeople need to be vigilant to avoid long term, and often preventable damage.

“Sunglasses are not the right tool for protection against injuries.

“Safety glasses on the worksite are fit for purpose and provide essential eye protection against hazards such as flying debris and dust and even chemical splashes significantly reducing the risk of eye injuries.

“This simple preventative measure can save you from experiencing vision loss from injury or subsequent infection.”

Mr Le said health professionals wanted tradies to know prevention was always better than a cure.

“Getting regular eye tests is important to helping retain quality of vision, now and for years to come. If you are on the worksite, make sure you wear protective glasses.”

Mr Le advised any tradies who have noticed any changes to their eyesight to book an eye test.

The test is bulk billed for all eligible Medicare card holders without optometry restrictions during Tradies Health Awareness Month.