Vancouver, October 2, 2007 – Statistics recently released by WorkSafeBC reveal that eye injuries in key industries like construction and machining are still on the rise, a situation that is reflected in optometrists’ offices across the province. 

“This year, I saw about 30 work-related injuries, mostly carpenters, welders or machinists,” says New Westminster optometrist Dr. Ashifa Nurani.  Dr. Nurani cautions that many workers don’t understand the real workplace risks.  “Workers in these industries often worry about moving machinery parts or objects hurtling through the air, but the majority of eye injuries are caused by airborne particles that are practically invisible.”

People who work in manufacturing and lab environments are the second most common category of worker Dr. Nurani treats for eye injuries, with injuries often related to handling chemicals without wearing proper safety glasses, a face shield or working at a hooded workstation. 

“Many of our patients with work-related injuries never thought they’d get injured or figured that seemingly minor injuries wouldn’t result in reduced vision,” says Dr. Nurani.  “These misconceptions can lead to serious consequences if eye injuries are left untreated.”

In 2006, claims due to eye injury in the workplace cost more than $4.5 million, and resulted in over 17,000 workdays lost.

The British Columbia Association of Optometrists created its Occupational Vision Plan to help employers reduce these numbers. Because many workers aren’t aware of the hazards in their workplace environment, Dr. Nurani recommends safety officers give presentations to employees in high-risk occupations every six months, to keep eye safety at the top of employees’ minds.

While the number of work-related eye injuries has increased steadily since 2002, the number of days lost due to injury has held steady and pay-outs have actually declined, suggesting that eye injuries sustained on the job were less severe. Wearing proper eye safety glasses could decrease these numbers even further.

The B.C. Association of Optometrists represents 436 optometrists working in more than 100 communities throughout the province. The association strives to maintain the highest standards of professional skill and knowledge among optometrists, is dedicated to promoting eye health awareness among the public and is a vigilant voice on issues affecting the eye care and general health of British Columbians.  The Occupational Vision Plan is an employee eye safety program operated by the B.C. Association of Optometrists.

For more information on eye health, or to locate an optometrist near you, visit www.whatcouldbemoreimportant.com or check out www.ovp.bc.ca

For more information, contact:

Sarah Burgess, media relations, 604.623.3007