The Enhancement Of Optometric Practice Through Occupational Optometry.

The National Society for the Prevention of Blindness estimates that 90% of eye injuries are preventable. As occupational optometrist's we can have a significant role in providing primary preventive vision care. "The direct cost of a single employee losing one eye ranges from about $40,000 to $115,000. Workers' compensation laws have the loss of one eye
ranging from $5,699 to $157,685, depending on the state." In the industrial setting there are a variety of health care issues. Each of these issues must be addressed individually to
provide the optimal working environment for the employee. Ocular health is one of these concerns. The role of the optometrist in industry is an important one. The knowledge the practitioner can provide concerning eyecare is highly beneficial to the employer. The expertise in the area of ocular health serves to maintain a safe and efficient work environment in order to prevent such tragedy to both the employee and employer.