New Survey Reveals the Need to "Think About Your Eyes" this World Sight Day
While Most Americans Value Sight, Survey Finds Eye Health Not Viewed as Part of their Overall Health
ALEXANDRIA, Va., Oct. 9, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- A new survey from Think About Your Eyes reveals the vast majority of Americans (71 percent) say they prioritize their eye health, yet very few (29 percent) include a comprehensive eye exam as part of their annual health routine.
In fact, over half (56 percent) of those surveyed admit they should visit the eye doctor more than they do now. It appears common misperceptions as to the importance of a comprehensive annual eye exam may be a factor. For example, among those that did not visit an eye doctor in the past year, one-third say the primary reason they didn't go is because their vision is "fine."
"Even if your vision seems 'fine,' making time for an annual comprehensive eye exam is so important," said Jon Torrey, Executive Director, Think About Your Eyes. "During an exam, your doctor will check for more than just your contacts or glasses prescription – they'll check for indicators of eye disease, assess how your eyes work together as a team and evaluate your eyes as an indicator of your overall health."
Americans also value their vision when it comes to experiencing life and recalling memorable moments, according to the survey. Nearly half (48 percent) of respondents said the best way to relive a memorable moment or life event is to look at a picture or watch a video of it. Additionally, 84 percent say capturing moments and memories with photos is important to them.
To celebrate World Sight Day, Think About Your Eyes is partnering with photography and lifestyle Instagram influencers who are encouraging Americans to share photos of those special moments with the hashtag #ThinkAboutYourEyes. As an extension of the campaign, sight-seeing locations around the country – in Denver, Austin, Charleston, Portland and Nashville – will feature tips for capturing the perfect photo as well as facts about the importance of eye health.
"As underscored by our survey, there's a need for education around the importance of getting an annual comprehensive eye exam, and that's the key mission of our campaign," said Torrey. "To celebrate World Sight Day on October 12, we encourage everyone to visit ThinkAboutYourEyes.com to find a doctor near you and join the conversation with the hashtag #ThinkAboutYourEyes."
To schedule an eye exam or for more information, visit www.thinkaboutyoureyes.com or Think About Your Eyes on Facebook and Twitter.
Methodology
Propeller Insights conducted the research via an online survey of 2,027 American adults aged 18 and older, from Sept. 11 to 14, 2017.
About Think About Your Eyes
Think About Your Eyes is a national public awareness initiative in partnership with the American Optometric Association, focused on educating consumers about the importance of vision health and annual comprehensive eye exams. Current partners include Alcon, The Vision Council, American Optometric Association, All About Vision, GUNNAR Optiks, Jobson Optical Group, National Vision, Inc. (NVI), SpecialEyes, SPY, Hilco, Walman Optical, Transitions, Shamir, Chemistrie Eyewear, Essilor, Luxottica Group, Eschenbach, Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, First Vision Media Group, International Vision Expo and Westgroupe. For more information, visit www.thinkaboutyoureyes.com.
Media Relations: GOLIN, Katie Hull, [email protected], 312.729.4197
SOURCE Think About Your Eyes
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