Looking at eye problems

Press, 25 February 1986, Page 24

Looking at eye problems

Vision problems in the modem office will be examined closely at a oneday seminar to be held in Christchurch on March 4. Because of the increased public awareness of office workers’ problems the New Zealand Optometrical Association has decided it is appropriate to share the latest findings on vision in the office environment and is inviting all those concerned about the subject to attend the seminar at the Town Hall.

A panel of optometrists, opthaknologists, physiotherapists and psychologists will speak at the seminar.

Mr John Anstice, a Christchurch optometrist who is one of the organisers of the seminar, said the move from an agricultural to an information economy during tin? last 50 years has resulted in

more vision problems. A small eye complaint, that meant nothing to an agricultural workers, will cause problems for an, office worker doing sustained close-up work. “It is fair to say that working with a visual display unit does not cause eye problems, but exacerbates existing conditions,” said Mr Anstice. The seminar will discuss these problems and then move on to the influence of ergonomics and illumination on visual performance. “The demands of the tast requires good visual habits,” said Mr Anstice. “A lot of problems can be cured by correcting ergonomic problems with the visual display unit.” As well as other optometrists, Mr Anstice has had registrations for the seminar from employer groups, unions, educators and computer users.