Most Americans don’t realize that they need eye tests. To help raise awareness on the importance of regular check-ups, online eyewear brand EyeBuyDirect has decided to launch its very first Subway Sight Test on the Boston subway starting from April 1st, 2019. Now people using the MBTA will be able to determine whether or not they should visit an eye doctor, simply by looking at the mock-eye test opposite their seat on the train. By placing ads on the subway we aim to reach the busy commuter, offering an interesting way for individuals to understand their eye health and encourage them to seek further help from an optometrist if necessary.

So if you’re around the Boston area and you’re not sure if it’s time to see an eye doctor hop on the closest train and look out for our ads!

Millennials Could Be Putting Their Eyesight at Risk

EyeBuyDirect recently conducted a survey learn how aware Boston’s population is of issues concerning their eyesight. The study found that 49% didn’t know they should have their eyes tested once every two years.

What’s more worrying, though, is how little people know of the signs of deteriorating vision. Millennials in the Boston area are not associating a wide range of symptoms with declining eyesight, including double vision (50%), loss of peripheral vision (46%), and light or black flashing spots and ‘sensitivity to light’ (59%).

The top three reasons Boston millennials gave for not getting their eyes tested were cost, a busy lifestyle, and not thinking there’s an issue with their eyesight. In addition to this, 12% couldn’t recall their last test.

These kinds of statistics are exactly the reason EyeBuyDirect is using its ads on the Boston subway to raise awareness around these issues and the importance of eye tests.

Common Misconceptions Around Eye Tests

MYTH #1: Eye examinations simply test your vision

False: Optometrists are trained to do more than just check the quality of your vision. On top of testing whether you’d benefit from glasses or contact lenses, they’re also required to check the health of your eyes. This means they can determine if you may be suffering from an undiagnosed eye condition, such as macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease or glaucoma.

MYTH #2 Eye examinations are time-consuming

False: Professional eye examinations should take no longer than an hour, and in some cases can be as short as 30 minutes.

MYTH #3 Eye examinations are hard to access

False: Eye testing is widely available all over America. You’ll be surprised how easy it is to find somewhere local to you. To find your nearest eye doctor, use our handy tool. For those who believe eye examinations are expensive, VISIONUSA runs a program which funds low-income families access to eye examinations and supports them financially when they receive their prescription. This is a plan that EyeBuyDirect heavily supports, as we believe every individual has a right to healthy eyes.

The Importance of Healthy Eyesight

Here at EyeBuyDirect, we want to change the way the world sees- either by protecting or improving vision. According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), it is recommended that adults aged 18-65 should have an eye examination every two years, and adults aged 65 and above should be examined yearly. With vision problems affecting over 25 million Americans, EyeBuyDirect has put together some informative tips and advice to help America on its journey to healthy vision.

When Should You Seek an Eye Test?

While it is recommended that American adults should have an eye examination every 1-2 years, if you are suffering from any of the following symptoms we recommend you visit your local optometrist or doctor as soon as possible to prevent long-term damage to your vision:

  • Tired eyes
  • Difficulty focusing on objects
  • Light or black flashing spots
  • Double vision
  • Loss of peripheral (side) vision
  • Loss of vision
  • Excessive watery eyes
  • Pain or redness in or around the eyes
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Changing the color of the eye
  • Swollen or encrusted lids

Although these are obvious symptoms, many vision problems have no clear warning signs, meaning individuals are unaware they need treatment. While visiting an eye clinic may not be at the top of your priority list if you aren’t suffering from symptoms, here at EyeBuyDirect, we cannot stress enough the importance of having your eyes examined at least every two years. By doing this you ensure that a trained optometrist has checked for any health conditions which may be displaying symptoms too subtle to notice and provide you with the appropriate treatment.

Disclaimer

The Subway Sight Test is not a medical test and is not intended to replace a visit to an eye care professional. The Subway Sight Test is designed to raise awareness around eye health and the importance of eyesight examinations only. EyeBuyDirect does not intend to diagnose any eye conditions or otherwise and will not give any advice or treatments in relation to the results of the Subway Sight Test. This campaign and any materials associated with it are intended to give a convenient and accessible way for individuals to consider the health of their eyes. If you believe that you may have any eyesight issues you should consult an eye care professional before making any changes in regard to you eye health.

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