The American Optometric Association’s Nationwide Awareness Campaign, Eye Deserve More, Aims to Bring Awareness to Healthy Screen Time Practices
Healthy vision cannot be taken for granted. With the increase of online and app-based vision services, the American Optometric Association’s (AOA) nationwide public awareness campaign, Eye Deserve More, is making waves and reinforcing that every American deserves comprehensive eye care from a doctor of optometry as a part of their overall health and well-being.
There are more than 227 million Americans who play video games1 and with gaming and screen time on the rise, so is the risk for long-term implications for people’s eye health. AOA’s 2022 Gamer Survey results revealed, the average gamer spends more than 8 hours a day on screens and has experienced various eye-related symptoms from gaming, including eye strain, headaches, dry eyes, and blurred vision. Many gamers are aware of the eye health implications for long-term screen time usage, but less than half (46%) visit a health care professional for a comprehensive eye exam every year.
To highlight the importance of in-person, comprehensive eye care, AOA teamed up with several influencers, including actor, singer and avid gamer Jordan Fisher, professional gamer, Aruuu, and top players in the gaming industry. Together, they are letting people know that AOA doctors can help patients enjoy all the gaming, scrolling, and streaming they love– ensuring Americans get checked offline to stay healthy online.
In addition to celebrity and gamer partnerships, the AOA launched The Screen Time Alliance, a first-of-its-kind collaboration with major gaming and entertainment industry leaders. Each alliance member pledges to prioritize the eye health through software/hardware innovation and education to reinforce that everyone deserves more quality health care.
The campaign also features a range of exciting initiatives including:
Want to join AOA in championing annual eye exams and bring more people in for their comprehensive eye care? Learn more by visiting aoa.org/eyedeservemore. Be sure to follow AOA on Facebook and Instagram!