The American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Ocular Trauma found that most people believe that eye injuries occur on the job, at construction sites and factories. But, nearly half of all eye injuries occur in your home. Simple projects like yard work, cooking and cleaning cause more than 40% of eye injuries.

In addition, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, nearly 30,000 sports-related eye injuries are treated in the U.S. emergency rooms each year.

The good news is that 90% of serious eye injuries can be prevented by wearing the appropriate safety eyewear. Non-prescription safety eyewear can be easily found online or in your local hardware or sports equipment stores. Even more, your health plan covers prescription safety glasses for participants (union members with health coverage).

VSP doctor’s ProTec Eyewear® collection is certified according to the ANSI guidelines for impact protection. Under the health plan, participants are allowed prescription safety glasses every 24 months with a $25 copay through VSP providers and Carpenters Wellness Center only. The cost for single, lined bifocal, and lined trifocal lenses is included in the frame copay.

To find a VSP doctor near you, visit vsp.com, or call Carpenters’ Participant Services at 877.232.3863, option 1.