Eyes R Us Optometrist Mackay are a business based in the Northern Queensland town that has been driven by the mining boom for the past decade. They have seen the rise in workers regularly appearing for an Eye test to ensure that their Eye health is properly maintained.
The conditions and environment that coal workers work in presents diverse and challenging circumstances that can effect not only the health of the workers vision but their health in general.
It is a little known fact that the moving between a dark environment into sunny conditions exposes your eyes to harmful UVA and UVB rays that can cause damaged in a number of different ways. Add to this the constant exposure to dust and coal fragments and coal workers eyes are taking on far more adversity than the average worker.
Speaking with the head Optometrist at Eyes R Us not only about how he treats and helps a long list of coal workers but also how his business is now surviving the mining down turn made for an interesting conversation.
The Doctor explained, “Coal workers and miners in general in the past few years are required to adhere to very strict workplace Health and Safety regulations that included Eye protection procedures, however even with these measures their Eyes are still exposed to adverse conditions that the general public aren’t”
“Miners now appear more regularly at our clinic to get Eye tests so that any adverse effects can be counteracted before they become more serious.”
“We have seen that workers presenting at our clinic have a range of conditions that we have treated with simple procedures such as glasses or contact lenses right through to having them referred to an Eye Specialist for more extreme cases.” he went on to explain.
When asked about how his business was surviving with the downturn his reaction wasn’t as positive.
“Mackay as a town was not as hassling with activity as it was at the height of the mining boom. Patients that we saw on a yearly bases have dropped off in numbers. Basically the miners that have been laid off have left the region and moved on. Our patient numbers have fallen dramatically and business in now far tougher than it has been in the past.” he said.
“While there will always be a need for good Optometrists to service the needs of the general public we are now challenge to deliver a high quality service offering at a reduced cost to be competitive in the market. With the miners leaving Mackay the business is also leaving. We will struggle through the tough times and hopefully we will see another resurgence some time soon.”
You can find Eyes R Us Optometrist at:
Shop 122, Mt Pleasant Shopping Centre Phillip Street Mt Pleasant Mackay QLD 4740
Phone: (07) 4942 5266
Website: eyesrus.com.au
Facebook: www.facebook.com/EyesrusMackay