Vision tops the list of health concerns for Kiwis

21 February 2013

Vision tops the list of health concerns for Kiwis

The OPSM Future Vision Survey shows New Zealanders care most about their eyesight and want to make sure they can see clearly in the future

Kiwis place a high importance on their eyesight, according to the OPSM Future Vision Survey, with 94% agreeing that seeing the world through their own eyes will always be very important. Nine out of ten also concur that looking after the health of their eyes is essential so they can see in the future.

The survey, commissioned by OPSM to launch Accufit – the latest service technology to find the perfect frames, exclusive to OPSM – also highlighted family and health as the two most valued facets of life for Kiwis. With 87% of us valuing health above career, and more than financial security at 79%, a future with better healthcare is imperative.

"It is apparent from the OPSM Future Vision Survey that New Zealanders are particularly concerned with their health, but are also optimistic that advances in technology will provide us with better healthcare in the future, with 74% of those who are optimistic about the future believing healthcare will be enhanced over the next 80 years," says Professor Paul Spoonley, Research Director at Massey University’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences.

OPSM has been looking after the eyes of Australasians for over 80 years and to mark the Accufit launch OPSM found out what Kiwi’s value and hope for in the next 80 years. 93% of Kiwis think technological advancements in healthcare in the past have improved the accuracy of diagnoses, highlighting a faith in health technology for the future. When asked to look 80 years into the future, Kiwis have said they would most like to see the development of bionic eyes, ensuring they don't lose their sight or the clarity of their vision. The same study carried out in Australia found that our friends across the Tasman would prefer to see artificial hearts over bionic eyes, although both Kiwis and Aussies agree that human cloning is the least preferred technological health advancement.

In a similar vein, Kiwis would most like to see glasses that increase vision or allow you to see in the dark being offered in the future, ahead of things like digital wallets, 3D printers, invisibility cloaks and non-melting ice.

"It is interesting to see that Kiwis have very clear preferences for future products that improve their health, and also have focused on realistic needs over fantastical or whimsical wants, opting for glasses to enhance eyesight over things like invisibility cloaks and x-ray glasses to see through things. We are keenly aware of how important our eyesight and eye health is," adds Professor Spoonley.

Matthew Whiting, National Eyecare Manager for OPSM New Zealand offered some advice for Kiwis who care about their eye health.

"The survey results show Kiwis placed importance on looking after their eyesight – key to this is regular visits to your Optometrist to. Additionally with the new Accufit at OPSM’s, which is a state of the art service technology that measures facial features, we can ensure the optimum placement of prescription lenses in your frames. Many people do not know that if you wear ill-fitting glasses; your eyes may feel sore and tired. Poorly placed lenses can also cause headaches and make you feel nauseous.” says Mr Whiting.

Today marks the launch of Accufit in New Zealand. Accufit is the first of its kind in Australasia and enables OPSM staff to improve and customise every aspect of service for individual customers. It ensures accuracy when determining prescription placement on the lens but also offers a lens simulator so you can really see the difference in the types of lenses available and a virtual mirror which gives customers the ability to see themselves in four different glasses at the same time.

The complimentary Accufit service is being offered at OPSM stores nationwide. For more information on Accufit visit www.opsm.co.nz/accufit or head to your local OPSM store.

OPSM Future Vision Survey findings (Click here for an infographic)
• The two most important things Kiwis value is their family (1st) and their health (2nd). Those aged 50+ are more likely to value their health the most
• Those who currently wear prescription lens glasses (21%) are more likely to rank bionic eyes as the most desired technological advancement compared with those who do not wear glasses (13%)
• Those who wear prescription lens glasses (41%) are more likely to rank glasses that allow you to see in the dark as the most desired product they would like in the future compared with those who do not wear glasses (27%)
• When thinking about what the world will be like in 80 years’ time, the average New Zealander believes the retirement age will be 69
• 93% agree that technological advancements in healthcare in the past have improved the accuracy of diagnoses.

About the OPSM Future Vision Survey
The survey was conducted among 1,005 New Zealanders aged 18 years and over. The survey was conducted online amongst members of a permission based panel from throughout New Zealand, including both capital and non-capital city areas. Fieldwork was finalised on Friday 1 February, 2013. At completion the data was weighted to the latest population estimates sourced from Statistics New Zealand.

About OPSM
OPSM is a leading eye care and eyewear retailer and has been looking after the eyes of Australians for 80 years. Part of Luxottica Group, a global eyewear company with over 7,000 retail stores and presence across 130 countries, OPSM has close to 400 stores in Australia and New Zealand and helps more than one million Australians see more clearly each year.

Through its Optometrists, world class technology and exceptional service, OPSM’s goal is to raise the standard of eye health and eye care. In addition to its eye care services, OPSM is renowned for its unrivalled and exclusive range of optical frames and sunglasses from international brands to suit all budgets.

About Luxottica Asia Pacific
Across Asia Pacific, Luxottica has more than 1,000 retail stores under the brands OPSM, Sunglass Hut, Laubman & Pank, Budget Eyewear, Bright Eyes and Just Specs. The company employs close to 5,000 people across Australia and New Zealand. Additional information is available at www.luxottica.com.au

ENDS

© Scoop Media