Australians underestimate UV risks

February 27, 2020 Staff reporters

Optometry Australia’s 2020 Vision Index reveals only 58% of Australians own a pair of UV protective sunglasses.  

Worryingly, the 2020 Vision Index found almost one in 10 Australians does not know UV protective sunglasses exist, whilst 30% believe they are unnecessary. Expense followed by style were the most common reasons given by respondents for not owning UV protective sunglasses 

To encourage more people to wear shades, Optometry Australia said it welcomes Cancer Council of Australia’s addition of “seek” (shade) and “slide” (on a pair of sunglasses) to its familiar sun smart mantra ‘Slip-Slop-Slap’.