When Your Eyes are Safe, You Learn More

Superspecs Safety Goggles Serve as Critical Equipment in the Vocational Classroom

Thousands of high-school students are gearing up for the upcoming school year, including the many that attend vocational schools. Career-Technical Education is available at every public high school in the state of Ohio, preparing students for careers in the field of nursing, automotive services, welding, and more. We know safety is top of mind for every parent, student and educator these days, but for vocational programs, practicing eye safety habits has always been a priority. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, about 2,000 U.S. workers sustain job-related eye injuries every day that require medical treatment.

Chemicals, projectiles of wood, metal, dust, and even infectious diseases or bloodborne pathogens can all be common eye hazards experienced in the workplace. Trade occupations, such as construction, carpentry, auto repair, plumbing, and even healthcare workers (especially in a laboratory setting) are all susceptible to said injuries.

However, according to the Ohio Ophthalmological Society, 90 percent of eye injuries can be prevented by wearing protective eye gear. That’s where Superspecs comes into play.

True, it starts with quality eye protective gear, but for us, it’s more than just wearing the goggles. It’s about promoting learned behavior so very vital in the vocational classroom. Because for youth, constant safety measures practiced in the classroom lead to important life-long habits that must be applied their entire career.

The Ohio Ophthalmological Society’s Superspecs Vocational Eye Safety Program works with Ohio vocational programs to prevent eye injuries by donating industrial-grade safety glasses free of charge. Our goal is to serve as many schools as possible. This academic year, we will serve nearly 60 vocational schools throughout the state, shipping more than 19,000 pieces of equipment valuing more than $75,000. The glasses are durable, comfortable and long-lasting. Oftentimes, students keep their Superspecs to use in the real-world work setting after graduation.

Do you know a vocational school that could benefit from our program?

Applications will open on April 2, 2021 for the 2021-2022 academic year. Sign up HERE to receive notifications.

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This work is funded either in whole or in part by a grant awarded by the Ohio Department of Health, Bureau of Maternal, Child and Family Health, Save Our Sight and as a sub-award of a grant issued by the Ohio Department of Health under the Save Our Sight program.