Published: 1 March 2026 | Updated: 28 September 2026 | Author: Smart Vision Optometry
Editorial and clinical update — 28 September 2026: This article retains its original news/interview structure and attributed quotations for editorial integrity. Adult visual-comfort care should be based on identified needs and realistic goals. It should not promise greater productivity, prevention of refractive progression or guaranteed outcomes. One patient-outcome style quotation from the original article remains withheld pending AHPRA testimonial/compliance review. Current sourced guidance is provided below and should be relied on where older wording differs.
The Modern Visual Challenge
In today’s digital‑intensive world, vision isn’t just about seeing in the distance — it’s about managing screens, near‑work, mixed lighting, multiple devices, extended hours and fatigue. At Smart Vision Optometry (SVO), the emphasis is shifting to vision‑wellness for adults who live in a visually demanding era.
Gary Rodney, founder and creator of Smart Vision Optometry, Master of Optometry, Behavioural Optometrist and Fellow of the International Academy of Orthokeratology and Myopia Control (FIAOMC) remarks: “Our visual environment has changed dramatically — we need care that reflects those changes, not outdated models.”
Jacquie Gattegno, Orthokeratologist and Principal Optometrist at Eyes InDesign Smart Vision Optometry Bondi adds: “Digital eye fatigue, postural strain, combined near‑far demands — these are common, yet often overlooked. We build wellness programmes to tackle them directly.”
Digital Vision & Adult Visual Demands
Emerging research shows extended near‑work, screen use, glare exposure, poor ergonomic setups and insufficient breaks contribute to visual fatigue, dry eye, focusing difficulties and potentially increased myopia progression in adults.
Gary emphasises: “Correcting vision is no longer enough — we need to manage vision comfort, performance, environment and behaviour as a whole system.”
Jacquie states: “Adults often ignore or adapt around visual discomfort rather than addressing it. That means performance and quality of life may suffer.”
SVO’s Adult Digital‑Ergonomic Wellness Programme
Detailed Functional Vision & Ergonomic Assessment
The process begins with a full visual and environmental assessment. Gary says: “We assess visual clarity, focusing stability, binocular vision, eye‑movement speed and endurance, contrast sensitivity, visual fatigue response, plus screen‑ergonomics, lighting, posture and device use.”
Jacquie expands: “We delve into your day: how many hours you work, screens you use, reading vs online, lighting at home and work, break habits and outdoor time. The plan must fit you and your environment.”
Customised Wellness Plan
Based on findings, the SVO team designs a plan. Gary says: “It may include specially‑designed progressive spectacles or contact lenses for mixed near/far use, specialised coatings for screen‑glare, orthokeratology for freedom from glasses in leisure, visual‑training exercises, screen‑behaviour coaching, postural advice and scheduling outdoor visual breaks.”
Jacquie emphasises: “We also provide ergonomics guidance: lighting, monitor height, sit‑stand desks, visual‑break scheduling. The vision system and environment work together.”
Monitoring, Adaptation and Lifestyle Integration
Visual wellness is ongoing. Gary says: “We review your visual performance, comfort, fatigue levels and adjust lenses, training or environment accordingly.”
Jacquie states: “We integrate the plan into your daily routine — vision wellness is seamless. It’s not an extra chore, it’s part of how you live and work.”
Benefits & Outcomes
Reduced Visual Fatigue, Enhanced Comfort
Gary agrees: “When vision demands are managed holistically, clients feel greater control and less compromise.”
Improved Work Productivity & Quality of Life
Better visual comfort and performance translate into real‑world impact — fewer errors, better concentration, smoother transitions between tasks and devices. Jacquie says: “When your vision fits your lifestyle, you don’t have to think about it — you just operate at your best.”
Gary agrees: “Vision enters the background and supports your goals instead of limiting them.”
Long‑Term Visual Wellness
By addressing adult visual demands proactively, SVO helps reduce the risk of strain‑related issues, progression of refractive error, and the cascade of visual‑fatigue‑related compensation (like posture change, muscular fatigue, headaches). Jacquie says: “It’s a forward‑looking plan, not just a reactive one.”
Gary concludes: “We’re building visual resilience, not just immediate relief.”
Practical Advice for Adults
- Schedule a comprehensive visual‑wellness assessment if you spend long hours on screens, switch rapidly between tasks, feel recurrent visual fatigue or have poor ergonomics.
- Ask about full functional vision testing plus environment/ergonomic review.
- Confirm your plan addresses lenses/coatings, training/exercises, environment and lifestyle.
- Commit to monitoring and adjusting as your workload or devices change.
- Support outdoor time, screen‑breaks, good lighting and posture.
Why Choose an Individualised Digital‑Ergonomic Vision Plan?
Gary says: “Generic glasses or standard screen breaks won’t address the complexity of modern visual demands. We tailor your vision system, your environment and your habits.”
Jacquie expands: “We partner with you in your day‑to‑day life — work, screens, home, leisure. That’s how meaningful wellness happens.”
With SVO you’re not just correcting vision — you’re optimising it for the modern world.
Getting Started
If you’re managing heavy screen loads, mixed‑distance tasks, frequent visual fatigue or ergonomic strain — it’s time to upgrade your vision care.
Explore wellness programmes here: Personalised Wellness Treatment Plans.Step into vision care that supports your life and work. Book an appointment, or call the Bondi clinic on (02) 9365 5047 or the Mosman clinic on (02) 9969 1600.
Current evidence and clinical context
Small practical changes may be worth discussing, especially if the setup encourages leaning forward, awkward viewing or glare. Penn Medicine’s computer vision guidance includes workstation factors and the role of an eye examination.
Related reading
eye-strain guide for study and work; dry and watery eyes article; home-working guide.
Frequently asked questions
Does every adult need a visual-training programme?
No. Any programme should follow appropriate assessment and address a specific identified problem, with clear goals and review.
Can a comfort plan guarantee better productivity?
No. Comfort goals can be discussed and reviewed, but work performance has many influences and cannot be guaranteed by eye care.
What should I ask before starting a personalised plan?
Ask about the findings, purpose, alternatives, expected benefits, risks, costs, daily requirements and review schedule.
Discuss an assessment
Explore our digital eye strain service and contact the Bondi Beach practice or Mosman practice to discuss your symptoms and an appropriate appointment.
