MATTAWA — Most of us spend a minimum of eight hours in the work setting every day. We probably started working in our early 20s and will continue working until retirement age.

That’s a lot of hours spent at work. Depending on what type of work we do, we may have exposed our eyes to flying objects, tools, particles, chemicals, radiation and/or a combination of all of the above.

Most of us also spend a lot of time on a computer – at work and also at home. That’s a lot of wear and tear on our eyes!

CBHA has eye clinics in Othello, Mattawa, and Connell. Our area economy revolves around agriculture and its associated industries.

There are hundreds of chemicals, machines, hand tools, power tools and other miscellaneous items in our workplaces that can cause eye injuries.

“Taking care of our eyes should always by a priority while we are working,” said Alex Bountharath, CBHA EyeCare business manager. “Many eye injuries are irreversible and can be permanent.”

Bountharath has been working with area businesses in their efforts to help employees acquire eye protection safety equipment that can be used while working.

“We are currently contracted with Vision Service Plan in Othello to cover prescription safety lenses and hope to expand this contract to Connell and Mattawa soon,” Bountharath said. “Some area businesses also provide safety glasses protection for their workers who wear corrective lenses and are also required to use ANSI approved industrial safety glasses with side shields.”

CBHA has expanded the styles and types of safety eyewear protection. There are different colors and shapes. Regulatory standards dictate what is required, and CBHA features eyewear that meets these requirements.

Bountharath can be reached at 509-488-5256 for more information.

“We want to meet with interested companies and help meet their needs.”