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National Contact Lens Health Week 2025: See Well, Live Well

What is R U OK? Day?

On Thursday September 11th, the annual R U OK? Day campaign returns to remind us that checking in on one another should be part of everyday life, not just reserved for times of crisis.

R U OK? is a not-for-profit suicide prevention charity with a mission to encourage all Australians to regularly reach out to friends, family and colleagues. By noticing changes, asking with genuine care and listening without judgment, we can help create stronger support networks and reassure people that they don’t have to struggle alone.

The day is about more than asking a single question. It’s about encouraging open and meaningful conversations about mental health and fostering a culture where people feel safe to share what’s really going on.

How to Get Involved

Have you noticed someone you care about isn’t quite themselves? Maybe they seem withdrawn, agitated or unable to concentrate? Trust your instincts and take the time to open a conversation.

  1. Ask R U OK?
    It’s important to choose a private, comfortable location and ensure you have enough time to properly listen. Be relaxed, friendly, and avoid criticism or confrontation if they’re not ready to talk.
  2. Listen
    Give them your full attention. Take what they share seriously, show empathy, and resist the urge to interrupt or rush. If silence stretches out, allow it. Encourage them to explain their feelings, and check you’ve understood by reflecting back what you’ve heard.
  3. Encourage Action
    You might ask: “What have you done in the past to manage something like this?” or “How would you like me to support you?” If someone has been feeling low for more than two weeks, encourage professional help and reassure them that seeking support is a positive step.
  4. Check In
    One chat is rarely enough. Make a plan to follow up in a couple of weeks (or sooner if needed) and ask how they’ve been coping since your last conversation. Even if nothing has changed, your genuine care and willingness to listen can mean a lot.

The Link Between Mental Health and Eye Disease

Eye health and mental health are closely connected. Research consistently shows that vision loss affects not only daily functioning but also emotional wellbeing. A recent CDC study found that 1 in 4 adults with vision loss reported symptoms of anxiety or depression.

This emotional toll can come from both the distress of poor vision itself and the lifestyle changes it brings. Reduced independence, frustration with everyday tasks, and withdrawal from social or work activities often contribute to loneliness and depression. Children with vision problems can also face setbacks at school and with friends, putting their self-esteem and mental health at risk.

For older adults, worsening vision has also been linked to suicidal ideation, particularly as impairment becomes more severe. Conditions such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) have been associated with rates of depression symptoms as high as 44%, while glaucoma’s slow progression can cause chronic stress, poor sleep, and even signs of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Even seemingly less severe issues, like dry eye, can significantly reduce quality of life due to constant discomfort that interferes with work and leisure.

Looking after your eyes is not just about physical health but also a vital part of overall wellbeing. If you’re concerned about your vision, consider booking an appointment with an experienced independent optometrist through the through the Island Optical website today.

Every Day is R U OK? Day

While September 11th is an important reminder, the conversation shouldn’t stop there. Every day is an opportunity to ask the question, listen genuinely and strengthen the relationships that keep us connected.

By having regular, meaningful conversations, we not only create a safer home, workplace and community but also build the kind of informal networks that can notice when someone is struggling and step in before the crisis point.

For more resources and advice on recognising the signs, visit ruok.org.au.

References:

Australian & New Zealand Mental Health Association, The Mind-Eye Connection: Exploring The Link Between Mental Health And Eye Health. https://anzmh.asn.au/blog/the-mind-eye-connection-exploring-the-link-between-mental-health-and-eye-health

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, About Vision Loss and Mental Health. https://www.cdc.gov/vision-health/about-eye-disorders/vision-loss-mental-health.html

Demmin DL, Silverstein SM, Visual Impairment and Mental Health: Unmet Needs and Treatment Options. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7721280/#s0002

R U OK? ruok.org.au

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