John’s Story: How Prescription Safety Eyewear Saved His Sight

John*, a Project Manager in water transfer and treatment, has worked in construction and oil & gas for over 30 years. Safety has always been part of his job. One unexpected incident showed him just how critical the right protective gear can be.

*Name changed for privacy.

 

The Incident

It was the end of a workday at a local job site. John and his team were packing up equipment when a pedestrian slipped through the construction barriers. Before anyone could react, the individual picked up a hammer and struck John in the face.

“It happened so fast,” John recalls. “I turned around and felt a blow to the head. I dropped to my knees, in shock.”

His coworker rushed to help as blood poured from the wound and obscured his vision. Emergency services were called immediately. Police apprehended the assailant, who now faces aggravated assault charges.

 

The Difference that Safety Eyewear Made

At the time of the attack, John was wearing prescription safety eyeglasses obtained through his employer’s Eyesafe program. The hammer hit squarely in the middle of his right lens, the impact driving the glass of his lens into his forehead. John suffered a broken nose, a concussion, and needed seven stitches above his right eye. But his vision was intact.

“Other than a couple of scratches, the lenses didn’t break,” John says. “If I’d been wearing regular glasses, I probably would have lost my right eye.”

 

Comfort and Compliance

About 30-40% of workers at John’s company require vision correction. For these employees, dedicated prescription safety eyewear is essential. Unlike wearing regular glasses under bulky goggles, prescription safety glasses provide a single, comfortable solution for both vision and protection. They reduce pressure points, prevent fogging, and are built to withstand impact and harsh work environments. When PPE is comfortable, workers are far more likely to wear it consistently.

John has used prescription safety eyewear for years and values its durability and practicality. “They’re comfortable enough to wear all day,” he explains. “You don’t even think about them, and that’s the point. If PPE is easy to wear, people will actually use it.”

His investment in high-quality prescription safety eyewear paid off in the most unexpected way. “I bought these glasses over a year ago. They’re part of our mandatory PPE, and as a manager, I make sure my team wears theirs. This incident reinforced why.”

 

A Lesson in Safety

This experience has sparked renewed safety conversations across John’s company. John’s story proves that you can’t predict every hazard, but you can control how prepared you are.

For John, the takeaway is simple. Make wearing PPE a habit. “It should be the first thing you do when you get to the worksite.”

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John’s story is a powerful reminder that investing in dedicated prescription safety eyewear isn’t just about compliance. It’s about protecting what matters most.

If you’re unsure where to start or have questions about the best prescription safety eyewear for your team, Eyesafe is here to help. Our program is designed to support employees in selecting and implementing the right protective eyewear solutions for their workforce. From material selection to regulatory compliance, we’ll guide you every step of the way.