Shooting Sports USA has published an informative article covering prescription eyewear for shooters. In The Right Rx for Aging Eyes, writer Chris Christian reviews vision issues with Doctor of Optometry Alexis Rodriguez. Christian notes that many shooters have difficulty focusing on their sights as their eyes age. Even if you use scopes more of the time, we recommend you read this article, which explains the physiology (and bio-mechanics) of human vision.

Shooters experience vision issues as they get older, explained Dr. Rodriguez: “Presbyopia is the medical term that describes the natural deterioration of the eyes with age.” As people get older, the ability of the eyes to focus on near objects is diminished, due to the loss of elasticity of the crystalline lens inside the eye and the gradual deterioration of the ciliary muscles that help in bending the lens to focus. Rodriguez says the first symptoms usually occur around age 40, although some will experience them later. This normally starts with blurriness when looking at close objects. From that first point, this natural deterioration will continue to worsen until around the age of 65, where it normally stabilizes, and virtually all elasticity of focus is gone.

To overcome focus problems associated with aging eyes, Dr. Rodriguez often recommends a modified bifocal design for shooters. The lower insert is set to the shooter’s Sight Distance (SD) instead of a standard “reading” distance and the insert lens is moved upwards in the lens to a point in line with the bottom of the pupil. This allows the shooter to maintain a constant head position to access the lower lens and reduces image jump.

READ Full Article on Vision Correction for Shooters at SSUSA.org

The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) has launched a health plan for employers and employees in the gun industry. The new Firearms Industry Health Advantage plan allows businesses to upgrade their in-place employee benefits with a low-cost, non-traditional benefit program. Designed to save both time and money when non-life-threatening minor illnesses and injuries occur, the Health Advantage utilizes board-certified doctors to diagnose and treat patients 24/7 via telephone or the live-chat features on computers, tablets and other smart devices. This can help beneficiaries get treatment faster, with fewer hassles and delays.

Firearm Industry Health Advantage Plan
This plan saves employees time and money with 24/7 access to a doctor by phone or online video consult. Smarter Benefits for Smarter Living:

— On demand healthcare – whenever, wherever in the United States.
— U.S. board-certified doctors with an average 15 years practice experience.
— Get diagnosis, treatment options and prescription if necessary.
— Consultations for all ages – from children to seniors.
— 24/7 access by phone or online video consult.
— 16 minutes average call back time.