Johnson & Johnson, a global leader in eye health, has partnered with Australian Academy Award–nominated actress, producer, and entrepreneur Ms Naomi Watts to change the conversation about vision.
In a statement, the company said it was working with Watts to encourage simple, practical steps such as routine eye checks and reframing eyecare as part of holistic healthy aging, so that it became an easy and empowering part of daily self-care.
Findings from a new global survey confirm that while 80% of Americans agree that clear vision is key to feeling confident and youthful, nearly half think they need vision correction but haven’t seen an eye care professional in the past year.
Additionally, despite the booming multi-billion dollar anti-aging industry’s focus on skin and cosmetic treatments, respondents ranked skin as the lowest priority in addressing the realities of aging.
The company said that, on average, people prioritise clear vision over outward appearance, but only moderately, with 55% stating they are concerned with wrinkles around their eyes.
Those common aging concerns can include vision conditions like presbyopia and cataracts, it said.
Presbyopia typically begins around age 40 and affects over one billion people globally.
The condition makes it harder to focus on close objects. While cataracts, the leading cause of preventable blindness worldwide, clouds the lens of the eye causing cloudy or blurry vision.
Cataracts and presbyopia can both be detected through comprehensive eye exams.
In fact, an annual eye exam can reveal more than 270 health conditions – including diabetes, heart disease, and stroke risk – making it a cornerstone of preventive care and healthy aging.
“As we age and go through menopause, changes in our eyesight are common, yet eye health is still missing from the conversation,” said Watts.
“Through my partnership with Johnson & Johnson, I want to encourage everyone to see eye health as an essential part of overall well-being. The more we talk about these changes openly, the more empowered we are to take control of how we age.
“Start today by taking the simple step of scheduling your annual eye exam – it’s one of the easiest ways to protect your vision for the future.”
The company said the collaboration would build on Watts’ long-standing advocacy for women’s health and her work as the founder of Stripes Beauty, a company she launched to empower women through science-backed products, education and community during perimenopause and menopause.
Watts will help bring greater attention to the impact of hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause and how these shifts can affect vision.
It said that through this initiative, she aimed to raise awareness of the connection between menopause, aging, and eye health, encouraging individuals to prioritize regular eye exams as part of a holistic approach to well-being and longevity.
“Clear vision isn’t a luxury, it’s an enabler of human potential and a cornerstone of healthy aging,” said optometrist Dr Charissa Lee, head of professional affairs, Vision, Johnson & Johnson.
“While people invest significantly in skincare and cosmetic treatments to look younger, they often overlook that proper vision correction can help maintain a more relaxed, youthful appearance.
“As an eyecare professional, I believe the comprehensive eye exam and proactive eye care can fundamentally help you feel and look your best as you age.”
