Optical illusion billboards pop up in Sydney to encourage vision tests

Optical illusion billboards are popping up across one major city after shocking data revealed 97 per cent of Aussies reported this concern.

Optical illusion billboards are popping up across Sydney in a bid to encourage Australians to get their vision tested, with 97 per cent of Australians reporting eyesight concerns.

Optometry Australia revealed short-sightedness is set to affect 50 per cent of the world’s population by 2050, with data from the organisation finding 80 per cent of Aussies have difficulty seeing things far away, while 76 per cent found it difficult to see things up close.

About 97 per cent of Aussies also reported concerns with their eyesight, which is up three per cent since 2020.

Optical illusion billboards are popping up across Sydney in a bid to encourage Australians to get their vision tested. Picture: Supplied.

The illusion is only visible when out of focus, which is a symptom of short-sightedness. Picture: Supplied.

Optometrist and eyewear retailer 1001 Optometry has put up optical illusion billboards across Sydney, with the illusion only visible when out of focus, which is a symptom of short-sightedness.

The illusions were created by artist Prospex Park, with words “eye care”, “eye test” and “eye scan” hidden through them.

“If you can see it, you need it,” the billboards say at the bottom.

1001 Optometry retail and optometry director Edward Lee said the campaign highlighted the importance of regular eye tests, with 26 per cent of Aussies having not had their eyes checked since 2019 or before.

“We know that a lot of people are failing to get their eyes tested regularly, so we’re taking the eye test to the streets, catching Aussies while they are in transit,” Mr Lee said.

1001 Optometry retail and optometry director Edward Lee said the campaign highlighted the importance of regular eye tests. Picture: Supplied.

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About 97 per cent of Australians reported eyesight concerns. Picture: Supplied.

These illusions have been meticulously crafted for shortsighted individuals who, while able to bring close-up details into sharp focus, often find that distant images appear out of focus, meaning they will easily spot the hidden messages in the posters.”

1001 Optometry head of optometry and professional services Margaret Lam said regular eye tests are “crucial for detecting and managing both vision and eye concerns early”.

“Many people don’t realise that uncorrected vision issues can lead to symptoms like blurry vision, headaches, fatigue, and reduced productivity, making timely intervention through an eye test invaluable,” Ms Lam said.

“By identifying issues at an early stage, we can intervene to prevent vision loss or slow the progression of eye diseases and other vision problems.”

Originally published as Optical illusion billboards pop up in Sydney to encourage vision tests