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The critique that it's ridiculous to be thinking about this in these terms is correct and primary.
But even if you take it on its own terms, this is almost certainly false. People who experience the eclipse are likely to have a boost in productivity when they do get back to work, and the travel generated a ton of economic activity. Plus optometrists will likely see a huge boost.
Working at an eye clinic, I'm pleasantly surprised we haven't taken hundreds of calls about photokeratitis or solar retinopathy. My city has a major university, though, so our populace is generally well-educated.
I think the last one is a broken window parable type deal. Either that or the secret to saving the economy is poking people's eyes.
I didn't do a great job communicating it, but I was joking with that last bit.
Oh it came across, don't worry.