Opticians and Work

[Webmaster]

Anyone know if you can force your workplace to pay for eye tests and glasses if you work on the computer all day? I thought you could but cant find any information on it!

[ali]

My work place pays for all my eye examinations and for my 'stanbdard' lenses. Although I'm so blind I have these upgraded to the ultra-thin lenses. Otherwise it feels like I'm wearing a pair of binoculars!

No idea on the policy for contact lenses however? They probably aren't covered as they may be considered a luxury rather than a necassary item for work

[Dicky]

Eye sight testing and the provision of glasses is covered by the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment ) Regulations 1992, Regulation 5 as Amended by the Health and Safety (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2002.

In essence the company has to provide:

TESTING

1. An appropriate Eyesight test as defined by the Opticians Act 1989 and associated Regulations. The optician will know what is required once he is informed that the test is for a Display Equipment user. The cost for the test is the responsibility of the employer.

2. Repeat testing should be as advised by the Optometrist again at the employer's expense.

PROVISION OF GLASSES

1. Provision of glasses is to be undertaken where the requirement is identified by the optometrist and where normal corrective appliances cannot be used.

2. The cost of the glasses is borne by the company at the minimum cost for the frames and lenses.

The provision of glasses does not mean that all glasses have to be provided. Spectacle wearers would normally not need additional glasses, however, wearers of bi-focal and vary-focal glasses may well need additional glasses and these would be covered by the Regulations.

If the glasses are lost or damaged they must be replaced free of cost by the employer. However, the employee could be disciplined for loss or damage to company property under Sections 7 and 8 of the Health and Safety (Etc) Act 1974. These Sections require employees to act responsibly at work and to take care of items provided in the interests of health and safety.

The employee can upgrade the frames and lenses at their own cost.

Some additional points not covered by the Regulations:

Some staff may be allowed free eye tests under NHS regulations;

1. Diabetics.

2. Those with a family history of Age related Macular Degeneration.

3. Those aged over 60 years.

4. Those suffering from Glaucoma or with a close relation with Glaucoma, i.e. parent, sibling, grandparent.

I hope this helps.