Employers And Eyecare

[alison43331]

Hi

I have worn glasses since I was quite young. My prescription is quite complex (I would say - 2 * astigmatisms - normal lenses are quite thick), but has not changed that much is recent years. I have just had an eyetest, because I have been getting headaches rather a lot recently and I have been using VDU at work increasingly over last few months. I have been informed by the optician that my eyes have got worse (for the 1st time in ages) and he has recommended thinner lenses to reduce the strain on my eyes. These lenses are quite a lot more than standard lenses and are not included in price of glasses. Can I ask my employers to pay towards them? The NHS apparently pays for 'complex lenses' but how do I know I qualify?

[Mamyalynne]

Hi Alison, check the link to see if you qualify for help - and also try to find out your employers obligations (I know there are some)

I am - 20, so get almost the top rate oh help via NHS as deemed partially sighted.

http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/Healthcosts/Pages/Eyecarecosts.aspx

[Mamyalynne]

^ of help

[Sycamore3House]

If you use VDU you employer should pay for your eye test each year.

[EDDIE51]

If an optician says you need special glasses to use the VDU then your company must provide them and the eye test free . This is covered by the Health and safety rules the same as protective clothing etc.

[dzug2]

Many employers these days provide vouchers rather than pay for tests and glasses directly - you should find out your own employer's procedures before committing yourself and find he won't reimburse you - and the limits on what he will pay for.

Are these glasses specifically for VDU use or are they for general use as well? If the latter your employer is not obliged to pay for them - only for the test.