Eye test policy template

Overview

Employees who are 'users' of display screen equipment (DSE) (also known as visual display units or VDUs) under the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992, have a legal right to an eye and eyesight test, on request.

Scope

This policy is applicable to all employees of [company name].

General principles

Definition of a DSE user

You are a DSE user if the following criteria apply:

• you normally use DSE for continuous or near-continuous spells of an hour or more at a time;
• you use DSE this way on a daily basis;
• fast transfer of information between the user and screen is an important requirement of your job; and
• you depend on the use of DSE to do your job.

Entitlement to eye and eyesight tests

An eye and eyesight test will be provided, on request, to employees who are DSE users. Where a DSE user, who experiences visual difficulties that could be caused by his/her DSE work, requests an eye and eyesight test, the employer will ensure that this is provided as soon possible after the request is made.

There is no obligation on employees to have an eye and eyesight test.

Arrangements and payment for eye and eyesight tests

If you are eligible for an eye test you should make a request via your manager.

The employer does not provide paid time off to attend eye and eyesight tests.

[Employees are required to attend our appointed representatives for providing eye and eyesight tests. [Company]'s appointed representatives are:

• [registered ophthalmic optician, name and address;]
• [registered medical practitioner with suitable qualifications, name and address; or]
• [name and contact details, registered ophthalmic optician or medical practitioner with suitable qualifications in the employer's occupational health department.]

[OR

You may make your own arrangements with a registered ophthalmic optician or registered medical practitioner with suitable qualifications, and the cost will be reimbursed by [Company] on receipt of written confirmation from the examining optician that the eye and eyesight test has been carried out.]

[OR

The provision of eye and eyesight tests and spectacles will be available only under [Company]'s voucher scheme. The voucher is redeemable at [name of registered ophthalmic optician or registered medical practitioner with suitable qualifications].]

Payment for glasses

Where an eye and eyesight test shows that glasses are necessary to correct eye or vision defects for the purposes of DSE work, [Company] will pay for the cost of basic frames and prescribed lenses.

[OR

Where an eye and eyesight test shows that glasses are necessary to correct eye or vision defects for the purposes of DSE work, you may choose more costly appliances (for example with designer frames or lenses with optional treatments not necessary for the work) and [Company] will contribute a portion of the total cost of a luxury appliance equal to the cost of a basic appliance.