Should my employer pay for my eye test?
Eye tests, like dentists appointments, are things most of us put off until another day. What few people realise is that your employer might pay for them. There really is no excuse.
Opticians can charge anything from £10 to £50 for an eyetest, depending on the one you choose. Whilst this sum of money is rarely prohibitive, the fact that we have to pay acts like an invisible barrier in our minds. Whatever we say to convince ourselves otherwise, eye tests are nonetheless essential.
Eye tests aren't just about deciding if you are long or short sighted. They are invaluable to help detect the onset of serious diseases like glaucoma. As with all diseases, the early you catch them the easier they are to treat. In fact, many ocular illnesses have no obvious symptoms manifesting themselves in the eye.
For example, if you go to the doctor because you have persistent headaches, the cause may be a problem with your eyes that your doctor may not think to check for. Regular eye tests with a qualified optician are the best way of protecting your eye sight for the rest of your life.
Whilst studies have not shown that there is a link between using a computer screen (or VDUs as they are sometimes known), many people feel that their eyes become tired after prolonged usage. This is especially true when using an old-fashioned CRT screen, a screen which is not flat. You should make sure your take regular breaks from looking at your screen to avoid fatigued eyes.
Under health and safety regulations, you are entitled to a break from your VDU. This does not have to be a rest break necessarily; it can just be a change to a different type of work. If you feel that your work is too focussed on a VDU, and you do not get any breaks other than your lunch, you should speak to your employer. This kind of prolonged contact with a computer screen could be jeopardising your eyesight and overall health.
If you work with a VDU (even if you work from home), you are also entitled to a free eye test. Your employer is required to meet all the costs. Any additional tests will be funded by your employer only if an optician recommends it. Similarly, if an optician thinks that you need glasses to help you with computer screens, your employer is obliged to meet the cost for one pair.
However the pair of glasses paid for has only to be functional. You might want those Gucci or Osiris designer glasses but your employer is not obliged to pay for these more expensive frames.
Now that you are fully aware your employers obligations, you have no excuse not to book that eye test today.
Opticians can charge anything from £10 to £50 for an eyetest, depending on the one you choose. Whilst this sum of money is rarely prohibitive, the fact that we have to pay acts like an invisible barrier in our minds. Whatever we say to convince ourselves otherwise, eye tests are nonetheless essential.
Eye tests aren't just about deciding if you are long or short sighted. They are invaluable to help detect the onset of serious diseases like glaucoma. As with all diseases, the early you catch them the easier they are to treat. In fact, many ocular illnesses have no obvious symptoms manifesting themselves in the eye.
For example, if you go to the doctor because you have persistent headaches, the cause may be a problem with your eyes that your doctor may not think to check for. Regular eye tests with a qualified optician are the best way of protecting your eye sight for the rest of your life.
Whilst studies have not shown that there is a link between using a computer screen (or VDUs as they are sometimes known), many people feel that their eyes become tired after prolonged usage. This is especially true when using an old-fashioned CRT screen, a screen which is not flat. You should make sure your take regular breaks from looking at your screen to avoid fatigued eyes.
Under health and safety regulations, you are entitled to a break from your VDU. This does not have to be a rest break necessarily; it can just be a change to a different type of work. If you feel that your work is too focussed on a VDU, and you do not get any breaks other than your lunch, you should speak to your employer. This kind of prolonged contact with a computer screen could be jeopardising your eyesight and overall health.
If you work with a VDU (even if you work from home), you are also entitled to a free eye test. Your employer is required to meet all the costs. Any additional tests will be funded by your employer only if an optician recommends it. Similarly, if an optician thinks that you need glasses to help you with computer screens, your employer is obliged to meet the cost for one pair.
However the pair of glasses paid for has only to be functional. You might want those Gucci or Osiris designer glasses but your employer is not obliged to pay for these more expensive frames.
Now that you are fully aware your employers obligations, you have no excuse not to book that eye test today.
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