Can I claim a reimbursement from my employer for my glasses?

The importance of good eye health in the workplace is so underappreciated.

Is it possible to believe that only one-third of employers provide eye care to their entire workforce?

In light of the fact that one in three workers in the UK are over the age of 50, and eye problems are so prevalent, this is even more surprising.

Employers are required to provide free eye tests to employees who experience eye problems or visual discomfort as a result of their work.

It is the employer’s responsibility to maintain a healthy workplace and to provide health care to employees. And, needless to say, good eye health plays a key role in this regard.

Legal obligations of employers

Employers are required to ensure that their workers are protected from health risks associated with working with display screen equipment (DSE) by Health and Safety Legislation in the United Kingdom.

Employees who work at a workstation equipped with a digital screen are considered DSE users and are entitled to free eye care by their employer under certain conditions, which we will discuss in more detail later.

There are, however, exceptions to these regulations for workers who may only use a display screen occasionally or for a short period of time.

What are the most common eye problems at work?

Our work requires a variety of digital devices, including computers and laptops, which can cause various visual discomfort for extended periods of time. Employees are affected by a variety of eye conditions, which disrupt and annoy their work as well as exhaust them. Although the number of vision discomforts does not appear to be sufficient to prove they can result in serious or permanent vision loss, it is well known that if not treated on time, they can lead to progressive damage. The various visual problems are also referred to as computer vision syndrome.

Computer vision syndrome: what is it?

Using a computer or any other digital device for long periods of time is commonly associated with computer vision syndrome.

Despite the fact that the initial problems are relatively small, it can be extremely difficult for any employee to continue their work in perfection. Here is a list of the problems that have been cited by many workers:

• Eye itchiness.

• A headache and strain on the eyes.

• The sensation of burning.

• Syndrome of dry eyes.

• Blurry vision or watery eyes.

• An external particle feels like it is in the eyes.

What are Display Screen Equipment (DSE) Users?

The DSE user is entitled to a free eye examination if they are a DSE user. Whenever any DSE user requests an eye exam as a result of vision problems, the employer is required to accommodate it in accordance with the law for a healthy workplace environment. Users of DSE are those who perform a significant portion of their work using display screen equipment such as monitors or laptops. In its recommendations for ensuring free eye tests and glasses, the Health and Safety Executive states that employees who use display screen equipment regularly or work on the equipment for more than two to three hours a day are required to take frequent breaks and receive appropriate treatment.

Are eye tests paid for by the employer?

Those who operate on computers or laptops as part of their work are considered DSE users and therefore have the right to obtain an eye exam. A workplace eye test can be arranged by your employer, but they must also cover the cost of the examination. Employers decide who will be the optometrist or optician and the employees are responsible for paying the entire fee. To ensure that their eye health remains good, DSE users can request an annual or routine eye examination.

Is an employer responsible for paying for glasses?

It is the employer’s responsibility to provide you with glasses if the eye examination proves that you require glasses in order to protect your vision. To prevent further visual damage to employees, computer glasses are provided instead of online prescription glasses. If your company requires computer glasses, the entire charge would be borne by your employer. These glasses are not prescribed glasses, but rather designed to assist users with DSE.

Glasses are very basic in their cost, which is determined by the frame and the lenses. If there are any further complications, you can set a fixed amount for the basic glasses that the employer is willing to pay, thereby making communication more straightforward. A person can be reimbursed for the basic cost of a particular type of frame when the employee wishes to purchase one that exceeds the limit.