In 1992 Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations were introduced to improve conditions for all employees who work with Visual Display Units (VDUs) and who require appropriate eyewear.

Health and Safety regulations require employers to offer regular eye tests to VDU users (defined as a person using a VDU screen as a significant part of their work almost every day).

The purpose of providing eye tests for DSE users is to enhance comfort and efficiency by identifying and correcting vision defects, thus helping to prevent temporary eyestrain and fatigue. There is no reliable evidence that work with DSE causes any permanent damage to eyes or eyesight, but it may make users with pre-existing vision defects more aware of them.

The regulations stipulate that employers are only obliged to contribute towards the cost of a basic pair of glasses “if the patient has a specific requirement for VDU work”. This is often misunderstood and employers are open to spurious claims.

We are best placed to determine and explain this to patients, ensuring fairness and compliance without spiraling costs. In companies with a workforce ranging across all age groups there are likely to be 5% -10% of the employees that require a correction specifically for VDU use.