When you visit your optician they will examine your eyes, discuss your general health, and address any concerns you may have about your sight and eye health. So far this all seems straight forward, and what you would expect, but if your Optician starts to talk about your job with you, would that surprise you? Why would they ask?!

There are several reasons for discussing your work situation with you. Firstly, there may be safety issues surrounding your occupation, and your optician will be able to offer some suggestions to make your vision more comfortable and safeguard your eyes. You may need a specific lens material or type of safety glasses to wear in the workplace. They can tell you what your employer should provide for you, and give you a report to take back to your HR department.

If you use a computer for the majority of the day at work then your employer needs to pay for your eye test. If you are in the fifty plus age bracket then they should pay for your glasses too, and your optician can tell you if you are eligible for this. They may also be willing to advise your employer if they need help with this.

Your job may also need a specific prescription for your working distance. We’ve made close work specs for a lady who restores tapestries, and she sent us a sample of her work plus a measurement of how far away she usually sits! We made single vision glasses for a Doctor who examines x-rays and can’t look up at her light box with her Varifocals on. We’ve made a prescription diving mask for a marine biologist, and goggles for a swimming teacher!

Don’t be afraid to explain what you do and tell your optician about your visual problems.  If your optician really has your welfare at heart, they’ll want to know all about what you do, to enable them to do the best job they can in making your working life easier.