We’ve often written about VDU regulations in relation to eye tests and eye wear, and we do communicate with Employers about this issue too. Unfortunately there does seem to a great deal of confusion in the UK about this whole subject.

A recent survey suggested that under half of the employees in this country are properly cared for by their employers in this area. It’s also reported that this is mostly due to the vague regulations and the fact that employers find it difficult to pin down exactly what their obligations are. Of those surveyed, only 69% of employers thought that the regulations were clear and that they were confident in their policies.

Further questioning showed that only 17% of those employers surveyed knew that they must pay for eye exams and VDU specs for employees who use VDUS. The problem lies in the fact that the regulations are not clear on the amount of time eligible employees are at their computers, and for which categories employers have to pay for glasses.

The rules state:  if the employee sends a significant part of the day at the screen, then the employers must pay for the test. If glasses are required specifically for the VDU, then the employed must pay for them. A prescription just for the VDU only arises in people over the age of approximately fifty, who have been using reading specs but then find they need a different power at middle distance, which covers the VDU screen.

If you’re not sure if you’re eligible, talk to your HR department, who can find the answers online – direct them to this article for a start! It makes complete sense for employers to avoid sick leave by looking after their staff and providing this inexpensive and basic service to improve the wellbeing of their team.