Eye tests factsheet

 

Employees who regularly use display screen equipment (DSE) as part of their work are entitled to regular eye tests paid for by their employer.

 

Display screen equipment includes computers, microfiche readers and control screens.  It does not include window typewrites with just a few lines of text, equipment with a small measurement display like calculators or cash registers, or portable systems unless they are used for a long time.

 

There is no requirement in law for employers to provide eye tests automatically.  An employee must request an eye test. However, employees should be made aware of their right to ask for free eye tests. Employers may be required to pay for glasses for an employee if the results of an eye test show that he or she needs them solely for screen work. Employers are only required to pay for the ‘basic appliance` - so employees will have to pay part of the cost if they want additional features such as designer frames or anti-scratch lenses.