Payment for Eye Tests while on Maternity Leave

RLH33

This is just a quick question. As I work on VDU's in my job, who doesn't these days!, my employer pays for my eye tests.

However at the moment I am on maternity leave so I was wondering if anyone has any idea whether I am still entitled to get the eye test paid for?

I would ask them but they are being a bit difficult about my return to work dates and I don't want to ask if I am not entitled.

alyth

I can't comment as to whether your employer has to pay when you are on maternity leave, but Tesco do free eye tests, or they did a couple of months ago as I had one.

Morty_007

alyth wrote: »

I can't comment as to whether your employer has to pay when you are on maternity leave, but Tesco do free eye tests, or they did a couple of months ago as I had one.

I had one too and I think they are still doing them

RLH33

Thanks for your replies but I have actually already had it done - Specsavers and it cost me £21 which is why I would quite like the money back!

**curlywurly**

All your benefits should continue whilst you are on maternity leave.

LittleVoice

RLH33 wrote: »

Thanks for your replies but I have actually already had it done - Specsavers and it cost me £21 which is why I would quite like the money back!

Is that how it would work when you were not on maternity leave - that you decide to have an eye test and then submit the bill? Because unless that is already what happens in the company's rules about VDU sight tests, the employer does not have to pay in that situation.

The employer can choose the test provider and pay them direct, not reimburse the staff member, if that is what they want. Most workplaces also require advance notice of the staff member requesting a sight test even if they do reimburse the cost.

Sambucus_Nigra

**curlywurly** wrote: »

All your benefits should continue whilst you are on maternity leave.

Yes, but you have to follow the company's procedure to ensure that you get the benefits....

LittleVoice

I also wonder whether it is correct to look on the sight test as a "benefit". It's an H&S issue and if the person isn't currently working with a workplace VDU, why should the employer need to pay for the test?

RLH33

LittleVoice - that was why I was asking the question really, as I am not there using a VDU it does seem reasonable that they would not have to pay for the eye test.

Regarding the procedure for claiming - I am pretty sure that the last time I claimed (2 years ago) I just had to fill out a form and submit the receipt.

surreysaver

LittleVoice wrote: »

I also wonder whether it is correct to look on the sight test as a "benefit". It's an H&S issue and if the person isn't currently working with a workplace VDU, why should the employer need to pay for the test?

I was thinking the same. They are responsible for PPE, but you wouldn't need that whilst on maternity leave, so I would have thought it was the same with VDU eye tests?

pigsmightfly

Just wondering did they ever actually pay you as I've just been asking this same question on here now