Eye test and work

housebuyer143

I started a new job and I work on the computer the whole time I'm there. 
Everywhere I worked before offered free eye tests and glasses, but this place does not. 
They have told me that they offer a taxable heath policy which reimburses eye tests but it's essentially at a cost of over £200 a year which I don't want. 

If I refuse to take out this policy does that mean they can refuse to pay for my eye test? I thought it was a legal requirement that they pay for this if I need one. 

oldernonethewiser

Item 4 on this document

https://www.hse.gov.uk/msd/dse/eye-tests.htm#article

housebuyer143

oldernonethewiser said:

Item 4 on this document

https://www.hse.gov.uk/msd/dse/eye-tests.htm#article

Thanks, seems like they must provide it if I don't want to take out the health policy. I will go back to the benefit department and see if they change their tune.

oldernonethewiser

If the policy is optional that doesn't relieve them of their obligation to look after your health.

Hope you get on okay.

MikeJXE

They are required to pay for an eye test but

If it means treading on someone's toes and perhaps a mark against me

I would pay the £20 ish for the test myself 

prettyandfluffy

As above, it might not be worth the hassle.  Some places like Asda opticians do free or very cheap sight tests from time to time, have a look round and see what's available near you.

oldernonethewiser

MikeJXE said:

They are required to pay for an eye test but

If it means treading on someone's toes and perhaps a mark against me

I would pay the £20 ish for the test myself 

Don't forget, the company should be paying for glasses too if required.

To the OP, ask to see their DSE assessments if you really want to stand on someone's toes

(Of course they could all be up to date and tickety-boo)

Free eye tests here north of Hadrian's wall

housebuyer143

Thanks. Yeah, I will ask and if they say no then I'll just pay it. I wouldn't want to step on anyone's toes for £20. It's a nice place to work. 

LightFlare

I think there is often a misconception that the test and glasses will cover "normal" sight adjustments

They usually don't and will be only for use of DSE

Dakta

I queried it at work ages ago and the forms needed to claim it were more hassle than the few quid it cost for the test and I abandoned it because it really didn't cost a fortune 

Savvy_Sue

LightFlare said:

I think there is often a misconception that the test and glasses will cover "normal" sight adjustments

They usually don't and will be only for use of DSE

Yes, if the glasses are only required for DSE then work should pay, but if prescription is for eg driving then you're on your own. 

Also the optician may offer 'extras', eg mine takes special photos of my eyeballs which track changes over the years. Employer isn't required to pay for these, and they're not included in free NHS tests.