Free eye test

Baldytyke88

This is just to make people aware of an employer's responsibility for free eye tests for workers who use visual display screens and smartphones. Once you have had an eye test, you have the right to have your prescription dispensed where you choose, and you shouldn't feel obligated to buy glasses or redeem an optical voucher from the place where you had your eye test.

I am guessing that it would need to be a works smartphone, ask your employer.

https://www.hse.gov.uk/msd/dse/index.htm?fbclid=IwY2xjawJbPkJleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHYs7c7kEm0zEIsalg42B6d-3_a7w4XMfIv09axdV_pJXhZfLs_hTFJRHqQ_aem__PanWRQwFTnEW8VOd5WXlg

Brie

Given that almost everyone uses visual display screens at some point during thier working day I would assume this now applies to almost everyone.  So shop workers who are working the tills or working off a computer screen list of what's in someone's shopping order.  Or mechanics who now hook cars up to computers for analysis.  Maybe even those who only have a smart phone type payment device working a market stall!!

Happy to be corrected if I'm not correct and there needs to be a percentage of the day of screen use.

Rodders53

Brie said:

Given that almost everyone uses visual display screens at some point during thier working day I would assume this now applies to almost everyone.  So shop workers who are working the tills or working off a computer screen list of what's in someone's shopping order.  Or mechanics who now hook cars up to computers for analysis.  Maybe even those who only have a smart phone type payment device working a market stall!!

Happy to be corrected if I'm not correct and there needs to be a percentage of the day of screen use.

The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations apply to workers who use DSE daily, for continuous periods of an hour or more. We describe these workers as 'DSE users'.

The regulations don't apply to workers who use DSE infrequently or only use it for a short time.

Working safely with display screen equipment - HSE

lincroft1710

I think free eye tests for VDU users in the Civil Service started about 30 years ago  

Baldytyke88

Rodders53 said:

The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations apply to workers who use DSE daily, for continuous periods of an hour or more. We describe these workers as 'DSE users'.

The regulations don't apply to workers who use DSE infrequently or only use it for a short time.

Working safely with display screen equipment - HSE

Some of our drivers who use smartphones got free eye tests last year, I have only just discovered this.

It seems quite a difficult distinction; drivers don't need eye tests because they don't use them for more than an hour.

Most smartphones won't be used for long periods, but I would say a driver's sight is just as important as desk user.

Free eye tests and vouchers for glasses are being approved at my workplace, lets see if it gets challenged.

I do use my smartphone for extended periods when I use the satnav, which is every day.

General_Grant

Baldytyke88 said:

This is just to make people aware of an employer's responsibility for free eye tests for workers who use visual display screens and smartphones. Once you have had an eye test, you have the right to have your prescription dispensed where you choose, and you shouldn't feel obligated to buy glasses or redeem an optical voucher from the place where you had your eye test.

I am guessing that it would need to be a works smartphone, ask your employer.

https://www.hse.gov.uk/msd/dse/index.htm?fbclid=IwY2xjawJbPkJleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHYs7c7kEm0zEIsalg42B6d-3_a7w4XMfIv09axdV_pJXhZfLs_hTFJRHqQ_aem__PanWRQwFTnEW8VOd5WXlg

The regs came in before smartphones but smartphones do have display screens and could be covered if used for enough time in a day.

If prescription glasses are required specifically for DSE use then the employer is required to pay for them but the employer can choose where the test is provided and can decide from where the glasses are purchased.

Of course, an employer can offer tests more widely.

Andy_L

Baldytyke88 said:

Rodders53 said:

The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations apply to workers who use DSE daily, for continuous periods of an hour or more. We describe these workers as 'DSE users'.

The regulations don't apply to workers who use DSE infrequently or only use it for a short time.

Working safely with display screen equipment - HSE

Some of our drivers who use smartphones got free eye tests last year, I have only just discovered this.

It seems quite a difficult distinction; drivers don't need eye tests because they don't use them for more than an hour.

Most smartphones won't be used for long periods, but I would say a driver's sight is just as important as desk user.

Free eye tests and vouchers for glasses are being approved at my workplace, lets see if it gets challenged.

I do use my smartphone for extended periods when I use the satnav, which is every day.

Depending on what sort of driver they are they may need regular eye tests as a result of that regardless of DSE use

Baldytyke88

Andy_L said:

Depending on what sort of driver they are they may need regular eye tests as a result of that regardless of DSE use

Its just a matter of who pays for it. If it costs money, drivers are less likely to get them tested.

We have never been asked to prove that our eyesight is good, quite simple to read a number plate from 25 yards.