opticians

[Guest Htech]

Hey guys,

 

I heard once we are all entitled to free eye tests etc paid for by the school because we work with displays as part of our job. Is this true and if so has anyone actually done this?

 

I only ask as ive noticed my eyes getting worse over the 3 years ive been here.

 

thanks.

[witch]

Some info here:

http://www.unison.org.uk/acrobat/B164.pdf

 

I seem to remember a thread on this a while back.

You are certainly entitled to tests - contact HR at your LA (or the head) for a form

[Iain.Faulkner]

We get an "allowance" for this.

 

I think it's in the region of £45 per year to cover cost of eye tests and any left over go towards the costs of the glasses themselve, providing your prescription clearly states "To be worn for VDU use" (or words to that effect).

[Guest Htech]

thanks alot

[SteveBentley]

Also insist on a DSE assessment of your workstation, particularly if you think your eyes might be deteriorating because you're spending all day a computer.

[jsnetman]

We get £25 towards the eye test, I did ask for a contribution towards the cost of glasses but it was turned down. I think this was the LA policy, but not sure.

[SteveBentley]

The legal stance is that the employer has to provide an eye test, and if glasses ("corrective applicances") are required solely for use at the computer, they have to pay the whole lot.

 

If you need glasses for more general use then they're not obliged to make a contribution, but clearly some places are more generous than others.