claiming for an eye test?

[Jackleman]

Hi,

I work on a computer from about 8am to 5pm - mon to fri with an hour for lunch.

I just had my eyes tested as I've been getting headaches and sore eyes, I have to wear glasses now.

The eye test cost £20 and I was told I could claim this back from employer, the question is.... is this correct? and then is it a little bit tight for me to want to claim 20 quid back? do other claim theirs back?

Cheers

[Magic919]

We can get a free test via work. It's fairly normal at a big company.

[Engineer1]

Claim back, I believe you can also claim for glasses if you need them solely for computer use.

[Eric Mc]

You can ASK your employer to pay it. There is no obligation for them to do so. If they won't pay it, YOU can make a separate claim to HMRC fior tax relief on the eye test cost.

[dingg]

my employer pays without question and allows us £70 towards frame and pays whatever the lenses cost every two years or so.

[KelWedge]

Eric Mc said:

You can ASK your employer to pay it. There is no obligation for them to do so. If they won't pay it, YOU can make a separate claim to HMRC fior tax relief on the eye test cost.

Eric, Are you sure? If someone is in front of a computer screen that long, I think the company has to pay the eye test fees, I cant remember at present under which rules. Also some H&S advisers will say there should be at least some contribution to the glasses. we pay all eye test fees for anyone who is working with a computer no matter how many hours a day.

[Munter]

KelWedge said:

Eric, Are you sure? If someone is in front of a computer screen that long, I think the company has to pay the eye test fees, I cant remember at present under which rules. Also some H&S advisers will say there should be at least some contribution to the glasses. we pay all eye test fees for anyone who is working with a computer no matter how many hours a day.

I thought they are compelled to pay for the test as well.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/HealthAndSa...

Seems to suggest similar: "Under health and safety regulations your employer should: arrange for an eye test if you need one"

I presume arrange is the same as pay for/provide at no expense to the employee.

[Eric Mc]

Does the word "should" mean the same as "must"?

[New POD]

The duty of care that an employer should display, and that which they can get away with is often a large gap, but google "Display Screen Regulations Risk assessments best practise" and it is clear that a good employer, will take thier obligations seriously.

[rog007]

Occupational health should be important to all employers, aiming as it does to ensure that employees are as productive as they can be for their full contract. Risks to health, solely as a result of occupation, are a responsibility of the employer. Notice I said risks. This risk analysis and mitigation, including informing and, where neccesary, the training of an individual, are good employment practice. Fail to do this and there may be a claim for negligence from the employee if health subsequently deteriorates as a result (e.g. Vibration white finger in the drilling/machining industries; asbestosis in mining; noise induced hearing loss in musicians).

If there is a risk to eyesight health as a result of an employyee's role, then this should be explained to the employee before he/she accepts the role, and the employer should explain how that risk is to be mitigated. This may mean different types of screen, screen covers, mandatory breaks away from the screen, eye exercises, personal eye protection etc, etc. Should an employee subsequently develop an ailment that is as a direct result of employment where the employer failed to do the above, then the employer could be liable. In this case, preventative measures such as providing for free eye tests and support for correctiion may demonstrate an employers commitment to the health of its employees, which is not only good for morale, employee relations and of course productivity, it may also add to any defence by a company in any subsequent employee litigation claim. Hope that helps a little.

[Eric Mc]

But it's not compulsory?

[Bungleaio]

At my old place when I asked if they will pay I just got laughed at and told not to claim for a test on my expenses.

[Eric Mc]

That may not have been the correct response.

[dazp]

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/HealthAndSa...

Free eye tests
Studies haven't shown a link between VDU use and damage to eyesight, but if you feel that using a VDU screen is making your eyes tired, tell your employer or employee safety representative.

You have the right to a free eyesight test if you use, or are about to use, a VDU a lot during work hours. You can also get more free tests if recommended by your optician.

If you are prescribed glasses to help you work with a VDU, your employer must pay for a basic pair of glasses, provided they are needed especially for your work.