Employer Eye Tests: Your Right to a Free Test If You Use a Computer at Work
Most office workers and remote workers do not know this: if you use a computer screen as a significant part of your job, your employer is legally required to pay for your eye test. Here is the law, who qualifies, and how to claim.
The Law
The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 require employers to provide eye tests for employees who are "users" of display screen equipment (DSE), also called VDUs (visual display units).
The employer must provide the eye test at their expense. The employee does not need to pay and then claim back. The employer cannot require you to use a specific optician, although many have preferred providers.
This applies to all employees who habitually use display screen equipment as a significant part of their normal work. It includes office workers, remote workers, and hybrid workers. It does not matter whether you work on a desktop, laptop, or multiple screens.
Who Qualifies
You qualify if you are a "habitual user" of display screen equipment. The HSE (Health and Safety Executive) defines this as someone who:
- ✓Uses a computer screen for continuous spells of an hour or more at a time
- ✓Uses a screen daily as part of their normal work duties
- ✓Has to transfer information quickly to or from the screen
- ✓Needs to concentrate on the screen for significant periods
- ✓Is largely dependent on the screen to do their job
In practice, this covers the vast majority of office workers, IT staff, designers, developers, customer service agents, and anyone who spends most of their working day at a computer.
What Your Employer Must Pay For
Always required
- ✓The cost of the eye test itself (£20-35)
- ✓Repeat tests at regular intervals (typically every 2 years)
- ✓An eye test at any time if you experience visual difficulties
If glasses are needed for VDU use
- •A contribution towards glasses specifically prescribed for screen use
- •This only applies if the glasses are specifically for VDU work (not general wear)
- •Most employers set a budget of £50 to £100 for VDU glasses
Important distinction: If the eye test shows you need glasses for general use (reading, driving, etc.) but not specifically for screen use, the employer does not have to pay for the glasses. They must still pay for the eye test.
How to Request an Employer-Funded Eye Test
Most employers have a process in place, even if it is not well publicised. Here is how to request one:
Check your intranet
Many employers have an eye care policy or a page about DSE assessments on their internal site.
Email HR or your manager
A simple request is sufficient. You do not need to justify it beyond stating that you are a DSE user.
Ask about the process
Some employers provide vouchers (Specsavers Corporate Eye Care is common). Others reimburse you.
Book and claim
Book your eye test, tell the optician it is employer-funded, and submit the receipt or use the voucher.
Template Request Email
Subject: DSE Eye Test Request
Dear [HR / Manager name],
I would like to request an eye test under the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992. I use a computer screen as a significant part of my daily work and am classified as a DSE user.
Could you please let me know the process for arranging this? Specifically, whether there is a preferred optician or voucher scheme, and whether I need any documentation beforehand.
Thank you.
What If Your Employer Refuses?
If your employer refuses to fund an eye test for a qualifying DSE user, they are in breach of health and safety legislation. Steps you can take:
- •Put the request in writing (email) so there is a record
- •Cite the specific regulation: Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992, Regulation 5
- •Escalate to your health and safety representative or union if applicable
- •Contact the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) if the employer continues to refuse
- •The HSE can inspect the employer and issue an improvement notice
Typical Employer Budgets
| Item | Typical Budget | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Eye test | £25-50 | Covers any standard high street test |
| VDU-specific glasses | £50-100 | Only if prescribed specifically for screen use |
| Specsavers Corporate Eye Care voucher | £25 test + £45 glasses | Pre-loaded voucher, most common corporate scheme |
| Boots Corporate Eye Care voucher | £29.95 test + £50 glasses | Includes Advantage Card points |
Can You Choose Your Own Optician?
Generally yes. The regulations do not require you to use a specific optician. However, many employers have a preferred provider (typically Specsavers or Boots) that simplifies the administrative process through pre-loaded vouchers.
If you prefer a different optician, you can usually go elsewhere and submit a receipt for reimbursement up to the employer's budget limit. Check with HR before booking if you want to use a non-preferred provider.