Providing eye tests for DSE users is to enhance comfort and efficiency by identifying and correcting vision defects, thus helping to prevent temporary eyestrain and fatigue. There is no reliable evidence that work with DSE causes any permanent damage to eyes or eyesight, but it may make users with pre-existing vision defects more aware of them.
The employee must obtain authorisation from their manager / supervisor or budget holder, using the relevant College / School / Department process, prior to making an appointment. Once approval has been given the appointment can be arranged with the employee’s local optometrist, with the cost borne by the University in arrears – the process varies locally, so please check beforehand (see Appendix 3) for a suggested form that could be used). When booking the appointment, you need to mention DSE and know the distance between your eyes and that of your screen. Most tests include this, but it is best to have this information handy. Evidence from the optometrist will be required to support any claim for additional contribution.
The University will pay for a standard frame and lens when it is identified that prescription glasses are required for intermediate distance or contribute a maximum of £50 towards more expensive frames or lenses (bifocal/varifocals). Please note the University will not pay for spectacles which are used for other purposes such as reading or driving in addition to display screen equipment work. Therefore, if an ordinary prescription is suitable for DSE work, the University does not have to pay for the spectacles.