Are employers required to reimburse employees for glasses?

Health and Safety Legislation in the UK is explicit that an employer must protect their workers from health risks arising from working with display screen equipment (DSE). The law says employers must arrange an eye test for display screen equipment (DSE) users if they ask for one and provide glasses if an employee needs them only for DSE use.

DSE work does not cause permanent damage to eyes. But long spells of DSE work can lead to:

tired eyes
discomfort
temporary short-sightedness
headaches

Working in front of a screen all day can be visually demanding, so it can make someone aware of eyesight problems they have not noticed before (including changes in eyesight that happen with age). Employers must therefore assess DSE workstations and take steps to reduce any health risks.

Employers are only required to pay for glasses for DSE work if the test shows an employee needs special glasses prescribed for the distance the screen is viewed at. If an ordinary prescription is suitable, employers do not have to pay for glasses.

There are two types of corrective appliances (spectacles), one being Normal and one being Special Corrective Appliances. Normal means that you need the corrective appliance (glasses) for not only your job but for your normal everyday lifestyle and as such if these glasses are for Normal use, then these are at your own expense and cost.

However, if they are Special Corrective Appliances (glasses) this means that you need the glasses to do the DSE/User work the employer is liable for paying for these.

In terms of expense the employer is required to meet the cost associated with providing a basic frame and the prescribed lenses, however, should the employee wish to have better frames or make additions then the employer is only liable to pay for the equivalent amount of basic frame and prescription lenses with the employee covering any outstanding amount.

121 HR Solutions can provide guidance in the event of a query – contact us on 0800 9995 121.

Are employers required to reimburse employees for glasses?

121 HR Solutions Ltd