Research from the College of Optometrists has revealed that over a 1/3 of workers who use computer screens are not aware that, by law, they are entitled to an eye examination paid for by their employer.

I work with computers, am I entitled to a free eye examination?
 
If you are in a job where you use a computer/VDU screen habitually as a significant part of their normal work (eg for at least an hour most days), then according to the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992, your employer has an obligation to pay for regular eye examinations.
 
Can I choose who carries out my eye examination?
 
Talk to your employer or HR Department.  They may already have an agreement with a local optometrist or they may be happy for you to attend an optometrist of your choice and refund you for the cost of the eye examination. Some employers operate a corporate eye care voucher system, this means they will present you with a pre-paid voucher for an eye examination, vouchers are accepted by many high street practitioners.  Please check your employer’s eye examination policy before arranging a sight test.
 
Does my employer need to pay for my spectacles?
 
The law states that employers must pay for spectacles that are specifically required for use with Display Screen Equipment (DSE). Most DSE users do not need specific spectacles purely for their work. The intention of the Regulations is not the free supply of spectacles to all DSE users, rather that people with special needs related to their use of DSE as part of their employment should receive the necessary appliances at not cost to themselves.  
 
If spectacles are required specifically for DSE use to meet their legal obligation your employer must pay for a “basic” frame and lenses, not necessarily designer glasses! Check with your employer how much they would be willing to reimburse you before purchasing your spectacles. They may choose to meet the cost of the basic frame and lenses or may contribute a portion of the total cost of an "upgraded" pair.
 
Can working with computers make my eyesight worse?
 
There is no evidence that working with Display Screen Equipment can damage your eyes or eyesight. As with any prolonged task, looking at a computer screen for a long time without a break may make your eyes feel more uncomfortable, and make you aware of eye problems that weren’t causing any symptoms previously. An eye examination will ensure that your vision is as clear and comfortable as possible and that any problems are spotted early on.  An eye exam can also help you alleviate:

• Tiredness
• Headaches
• Blurriness
• Lack of concentration or focus

What steps can I take to improve my vision at work?
 

• Have regular eye examinations.
• Take frequent breaks. Give your eyes a rest every 20 minutes or so. You should have sufficient space behind your computer screen to be able to look beyond it and relax your eyes.
• Check that the screen is at a comfortable distance from your eyes, usually 60cm (approximately arms length away). Check the height of the screen, the top of the monitor should be roughly level with your eyes. 
• Try and avoid glare or bright reflections on the screen, try and avoid directly facing windows or bright sunlight, adjust any blinds to prevent unwanted light and glare. Keep your screen clean and free from dust and marks.

Why do I need to have an eye examination?
 
The eye examination is a vital eye health check and should be part of everyone's normal health regime. Here are 10 important reasons to have a regular examination:
 

• You only have one pair of eyes. Once lost, your eyesight may never be replaced.
• Unlike your teeth, your eyes do not usually hurt when there is something wrong.
• The eye examination can pick up early signs of potentially blinding eye conditions, such as glaucoma.
• The earlier a problem is detected the greater the chance of successful treatment. This is particularly true for young children and older people.
• The eye examination can also detect a number of other underlying health problems, such as high blood pressure or diabetes.
• An examination checks whether your eyesight needs correcting with spectacles and/or contact lenses and determines the best form of correction for your vision.
• Good vision means working and playing better and safer - in fact it means a better quality of life.
• For young people, good eyesight is vital for learning. An eye examination will detect any problems with the young person’s sight which may be affecting school performance.
• Failing eyesight is often taken for granted as people get older, however, by having an eye examination and remedying problems where necessary, older people may be able to improve their quality of life significantly.
• Poor eyesight can be dangerous. Make sure that you meet the legal requirement for driving.

Unless otherwise advised you should have an eye examination every two years. It may be necessary to have examinations more frequently depending on your age and medical history.

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Where can I find out more information?

Health and Safety Executive (HSE) - Working with VDUs
Health and Safety Executive (HSE) - Display Screen Equipment regulations and guidance