What is Corporate Eyecare?
Corporate eyecare refers to eye tests that are carried out for employees within the actual business premises of the employer.
Corporate eyecare allows employers to support the health and wellbeing of their employees, particularly those who regularly use display screen equipment (DSE) such as computers and laptops.
The concept is similar to our home eye testing service but instead of visiting patients in their homes, we bring our industry-leading equipment directly to your workplace or chosen business location to provide a comprehensive eye test.
Corporate eye tests can be particularly useful for businesses with a large number of employees, as several employees can have their eyes tested during the same workplace visit.
The Importance of Corporate Eyecare
The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992, as amended in 2002 were introduced to protect employees from health risks associated with prolonged use of computers, laptops and other visual display units.
Under the regulations, employers must provide an eye test for employees who regularly use display screen equipment if they request one. The employer must also pay for the test.
If an eye test shows that an employee requires special glasses specifically for their DSE work, the employer must also pay for these glasses.
Corporate eyecare can therefore help businesses meet their responsibilities while also supporting employee wellbeing and comfortable working practices.
It is important to remember that prolonged DSE use does not cause permanent damage to the eyes. However, it can contribute to tired eyes, discomfort and headaches, particularly where an employee already has an uncorrected vision problem or their workstation is not correctly set up.
Corporate eyecare helps businesses comply with UK workplace regulations while supporting employee wellbeing and productivity.
Which Professions and Job Roles Benefit from Corporate Eyecare?
1. Computer Users
Prolonged use of display screen equipment such as laptops and computers can lead to eye strain, headaches and visual discomfort.
You may find it useful to read our previously written blog on display screen equipment and eye strain.
Job roles that typically involve prolonged screen use include:
- Data inputters
- Secretaries and clerical staff
- Receptionists
- Graphic designers
- Web designers
- Programmers
2. Drivers
Employees who drive as part of their job need to meet the required eyesight standards for driving.
This can include employees who regularly drive company vehicles, commercial vehicles or other vehicles as part of their work.
UK law states that all drivers must be able to read a vehicle number plate (with or without glasses) from a distance of 20 metres.
Surveys have shown that a significant number of UK drivers have not had an eye test within the recommended two-year period with some drivers never having had an eye test at all.
While there is no specific law requiring employers to provide eye tests for commercial drivers, employers still have a duty of care to ensure the safety of drivers, passengers and other road users.
We have previously provided eye tests for:
- Motorcyclists
- Coach and bus drivers
- Chauffeurs
- Haulage vehicle drivers
- Forklift drivers
3. Safety Eyewear
Employees working in hazardous environments may require eye protection from chemicals, dust, wind, sparks and other airborne particles.
In addition to providing eye tests, we can also supply prescription safety glasses where required.
Professions that often benefit from safety eyewear include:
- Scientists
- Building site workers
- Engineers
- Factory workers
What Are the Benefits of Corporate Eyecare?
A healthy employee is a productive employee. Your workforce is one of the most important resources within your business.
Corporate eyecare can benefit both employers and employees by making it easier for staff to access professional eye care without having to leave the workplace.
Benefits for the Employer
- Demonstrates a clear duty of care towards employees
- Helps businesses comply with Health and Safety regulations
- Reduces the time employees need to take away from work to attend an eye test
- Can help reduce work-related discomfort caused by uncorrected vision problems
- Improved productivity and reduced absenteeism
- Reduced time off work caused by visual discomfort, eye strain and work-related headaches
- Provides a convenient way to arrange eye tests for multiple employees
Benefits for the Employee
- Eye tests can help detect underlying health conditions such as glaucoma, diabetes and migraine-related vision issues
- Provides convenient access to a comprehensive eye test
- Can identify changes in vision that may require corrective lenses
- Helps employees work more comfortably when using computers and other display screen equipment
- Can identify signs of certain eye health problems during a comprehensive eye examination
- Provides access to professional advice about spectacles and workplace visual requirements
- Improved visual comfort and efficiency at work
How Do Corporate Eye Tests Work?
Corporate eye tests are designed to make eye care as convenient as possible for both employers and employees.
Instead of employees having to leave work and attend an optician individually, our opticians can visit your business premises and carry out eye tests at a suitable location within the workplace.
We bring the equipment required to carry out a comprehensive eye examination and can arrange appointments so that employees can be tested throughout the day.
This can be particularly useful for businesses with a large number of employees or workplaces where staff cannot easily leave their place of work.
Corporate Eyecare in the West Midlands, Worcestershire and Warwickshire
Home Eyecare provides corporate eye testing for businesses across the West Midlands, Worcestershire and Warwickshire.
We can visit offices, workplaces and other business premises to provide convenient eye tests for employees.
Our corporate eyecare service can be suitable for businesses in areas including Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Walsall, Coventry, Solihull, Worcester and surrounding areas.
If you are unsure whether we cover your business location, please contact us and speak to a member of our team.
Why Choose Home Eyecare for Corporate Eyecare?
Home Eyecare provides thorough corporate eye testing using industry-leading equipment and technology.
We bring a full range of spectacles directly to your business premises, allowing employees to view and discuss suitable frames and lenses following their eye test.
We can also provide prescription safety glasses where required for employees working in environments where additional eye protection is necessary.
Our mobile service means that employees can have their eyes tested at their place of work without having to travel to a high street optician.
We also assess posture and workstation setup allowing us to make recommendations that support healthy working practices.
For more information about corporate eyecare, please contact Home Eyecare today and speak to a member of our team.
Corporate Eyecare FAQ
Does an employer have to provide eye tests for employees?
If an employee regularly uses display screen equipment as part of their work and requests an eye test, their employer must provide and pay for an appropriate eye and eyesight test.
Who is entitled to an employee eye test?
Employees who regularly use display screen equipment, such as computers and laptops, can request an eye test under the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations.
An eye test may also be appropriate for employees whose work involves specific visual requirements, such as driving or working in environments where safety eyewear is required.
Does my employer have to pay for an eye test?
Yes. Where the DSE regulations apply, an employer must pay for an appropriate eye and eyesight test when requested by a DSE user.
Does my employer have to pay for glasses?
An employer only has to pay for glasses where an eye test shows that special corrective appliances are required specifically for DSE work and normal corrective appliances cannot be used.
How often should employees have an eye test?
There is no single fixed interval that applies to every employee. Further eye tests should be provided at appropriate regular intervals, and employees can also request another test if they experience visual difficulties that may reasonably be related to their DSE work.
Can corporate eye tests be carried out at the workplace?
Yes. Corporate eyecare allows an optician to bring the necessary equipment to your business premises, making it possible for employees to have their eyes tested at work rather than travelling to an optician.