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Staff Directory Home Health and wellbeing Physical health and wellbeing Eyesight test and vouchers

Eyesight test and vouchers

University eyecare provision

Under the Health and Safety (DSE) Regulations 1992 (amended 2002), Essex recognises its duty to provide provision for eye tests and spectacles required specifically for staff who regularly use a computer for their work.

For the purpose of these regulations, the test of vision should take account of the distance at which the screen is viewed. You should measure and inform the optician of your normal viewing distance. Generally, 50-60cm will be comfortable, but this can vary with individual differences in vision, or the constraints placed on you by the size of screen or desk.

Eyesight test and vouchers

If you use Display Screen Equipment (DSE) you’re entitled to a Specsavers Optical Care eVoucher once a year. 

The voucher entitles you to:

  • an eyesight test at Specsavers
  • if it is found that VDU glasses are required – a pair of VDU glasses from the specified range fitted with standard single vision lenses will be provided. Alternatively, you can receive a contribution of up to £50 towards selected upgraded frames.
  • if it is found that you do not require VDU glasses – You will still be eligible to claim a pair of non-prescription sunglasses from a selected range

If you would like a voucher, please first book an appointment with Specsavers then email Occupational Health at ohquery@essex.ac.uk with proof of your appointment details. The voucher will then be sent to you via your Essex email within 5 working days.

Please ensure you send your appointment details at least 5 working days before your appointment, to ensure there is time for your voucher to be issued. We will not issue vouchers for appointments booked more than one month in advance. 

Please ensure that you print the eVoucher and take it with you to your appointment.

If you’re unable to use your voucher for any reason, please let Occupational Health know as soon as possible so that the voucher can be reallocated by emailing ohquery@essex.ac.uk.

You will not be entitled to a refund if you book or pay for an optician appointment and frames outside of the voucher scheme. Vouchers cannot be redeemed retrospectively.  

Safety glasses

Depending on the type of job you do, standard safety glasses should be provided by the University following a risk assessment identifying that safety glasses are required and should be supplied as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). These are also provided through a Specsavers Optical Care eVoucher and can be accessed by emailing Occupational Health at ohquery@essex.ac.uk. When requesting safety glasses, please also state whether you have had an eye test in the last year and whether you might require bifocal or varifocal safety glasses.

You will not be entitled to a refund if you book or pay for an optician appointment and frames outside of the voucher scheme.

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Occupational Health team
Telephone: 01206 872399

  • University of Essex
  • Wivenhoe Park
  • Colchester CO4 3SQ

 

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