The LMC has received a few queries about whether practices need to pay of eye checks for their workers, so we have investigated this and are able to share the following guidance for practices.
In summary, 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.
The full guidance from the Health and Safety Executive can be found here.
In essence, practices do not need to do anything proactively but must respond appropriately if asked by an employee. The LMC view is that it would be reasonable not to arrange an eye test but to offer to refund the cost of an NHS eye check by an optometrist of the employee’s choice.