Health and Safety Legislation

There is currently no evidence that the use of VDU screens causes disease or permanent damage to the eyes.

Using a VDU screen for long periods of time can, however, lead to eye strain and discomfort.

Due to the more demanding nature of VDU screens on the eyes, it is also possible to become more aware of an existing visual problem that may previously have been undetected.

Health and Safety Legislation exists to protect the workforce from the adverse effects of VDU screens.

We have summarised the specific points relating to Eye Testing from the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 as amended 2002.

This is intended as a guide for your convenience and you are directed to: http://www.hse.gov.uk/ for more detailed information.

Staff who fall under VDU regulations are defined as habitually using VDUs as a significant part of their normal work.

These staff are entitled to request an Eye and Eyesight Test from their employer who must pay for the test.

The Eye and Eyesight Test must be carried out by an optometrist or doctor and must be carried out at regular intervals. It is the duty of the Optometrist to decide on the length of these intevals.

The Employer may choose who will provide the Eye Tests.

The Employer is only required to pay for spectacles if they are specifically required for use at the VDU distance and if other spectacles cannot be used for this purpose.