Are you an employer? please see guidance on eyecare for staff below

Does your staff use computers/VDU(visual display unit)/DSE(display screen equipment) part of their jobe role?

Do your staff drive part of their job role?

If so, UK legislation enforces employers to ensure the employees are given access to not only having regular eye tests but also any visual aids/spectacles/safety spectacles.

With the Iclinic you can arange a mobile eye clinic to visit your premises of work and conduct comprehensive eye testing in order to offer a complete eyecare solution for your entire workforce. Below you will find information about what duties you have as an employer which is also outlined on www.hse.gov.uk . These Regulations only apply to employers whose workers regularly use DSE as a significant part of their normal work (daily, for continuous periods of an hour or more). These workers are known as DSE users.

These Regulations do not apply to workers who use DSE infrequently or for short periods of time. However, the controls described in ‘How to control the risk’ may still be useful for these workers.

If you have DSE users, you must:

■analyse workstations to assess and reduce risks

■make sure controls are in place

■ provide information and training

■ provide eye and eyesight tests on request, and special spectacles if needed

What is DSE?

DSE are devices or equipment that have an alphanumeric or graphic display screen and includes display screens, laptops, touch screens and other similar devices.

What are the health risks with DSE?

Some workers may experience fatigue, eye strain, upper limb problems and backache from overuse or improper use of DSE. These problems can also be experienced from poorly designed workstations or work environments. The causes may not always be obvious and can be due to a combination of factors.

The risks from DSE can be controlled using the following straightforward, low-cost controls. Getting comfortable The following TIPS may help users:

■Forearms should be approximately horizontal and the user’s eyes should be the same height as the top of the screen.

■Make sure there is enough work space to accommodate all documents or other equipment. A document holder may help avoid awkward neck and eye movements.

■Arrange the desk and screen to avoid glare, or bright reflections. This is often easiest if the screen is not directly facing windows or bright lights.

■Adjust curtains or blinds to prevent intrusive light.

■Make sure there is space under the desk to move legs.

■Avoid excess pressure from the edge of seats on the backs of legs and knees. A footrest may be helpful, particularly for smaller users.

■A space in front of the keyboard can help you rest your hands and wrists when not keying.

■try to keep wrists straight when keying.

■Good keyboard technique is important – you can do this by keeping a soft touch on the keys and not overstretching the fingers.

■Look into the distance from time to time, and blink often

■Change activity before users get tired, rather than to recover.

■Short, frequent breaks are better than longer, infrequent ones.

Timing and length of changes in activity or breaks for DSE use is not set down in law and arrangements will vary depending on a particular situation. Employers are not responsible for providing breaks for the self-employed.

There is no evidence to suggest that DSE work will cause permanent damage to eyes or eyesight. Eye tests are provided to ensure users can comfortably see the screen and work effectively without visual fatigue.

If a user or a potential user requests an eye test you are required to provide one. If the test shows that the user needs glasses specifically for DSE work, you must pay for a basic pair of frames and lenses. Eye tests are not an entitlement for the self- employed. Users are entitled to further tests if DSE work is considered to cause them visual fatigue and at regular intervals after the first test. The arrangements you make to provide eye and eyesight tests can vary. For example, some employers let users arrange tests for themselves (and give the employer the bill); others prefer to send all their staff to be tested by one optician.

We offer various corporate solutions. speak to us to enquire how we can help your employee benefits today.