Watford Borough Council is the latest government body to implement Specsavers Corporate Eyecare’s voucher system to provide eyecare for staff using Visual Display Units (VDUs).
Under the 1992 Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations (amended in 2002) employers are required to provide all employees who use VDUs with eye tests, when requested, and glasses, if required. Impressed by the benefits that Hertfordshire County Council had received over several years from Specsavers Corporate Eyecare’s VDU vouchers, health and safety adviser, Darren Williams, decided to investigate the options for a second Council under his remit. Following Mr Williams’ recommendations, Watford Borough Council has now adopted the same scheme.
Darren Williams, health and safety adviser, comments: ‘The eyecare voucher system is proving very successful within both councils. Administration of the vouchers could not be easier as they are simply handed out to employees as required. They also provide excellent value for money and impeccable levels of care for the wellbeing of staff.’
Sign up to our weekly round-up of HR news and guidance
Receive the Personnel Today Direct e-newsletter every Wednesday
Abby Pringle, corporate sales and account adviser for Specsavers Corporate Eyecare, says: ‘It is a legal requirement for all staff who use display screens to be provided with company-funded eyetest and glasses if they are required for VDU use. Councils in particular need to be sure that they are providing the best care for their staff in the most cost-effective manner. Our voucher schemes cut administration time and give the employer the reassurance of knowing that their responsibilities have been fully met.’
Visit: www.specsavers.co.uk/corporate
