Since January 1993, under the Health and Safety Display Screen Equipment Regulations 1992, employers have a duty to provide an eye examination when requested to do so by a habitual user of display screen equipment (DSE).

An Eyecare Trust survey showed that 90 per cent of UK businesses fail to meet these obligations with companies with fewer than 10 employees being the worst offenders.

Not only is the employer required to fund eye examinations on a regular basis but also to fund basic spectacles if required specifically for DSE use. In reality, the funding of spectacles is only required in about 10 per cent of cases. If the spectacles are used for other tasks away from work this is not considered 'specifically'.

Careful setting up of the work station is still essential, ensuring that the screen is not too high and it is angled so that images on the screen are not obscured by the reflections from lighting or windows.

Regular breaks away from the DSE are good for the eyes and the body allowing more sustained and consistent working.

The benefits to employers of all the above activities are reduced fatigue, reduced stress, less errors and happier, more productive staff.

The self-employed are classed as operators and should be able to claim optical costs as tax deductible.

In eye hazard occupations, the minimum requirement is for non-prescription goggles for use over any spectacles the employee may wear.

The employer is required to ensure use of safety equipment so funding prescription safety spectacles in such cases could be more beneficial regarding compliance.

There is no requirement to fund an eye examination. Business benefits include the reduced risk of penalties, reduced risk of injuries, less errors, less time lost and happier, more productive staff.

Mr Bowden can be contacted on 01634 851783.