reimbursement of eye tests

reimbursement of eye tests

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Writing a company expenses policy
Am aware that people using a VDU are entitled to claim for eye tests - can anyone help me with the rules for this - is there a legal requirement for the company to pay for an annual eye test? What about eye tests for people such as myself who have worn specs since childhood? - I have never ever put an expenses claim in for this because it just doesn't seem right to ask my employer to pay for a test I would have needed anyway, regardless of my job, but I know a number of our employees don't necessarily share my scruples

Thanks in advance for any help anyone can give
Lesley Anderton

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By User deleted
17th Feb 2005 16:12

self employed and eye sights
Not part of your question I know, but can self employed computer programmers claim eye sight costs on their self assesment tax returns?

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JPW
By jpwattam
14th Feb 2005 18:11

No scruples required
Staring at a VDU all day could be affecting your sight - the fact that you've had glasses all your life is irrelevant.

Strictly, the company needs to contract for tests and specs in order to qualify.

Anyone using a VDU is entitled to an annual sight test at the employers expense. Then if you need glasses...

Solely for VDU use - employer pays 100% of cost.
General use with a specific prescription for VDU use - 100% divided by number of purposes (my interpretation).
General use, including incidental VDU use - nil.

You should get a certificate from your optician stating clearly what your prescription is for, fitting into 1 of the above 3 categories.

Any cost incurred by the employer as set out above is tax relievable by the employer and not taxable on the employee as a benefit.

I'm pretty sure the above is correct - can anyone confirm?

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By vstrad
15th Feb 2005 19:35

There's more to it than just eye tests ...
As well as paying for eye tests for all VDU users who request them, employers are also responsible for ensuring that VDU users have proper training, correctly set-up work stations, proper breaks etc.

This is all covered by "The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 (DSE Regulations)". Just go to www.hse.gov.uk and look for DSE.

Hope this helps,

Vernon Stradling

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By AnonymousUser
15th Feb 2005 11:42

Eye tests
Julian

I would agree with your comments.

Sandra Beale MCIPD

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