To assist HR professionals, Specsavers Corporate Eyecare has created a top ten list of optical care tips:

1. Set your policy
The 1992 Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations (amended in 2002) require employers to provide all employees who use visual display units (VDUs) with eye tests, when requested, and glasses, if required. Unnecessary outlay often occurs when employees request expensive glasses from their own optician. The regulations state, however, that glasses need only be provided specifically for VDU use and the employer can specify a chosen optician, so they can remain in control of quality and cost.

2. Choose all-encompassing cover
Under the regulations it is necessary to decide who counts as a ‘regular’ VDU user. It is often simpler and safer to assume that all employees who use VDUs are covered. In fact, it can take a great deal more time and money trying to exclude one person from eyecare cover than to include everyone in a blanket, low-cost scheme.

3. Protect drivers
Between a quarter and a third of road traffic accidents are believed to involve people who are driving during the course of their work. An eye examination with a qualified optometrist can cost just a few pounds but, if undertaken at least every two years, can vastly improve the chances of staying safe on the roads.

4. Eliminate risks
With the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007 now in place, and fines of seven-figure sums, no employer can afford to take a risk with any employees’ health and safety. The loss of an employee’s eyesight would not only be a tragedy in itself but could easily lead to much greater risks for that individual and their colleagues.

5. Enforce regulations
One of the biggest issues with safety eyewear is that it is not actually worn. Uncomfortable safety eyewear is more likely to be removed. It is vital for the selected optician to offer a complete fitting service to ensure that safety eyewear not only offers adequate coverage for the eyes but also that the glasses are comfortable enough to be worn for long periods of time.

6. Select your optometrist carefully
Different optometrists offer different levels of service and pricing. Consider how involved the optometrist is in the overall process: those with their own range of frames and certified glazing facility are likely to result in a greatly-reduced cost and will give consistency of service and quality.

7. Minimise administration
Eyecare voucher schemes can offer exceptional value for money without time-consuming administration. Employers simply buy the vouchers in advance and distribute them to the relevant employees, who can redeem them as and when they wish.

8. Enjoy additional benefits
Some corporate eyecare providers offer clients additional benefits such as money-off vouchers, 2-for-1 deals and upgrades to designer frames. These can not only save the employer money but can offer tangible extra benefits for employees.

9. Offer various styles
Although corporate eyewear is essentially functional, do not underestimate how important style may be to your employees. Eyewear is only of use to staff if they do actually wear it.

10. Consider the bigger picture
A full eye examination by a fully qualified optometrist can assess the whole visual system and point to many more general health issues. High-tech retinal cameras can aid the detection of conditions like glaucoma, diabetes, inflammatory disorders, macular degenerations, vascular occlusions and cataracts.