Should your workplace pay for your eye test?

If you are wondering this question, chances are that you are suffering from eye pain or eye strain because of working on computers for too long. And good news for you, your employer is liable for your eye health, especially if your work requires staring into digital screens.

Your eyes can get weaker for n number of reasons. You get presbyopia, myopia because of your age, genes or underlying eye diseases. And it can also because of frequent use of display screens. Although it is not evident, these digital screens contribute to your eye woes. And your workplace can also be contributing factor for it.

Factors affecting your eye health in the workplace

Apart from genes and lifestyle choices, your eye health can be impacted by your workplace. You spend 9-to-5 for 5 days in your workplace, which is a large part of your life. You might have heard your colleagues complaining about cervical and back pains. Maybe you are included in that group too. These are not just health issues but health issues because of the workplace. Eye strain and eye fatigue is also such workplace hazard. The factors that contribute to your weakening eyesight are -

1. Blue light emission from the computer (Although the amount is lower than the natural sunlight, you are staring into these lights for hours.)
2. Poor posture — Leaning too close to the monitor or too far can strain not only your back but also your eyes.
3. Poor lighting — Most offices are brightly lit with enough light in every corner. However, these lights may affect some of the computers, where one can see the reflection of ceiling lights on their screen. It was the case with my computer screen. Even after getting blue light glasses, I would still get strains in my eyes. Finally, I had to shift to a different workstation.
4. Stringent working hours — If you do not get enough breaks in between work, you are straining your eyes too much.
5. Dry Atmosphere — ACs in the office are a must. However, these make the air dry and make your eyes dry too. Staring at the blue light screens make your eyes dry. Add ACs and your eyes get dry too quickly.

If you can tick off most of these factors, then no wonder your eyes are in pain. In such cases, according to the UK mandate of health and safety regulations, employers are obliged to pay for eye tests and glasses if required. Organisations are required to undergo DSE assessments every two years for every employee.

What is a DSE assessment? Is it necessary?

DSE or Display Screen Equipment assessment is a necessary assessment of the workplace. It is as crucial as workplace safety.

In this evaluation, various factors affecting the eye health of the employee is evaluated. It includes the number of hours spend on devices, the posture while working and other factors that can lead to health issues. Employees are given training on how to properly use display screens and the risks involved for their eyes.

A DSE training should include -

1. Proper posture for working on a computer
2. Light settings
3. Adjusting chairs and desks
4. Importance of taking breaks from the computers and all the devices
5. Risk assessments
6. And how to report such issues

What if you work from home…

If you are working from home, your employer is still liable for your eye safety. You can work on improving the light condition of your home, keep a proper posture while working and take appropriate breaks to not make your eyes suffer.

According to the UK workplace health and safety regulations, you are eligible to get a free eye test from your organisation and prescription glasses if you work on any type of display screen equipment. Whether you work in a fixed workstation, work from home, or move a lot changing your workstation, you can place a claim for an eye test and glasses if required.

What if your organisation does not take a DSE assessment?

This can happen if you work for a private entity. If you work a lot on computers and these display units are affecting the vision of the employees, you can pitch the issue to your employer. Also, it’s a legal requirement and a crucial workplace safety requirement.