Good afternoon all, 

We are currently in the process of reviewing our eye care policy to align with the introduction of a new online portal we are launching within the organisaiton which allows staff members to request their own eyesight tests if they are identified as DSE users. 

My predecessor wrote into the policy that staff who do not use the voucher may be charged and cannot apply for another voucher for two years. I have removed the part stating you cannot apply for another voucher for two years as I don't think this is in line with wellbeing initiatives more widely, but I wanted to know whether anyone had successfully implemented charges for non useage of vouchers? 

I have also read on an old forum post that DSE eyesight tests are different to those offered to drivers, and our current eye care policy states you may request a voucher for an eyesight test if you are a DSE user or drive "more than frquently" for your role e.g Outreach or Education. If anyone can give me any information on this I would be grateful as I assumed that one test would be sufficient to cover both - perhaps not?

Thanks for any help you can give.

You can't charge for PPE ergo you can't charge for a DSE eye test and if your system is set up where you have pre-paid for x eye tests that no one uses unfortunate, you can't back charge the scheme to the employees.

As we age a lot can happen to eye sight (and general health) so you are right to remove any "penalty" for failure to use as it could feasibly lead to a four year period where eye sight is not checked (voucher after two years unused so no voucher for a further two years).

There is no legal obligation on an employer regarding provision of prescription devices to drivers, lots of opinion on this one on the forum

A single test can cover all prescriptions BUT only if the optician is told of all possible uses required before conducting the test.

 DSE user sight tests are not the same as standard sight tests. A standard sight test will cover anyone who drives for domestic purposes. If you drive profesionally I believe you have to have more regular tests.

.  Not sure a what is meant by "more than frequently".

I have never heard of people being charged for non use of vouchers, not sure why you would issue vouchers if people don't want them.

P.S. I think your policy may need a review,

Nic

Yes, I’d get a supplier that only charges for vouchers that are used and deactivates old vouchers after 6 months or so which means that you don’t have company money tied up in vouchers that are not being used. Much easier than trying to claw back the money from employees.