Posted By s.micklewright Hi All, I thought that would grab your attention! Presbyopic is a term relating to sight where the sufferer requires special spectacles in order to operate DSE. We have a doctor’s letter from a member of staff who suffers this illness, as an employer we have to contribute towards the cost of such spectacles. The staff member wears everyday spectacles but will also require theses special ones. What percentage of contribution should/must an employer pay towards these? Don’t get me wrong we are more than happy to pay the full amount, but the letter from the doctor states legislation requires a contribution. Could anyone tell me what this contribution is (as a percentage perhaps) or provide me with more info. Thank you so much Simon

Posted By Jonathan Breeze My understanding of the ACOP & Guidance is that you pay the full cost of providing a basic set of frames and lenses. See Regulation 5 & paragraph 61 of the guidance document (available from HSE books). As to how much that is likely to cost, only the optician can tell you.

Posted By steve e ashton Is the Doctor also an ophthalmologist or optometrist? Age deterioration commonly affects 'close range' vision and is also known as short-arm syndrome. The vision deterioration affects the need for spectacles for reading and writing as well as for DSE use. I would be a little cautious about accepting a GP diagnosis.... It may be that the individual needs special glasses for the focal range of DSE use, but many spectacle wearers can use their 'normal' specs quite properly. A GP won't necessarily be able to disctinguish between someone who's eyesight needs correcting for all 'near' focal length activity and someone who needs different 'corrective appliances' for specific focal length activity (DSE use). If someone needs specs for everyday activity like reading / writing / watching telly etc, and those 'normal' specs are also suitable for DSE use, then it is my understanding the employer will not 'have' to pay for them under the regs. (although some do....). Steve

Posted By Jonathan Breeze Good point that Steve which I'd overlooked. Paragraph 50 of the guidance specifically refers to registered opthalmic optician or a medical practitioner with "suitable qualifications". I would suspect (but don't know for sure) that this would not include GP's. So there you go - as clear as mud!

Posted By Ken Taylor If you are dealing with a recognised DSE user, Vision Express do a voucher scheme at £15 for the test and £49 for the special glasses.