Posted By Jason McQueen just a quick question - we, as a company, provide field vision testing for DSE via the occ health dept but an employee is insisting that he wants a full eye test from an exteranl and fully qualified optician. Reading the regs it could go either way. We are providing eye testing for the purposes of DSE (but little more in that it doesnt test the full health of the eye) and so meeting our obligations but the regs do state that the employee can request an eye test from an optician - thoughts and opinions welcomed.

Posted By Rob W If requested by an employee an employer is obliged to arrange for an "appropriate eye and eyesight test", this must be carried out by a opthalmic optician or a medical practitioner with appropriate qualification. The definition of an "appropriate eye and eyesight test" is contained within Opticians act legislation. Full details are contained on page 24 and 25 of the DSE regs & guidance

Posted By Jack A sensible policy Kathy but it could be challenged employees (subject to the qualifications of OH staff), for the reasons expressed in other responses.