Posted By Ian P Has anybody come across opticians who charge for issuing letters confirming that new glasses are needed or prescriptions have changed because of DSE use? If this isn't just a rumour that some are doing this then who would be responsible for paying, the employer or the employee?

Posted By Ian P Thanks, that was my thinking but I know there would be a reaction if this is true. Fortunately it is only the one optician I have heard about doing this so the easy answer is use another optician, unless it becomes standard practice of course

Posted By Calum Clark We have a corporate deal with one optician and send our employees there. The cost of a DSE sight test is discounted (and paid for by us) and includes a report if necessary. The report has a straight forward statement telling us if we do or don't have to pay for the appliances. One employee went to an optician of their choosing and did not inform us until she had been. The result was that the cost of her test did not include a report. She had to pay an extra charge for a report that was so technical we couldn't make sense of it. The moral of the story seems to be know exactly what you are getting before you go. Its important to note that although sight tests are now paid for by the NHS up here in Scotland, DSE sight tests are not. If you want a DSE report you still have to pay. We recommend that any employees who goes to ther optician and is told they might need specs for DSE should arrange to see our preferred optician and book the appointment through us. Calum

Posted By Ken Taylor You could go for the eye-care voucher scheme but agree to reimburse those who choose to use their own optician instead to the same amount - including any charge for a written statement to the effect that the spectacles are required for DSE work.

Posted By Ian P I have been asked by our HR if a tickbox could be used instead of a letter? It would be on the form from us to authorise the employee to get an eye test which they would ask the optician to tick and sign if a new or changed prescription was for or caused by DSE use. I'm not sure if all opticians would agree to this and there is the danger of forgery, or am I being too cynical. Basically they want something with the least hassle for them and the DSE user and if the powers that be agree to accept the risk of paying out contributions without proof on headed paper it is not ny decision as long as it is a legal one.

Posted By Ian P Thanks Stuart