Departments should make arrangements for eye and eyesight testing for employees who are users of display screen equipment with an optician from the list below.
Any employee who is a user of display screen equipment is entitled, on request, to receive an eye and eyesight test as defined in the Optical Act 1989. Employees are expected to bring this request to the attention of their department (usually the administrator) before any arrangements for testing are put in place.
The optician determines the frequency of repeat eye and eyesight testing for users. This is usually every two years, but it can vary for individual patients. The department must also meet costs of repeat testing.
Arrangements have been made with the opticians listed below in Oxford who can provide the appropriate testing. The opticians will invoice the department upon receipt of a departmental purchase order. Alternatively individuals can pay directly and seek reimbursement of their expenses from their department.
The University recognises that for some members of staff who work remotely, it's difficult to come into Oxford to visit a nominated optician. In these circumstances, you may go to a local optician for a DSE-related eyesight test, provided you clear this request with your line manager first.
Where the optician recommends an employee be provided with eyesight correction specifically for their work with DSE, the law requires that the University meet reasonable costs. This is met from departmental funds. A reasonable contribution is now regarded as up to £75 and this contribution will be kept under review. There is no requirement on the University to contribute where ‘normal’ glasses, provided for reading, watching TV, or driving, are adequate for DSE use.
Optician
|
Address
|
Cost (per test)
(No VAT chargeable)
|
| David Clulow |
13 High Street
Oxford
OX1 4DB
Tel: 01865 790345
|
£20.00
Note: The individual will have to pay directly and seek reimbursement of their expenses within their department
|
| Gardiners |
5 Manor Buildings
Osler Road
Headington
OX3 7RA
Tel: 01865 761459
|
£20.00
Note: A purchase order (PO) is required in order to claim the lower price of £20. Please ensure the name of the person undergoing the DSE eyesight test is included on the PO. Gardiners also require the individual to take a paper copy of the PO with them when attending for the DSE eyesight test, otherwise the individual will have to pay directly and seek reimbursement of their expenses
|
| P B Conway |
44 George Street
Oxford
OX1 2AQ
Tel: 01865 244667 or 01865 247031
|
£21.00
Note: Please ensure the name of the person undergoing the DSE eyesight test is included on the PO. PB Conway also require the individual to take a paper copy of the PO with them when attending for the DSE eyesight test, otherwise the individual will have to pay directly and seek reimbursement of their expenses
|
| Vision Express (UK) Ltd |
31-32 Queen Street
Oxford
OX1 1ER
Tel: 01865 243567
|
£30.00
Note: The individual will have to pay directly and seek reimbursement of their expenses within their department
|
(Details correct as of January 2024)
A contribution might be required if the following statement is ticked on an optician’s report:
- Spectacles are required for general use, incorporating a special prescription for VDU use
This statement refers to multi-focal prescriptions. The use of bifocal or varifocal glasses can sometimes introduce other problems, as a person might make repeated adjustments to their head/neck position or adopt awkward positions in order to look through the appropriate part of the lens. The department should therefore consult the Safety Office whenever this statement is ticked. The Safety Office will liaise, as necessary, with the relevant optician and individual, in order to help them decide on an appropriate solution specific to their work with DSE.
Any other questions or queries should be directed to the Safety Office.
Purchase orders for display screen equipment eyesight tests at the approved opticians (above) should be raised by the departmental administrator or equivalent. The cost of the eyesight test is met from departmental funds.
