SMEs failing to provide eyecare

New figures from Specsavers Corporate Eyecare suggest SMEs aren't complying with Health and Safety Display Screen Equipment regulations. The research shows that 44 per cent of SMEs provide no eyecare at all to screen users, compared to 20 per centof larger companies. Businesses with less than 10 employees are the least likely to comply, with two-thirds (66 per cent) providing screen users with no eyecare whatsoever.

In fact, just 10 per cent of SMEs are fully complying with the DSE regulations by providing both eye tests and glasses. Although over a quarter (26 per cent) of SMEs do provide eye tests for all screen users, it is the provision of glasses that seems to be the sticking point.

Jim Lythgow, director of strategic alliances for Specsavers Corporate Eyecare, explained: "Under health and safety regulations, the employer must provide not only eye tests for all screen users but also glasses, but only if they are required solely for DSE use. This is the case regardless of the number of employees or the size of the company. The rules are specific about DSE use and employers are not obliged to fund glasses if screen users need them for everyday use as well.

"The good news is that there is an overall willingness among SMEs to provide eyecare but this is not to the extent as required by law. We believe there are two vital elements in increasing the number of employers complying with the DSE regulations: the first is to ensure they are educated about the full requirements of the legislation; the second is to make DSE eyecare as simple and cost effective as possible to procure."