Eye tests for HSE staff using display screen equipment

You may experience eye fatigue, red or sore eyes and headaches from using your computer.

Eye fatigue can cause you to adopt awkward postures which may cause discomfort.

Eye strain and fatigue is reduced by having:

• the screen well positioned
• suitable lighting conditions
• regular breaks from screen work

As a display screen equipment (DSE) user you are entitled to an eye and eyesight test:

• before commencing DSE work
• at regular intervals
• if you experience visual difficulties due to DSE work

This test is paid for by the HSE.

If your eye test shows that you require particular lenses for DSE work, these are paid for by the HSE. This covers the cost of minimum-requirement frames and lenses.

The HSE is not liable for costs if you already wear glasses and need routine new lenses that are adequate for DSE work.

A claim for costs can be made on the reimbursement for other costs form (PDF, 180KB, 1 page)

Display screen equipment (DSE) spectacles approval form

If My HSE Self Service is live in your area, submit your claim for costs as ‘Other Expenses’ under the 'My Travel and Expenses' tile. In the description box enter ‘DSE lenses’.

Definition of a DSE user

You are deemed a DSE user if you:

• have no choice but to use the DSE to carry out your work
• normally use DSE for continuous periods of more than one hour per day
• generally use DSE on a daily basis

Display screen equipment includes PCs and visual display screen equipment.

Reimbursement for prescription glasses for DSE work

If you are identified as a DSE user, you are entitled to the cost of minimal lenses and frames (for DSE vision only). There is no fixed amount set under the regulations.

Local reimbursement process for eye tests and glasses

1. Employee who is a DSE user requests that an eye and eyesight test is provided.
2. Manager ensures employee completes the ‘Display Screen Equipment User Awareness’ module on HSeLanD.
3. DSE assessor or competent person carries out a DSE risk assessment (‘Display Screen Equipment Assessor’ training module is available on HSeLanD).
4. Follow local arrangements for providing eye tests, if local arrangements are in place.

If no local arrangements are in place:

1. Employee submits the eye test cost to their line manager for approval
2. Employee makes an appointment with the optician, attends the eye test and pays for it. If the optician does not recommend corrective DSE wear, the employee submits a receipt for reimbursement, along with completed DSE spectacles approval form.
3. If lenses are prescribed for DSE use, the employee must get written confirmation and a quote for minimum requirement lenses and frames only. This must take into account any entitlement the employee may have to tests and appliances through their PRSI contributions. This confirmation must be submitted along with the claim using DSE spectacles approval form.
4. The line manager provides written approval to proceed (for example, their signature and date on the optician’s quote on the completed DSE spectacles approval form.
5. To claim expenses for DSE lenses and frames, employee can either:
   • submit the reimbursement form to their payment processing division; or
   • use My HSE Self Service - submit as an expense under the ‘other expenses’ tile, and put ‘DSE lenses and frames’ in the description box

The invoice will be paid through the employee’s pay, when approved.