The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Regulations 2007 entitle employees to an eye and eyesight test before taking up work if it is habitual work with a Visual Display Unit (VDU), as well as at regular intervals thereafter.   These regulations are applicable if :

• the employee has no choice but to use the VDU to carry out her/his work. 
• the employee normally uses the VDU for continuous periods of more than one hour
• the VDU is generally used by the employee on a daily basis

How should an employer determine these intervals and when is an employer liable for the costs of providing glasses? The Health and Safety Authority is responsible for enforcing health and safety at work in Ireland and has published a comprehensive set of FAQs in this area.

For further information on this area please click here.