Hi,
I'm long sighted and so need glasses for reading and computer work. My last pair wore out a couple of years ago and I have been putting off replacing them due to the expense. I use a PC for 8 hours a day and I have recently started to squint and my eyes get very tired. My employer pays for VHI HealthSteps Gold and I recently found out that I can get €70 towards a new pair of glasses through the VHI, plus €25 off an eye test (I think I can get a free eye test also through my PRSI contributions).
I asked my HR Department some time back if they were obliged to pay for new glasses for me (obviously a basic pair and not designer frames!) and the said no because they already pay my VHI. Just wanted to know if that's correct. According to the Health and Safety Authority website:
When is an employer liable for the costs of providing glasses?
When eye tests carried out by the doctor or optometrist reveal that particular lenses are required for VDU work, the basic costs of providing the glasses, or of new lenses where the employee already wears glasses, must be borne by the employer, taking account of any social welfare entitlement that might apply.
My point is that a basic pair of glasses might cost say €150 and going by the above, the Employer has to pay this. If they insist that it is covered by the VHI and they will not pay, I would only get €70 towards a pair of glasses and so would lose out.
Seems to be penny pinching I know but just want to know what I'm entitled to
Advice appreciated
Sweet Pea
I'm long sighted and so need glasses for reading and computer work. My last pair wore out a couple of years ago and I have been putting off replacing them due to the expense. I use a PC for 8 hours a day and I have recently started to squint and my eyes get very tired. My employer pays for VHI HealthSteps Gold and I recently found out that I can get €70 towards a new pair of glasses through the VHI, plus €25 off an eye test (I think I can get a free eye test also through my PRSI contributions).
I asked my HR Department some time back if they were obliged to pay for new glasses for me (obviously a basic pair and not designer frames!) and the said no because they already pay my VHI. Just wanted to know if that's correct. According to the Health and Safety Authority website:
When is an employer liable for the costs of providing glasses?
When eye tests carried out by the doctor or optometrist reveal that particular lenses are required for VDU work, the basic costs of providing the glasses, or of new lenses where the employee already wears glasses, must be borne by the employer, taking account of any social welfare entitlement that might apply.
My point is that a basic pair of glasses might cost say €150 and going by the above, the Employer has to pay this. If they insist that it is covered by the VHI and they will not pay, I would only get €70 towards a pair of glasses and so would lose out.
Seems to be penny pinching I know but just want to know what I'm entitled to
Advice appreciated
Sweet Pea